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The original dam, built of wood and stone, was erected in the
1850’s upstream from the location of the present dam. The
existing dam was built in about 1925. It is 10 feet tall and 270
feet long. It has caused the creation of a 20 acre artificial
lake upstream. A ramp provides access to the lake for boats.
The State’s plan is to drain the lake by cutting a notch 80
feet wide at the top and about 40 feet wide at the bottom. They
want to do that because of a concern for the safety of people
who may want to fish downstream from the dam. The cost of this
project would be $45,000 to $50,000. Repairs have been estimated
to cost $500,000 A dispute regarding ownership has also
complicated the issue.
One picture shows the width of the dam with the Waubeka Mill
in the background. The other picture has part of the mill in the
foreground. The mill stream flowing out from the building made
it necessary to support part of the building on what look like
stilts.
If the Waubeka dam is demolished, the total number demolished
would increase to 3. About a year ago, one of three dams in the
Milwaukee River in Grafton was demolished. Several years ago, a
dam in Hamilton was demolished. Still standing are 4 dams on
Cedar Creek in the City and Town of Cedarburg and 2 in the
Village of Grafton in the Milwaukee River.
Click Image to Enlarge
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Photo and text by Harold C. Dobberpuhl |
