Sexton’s house at Manitowoc cemetery dates to 1878. Here’s its history and who has lived in it over the years.
Ever wonder about the two-story brick building at the main entrance to Evergreen Cemetery on the high bluff overlooking the Manitowoc River in Manitowoc?
For more than a century, it was the home and business office of the cemetery sexton, whose duties included the maintenance and security of the grounds, recordkeeping, sale of cemetery lots, hiring of seasonal workers to cut the grass, and supervising the burial of unclaimed and indigent people in the local potter’s field.
Built in 1878 for $700, the sexton’s house is on the original 5 acres purchased by the village of Manitowoc as a burial ground in 1852. Prior to that, the village owned a small burying ground at the corner of North Eighth and Park streets.
The sexton’s house was built of cream bricks made locally by Ferdinand Ostenfeldt and Albert Boetcher. The building features a front-gabled roof, wide overhanging eaves, arched hoodmolds above doors, and long, narrow windows with double-hung sashes and limestone sills — design elements of Italianate residential architecture popular at the time.
The center section, 22 feet by 30 feet, is the oldest part of the home. Two separate additions, constructed after 1893, flank the main block — a two-story south wing, 22 feet by 18 feet, which provided more living quarters for the sexton and his family, and a cemetery office in a one-story north wing, 20 feet by 16 feet, with a porte-cochere (covered porch). The brick additions blend nicely with the original structure, giving it a unified appearance.
The first-floor interior of the sexton’s residence included a living room, dining room, kitchen, pantry, closet and a stairway to the basement.
An enclosed sun porch, 10 feet by 12 feet, was added during the early 20th century.
A small, narrow hallway and staircase with a hardwood newel post provides access to the second floor with three bedrooms, closets, a storage cabinet and bathroom.
The total area of the home is 2,464 square feet.
The office of sexton was filled by only five men between 1862 and 1983. They included John Lykaus (1862-1890), Gustave M. Frase (1890-1900), Emil Schroeder (1900-1912), Edward Pasewalk (1912-1951) and Louis Norteman (1951-1983), the last sexton to live in the house.
After Norteman retired, the building was vacant for five years. Between 1988 and 1999, the Manitowoc County Historical Society leased the building for its administrative office and library. When the historical society outgrew the space and moved across the street to the more spacious former Manitowoc County Teachers' College, the future of the historic house was in doubt.
In early 2000, after receiving several different proposals from various groups and individuals interested in using the building, the city accepted an offer from Dramm Corp., manufacturer of watering equipment and systems for gardens, nurseries and greenhouses. The local firm put a new cedar shingle roof, soffits, gutters and downspouts on the house, painted exterior trim and re-glazed windows. Interior rooms were refurbished for offices and meeting space. The building continues to be occupied by the Dramm Corp. and remains well maintained and in good condition.
In 2001, the sexton’s house at 736 Revere Drive was listed on the national and state registers of historic places. It is of historical significance for its association with the development of city services during the 19th century and as the only municipally-owned cemetery caretaker structure in Wisconsin. A bronze plaque, indicating its listing on the historic registers, is affixed to the outside brick wall of the Manitowoc landmark.
Bob Fay is a historian and former executive director of the Manitowoc County Historical Society.
Dig deeper into Manitowoc County history:
Green Bay Road bridge: This Manitowoc County bridge, built in 1887, remains today as a significant engineering achievement. Here's where to find it.
St. Boniface Catholic Church: Beauty and historic significance of this Manitowoc church built in 1886 remain, despite it not having services for 15 years
Charles Frederick Rieck: Manitowoc County's last surviving Civil War veteran snuck into the Union Army at 15 and served for three years. He died in 1936 at age 89.
Articles by Bob Fay: Click here for more articles by Bob Fay
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc Evergreen Cemetery house dates to 1878, was used by sextons
