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Trapp City, Village of

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Author:
Mary Moltzan

Location:
T. 30 N. - R. 7 E., Township of Texas

Founded:
1850s

Background:

B. Berry started a lumber mill on the Trapp River.  Various other buildings were built to support the workers and travelers passing through.

Post Office Established:
See Texas, Township of

First Postmaster:
See Texas, Township of

About The Post Office:

The mail was dropped at the train depot. A man named Mr. McNiff picked it up and brought it to Callon's Half Way House, which housed the post office.

See Texas, Township of

Railroad:

At the mouth of the Trapp River, where it runs into the Wisconsin River, there was a depot built after the railroad came in 1880.

Schools:

Between the years of 1873 and 1876, a man, believed to be W. Jester, deeded the land for a school. The school was located at the crest of the hill.  It was very likely the first school built in this township.

The first schoolhouse was replaced with a new school in 1886.  It was remodeled in 1933.

See Texas, Township of

Business:

Callon's Half Way House  (hotel)

Mr. Berry built a large boarding house for the crew working at the mill.  Connected with this boarding house was a blacksmith shop.

Industry:

Lumber mill started by B. Berry

Two shingle mills operating during the 1850s and later

Stories:

John Muschel was a cigar maker for Kryshak cigar store in Wausau.  He walked to and from the store each day  from his home on what is now known as Shady Lane Road in Trapp. For some reason, he and his family were separated, and he became a recluse.  He built himself a little shack in the woods along the railroad tracks.  There he picked willow limbs and prepared them for making baskets by soaking them in water. His baskets were well-made and strong. There in the woods he lived by himself making a little money from the sale of baskets until he was brought to the County Home as an elderly man.