Supporting the relocation and restoration of the historic firehouse

At Port Washington State Bank, we’re grateful for the opportunity to support efforts that help preserve and share our community’s story.

Saukville’s historic firehouse is a meaningful part of that story, reflecting more than a century of resilience, growth, and service. First built in 1881 after a devastating mill fire, it evolved alongside the village—expanding into a brick structure in 1912 and continuing to serve the community in different ways over the years, including as Public Works and later as the home of the Saukville Area Historical Society.

In 2025, the Ozaukee County Historical Society (OCHS) were encouraged to see its mission continue through the transfer of its archives, along with the generous decision by the building’s new owner to donate the historic firehouse itself. OCHS is now working to relocate the structure to Ozaukee County Pioneer Village, where it can be restored and shared as an interactive exhibit highlighting local firefighting history.

We’re honored to contribute a $10,000 donation to help support the early stages of this project. While our role is just one small part of a larger community effort, we hope it helps move this important work forward. It’s through partnerships like these that local history can be preserved and made accessible for future generations—offering a chance to learn from artifacts like the 1912 pumper and 1937 fire engine, and to recognize the service and dedication of Saukville’s firefighters.

For more information, click here to learn more about the Firehouse Relocation Project!

 

Photo: Steve Schowalter (Executive Chairman PWSB), Donna D'Angelo, Anne Kertscher, Nola Scherer-Luft, Mary Ann Velnetske, and Michael Hecker.