East Milwaukee suburb development began in 1892. Many upper-class families began moving north. However, East Milwaukee’s residents were dissatisfied with their town’s infrastructure. So, in 1900, the town voted to add street signs, gas mains, cement sidewalks, and paved streets. But prior to those paved streets, there was The Milwaukee and Whitefish Bay Railway Company's Dummy Line railway for transportation. It traveled right down what is today known as Downer Ave.
A passenger train pulled by steam engine, referred to as the Dummy Line, which brought people from Milwaukee to recreation areas such as the Pabst Beer Garden, the Milwaukee Country Club, the Whitefish Bay Resort and other picnic grounds, starting in 1880. The Dummy Line started on the east side of Milwaukee at North Avenue and Farwell Avenue, traveling through (what is now) Shorewood to turn around at present Henry Clay Boulevard in Whitefish Bay.
Visitors could be dropped off here at the station to visit the Milwaukee Country Club or travel west to Zweitusch’s Mineral Springs (Later named Coney Island Park - then Wonderland - then Ravenna Park) in Shorewood.
Taking the trolly further north would lead to Whitefish Bay Resort.
In 1898 the Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Company (TMER&L) absorbed the railway and extended their electric streetcar services even further north.
Here at the intersection of what is now Menlo Blvd. and Downer Ave. Is where golfers would arrive for a lovely stroll to the club house and to drop off all that heavy golfing gear. The curved brick wall is all we have to remember this station's stop. It will be good to get that heavy golf bag off your shoulder. I'm sure these bags will get smaller and lighter over the years with the advancement of technology...
Let's head to the hole 5 dance floor!