Other local families have contributed items to the house from the 1850 – 1900 period. They include Wild Rose tea set, hand painted, along with glassware, a serving bowl and tray and textiles. A beautiful white lawn shirt waist and camisole is on display in the bedroom, and a white lawn christening gown adorns the black walnut cradle. A pre-Civil War era doll with china head, feet and hands. The Eghart House contains an outstanding collection of Victorian furniture and other household goods.
2013 SPECIAL EVENT: The Judge Eghart House hosted a book signing, July 21, for “Where Time Stood Still” booklet, written by Bruce and Carol Bamberg. Bruce Bamberg is a descendant of the Eghart family, and referenced family letters to write the book from the point of view of each of the Eghart family members.
2013 EXHIBITS: JULY 14 – SEPTEMBER 1. The people of the Victorian era were gadget lovers and highly inventive folks. During the last half of the nineteenth century, many of our everyday tools were invented, such as the Domestic sewing machine in 1861.
2013 EXHIBITS: MAY 26 – JULY 7. During the sesquicentennial commemoration of the battle of Gettysburg, the Judge Eghart House celebrated one of Port Washington’s best known Civil War heroes, Edward Blake. Photographs and memorabilia of his life were on display. This modest and fearless young man saved his regiment’s flag during “one of the fiercest fights of the whole war”.
2012 EXHIBITS: JULY 22 – SEPTEMBER 2. Discover the shocking habits of 19th century ladies behind closed doors!
2012 SPECIAL EVENT: Mrs. Eghart was known for her lilacs which she sold in Milwaukee. There were many parties hosted outside in the warmer months. Several lilac bushes still bloom on the property each spring. In 2012 we were honored to be a part of the Port Washington Garden Walk, on July 14. We showcased our potted and cutting gardens.
2012 EXHIBITS: MAY 27 – JULY 15. Celebrating 140 years. The house built in 1872 by Louis Teed. Restored and open for tours 1970.
2011 EXHIBITS: AUGUST. Without Walmart nearby, the Victorians created their own home remedies and a sampling of these were on display. Visitors could taste a blackberry cordial that promotes good health. A local woman’s lovely navy blue wedding dress (not white, and you’ll learn why) was also on display.
2011 EXHIBITS: JULY
Judge Eghart Is Dead
Country Judge Leopold Eghart died at his home in the city on Wednesday afternoon at 4:45 o’clock, after an illness of only four days. He attended to his official duties as usual on Saturday last, but said to friends that he was not feeling very well. On Monday he was so much indisposed that he remained at home, although he transacted business with attorneys and others who called. But that evening his condition became rapidly worse and by Tuesday afternoon he had lost consciousness. He neve
r rallied and passed peacefully to, everlasting rest on the following day.
Judge Eghart was a man of sterling worth and unimpeachable character, and a faithful public servant for more than a quarter of a century. The high esteem in which he was universally held was shown at the recent election, when in spite of his advanced years and inability to make an active canvass, he was reelected over three opponents by a vote nearly as large as their combined vote.
The funeral will be held this (Saturday) afternoon at three o’clock under the auspices of the Masonic lodge, of which the deceased was a member.
Judge Leopold Eghart was born in Austria in 1824; emigrated to the United States in 1849 and engaged in the mercantile business at Newburg, which he carried on for about a year. In the fall, of 1850 he
came to Port Washington and worked in Goldsmith’s store as bookkeeper, with whom he remained until 1859, when he was elected, Clerk of the Court. The office he held one term, when he again entered Goldsmiths employ. In 1867 he went to Cedarburg and in partnership with Fred Horneffer engaged in the mercantile business, which was continued until 1875 when Mr. Eghart retired from the firm. In 1877 he was elected County Judge, which office he held continuously up to the time of his death.
He is survived by one son, Albert, and four daughters, Mrs. E.B. Bostwick, Mrs. Meta Douglas, Emily and Elsa.
Port Washington Star – April 20, 1901
When Judge Eghart died, the undertaker would have come to the house and prepare for the wake. With the help of James and Ruthann Augustine, Milwaukee Area Technical College-Funeral Service Department, Lighthouse Florist in Saukville and Kristen and Pat at the Poole Funeral Home we were able to transform the house to illustrate the Judge’s wake in July of 2011.
2011 EXHIBITS: JUNE. On display were Lulu Mueller’s scrapbook of Port Star clippings, Broom Brigade Drill Team photo, and wedding gown that may have been typical of a middle class teenaged woman.