Welcome back to This Week in Weird Wisconsin, a weekly mini episode highlighting the people, places, and events that happened during this week in Wisconsin history.

This week, we look back at the massive gathering of Civil War veterans that took over Milwaukee, raise a glass to Wisconsin's first governor, uncover the incredible story of the passenger pigeon's extinction, revisit the devastating Labor Day tornadoes of 2002, and find out how a treaty signed in Paris helped shape the future of Wisconsin.

Along the way, I'll also point you toward a few places you can visit to experience some of these stories for yourself.

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Original Theme by Tyler Quinn
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Across Wisconsin, a weird architectural fad from the 1800s still survives. They're called octagon houses, eight-sided homes once promoted as cheaper, healthier, and more efficient than the traditional houses being built around them.

At one point, nearly 100 octagon houses stood across Wisconsin. Today, only 19 remain.

Why did people start building eight-sided houses? What is it actually like to live inside one? And how have these unusual homes managed to survive for more than 170 years?

In this episode, I visit three very different Wisconsin octagon houses in Neenah, Hudson, and Pewaukee. We explore the bizarre origins of the octagon house craze, the families who built and lived in these homes, and the people working to preserve their stories today.

Along the way, we uncover family tragedies, strange architectural quirks, stories passed down through generations, and more than a few ghost stories, including one Wisconsin octagon house where unexplained activity has been reported for nearly a century.

These houses may share the same unusual shape, but after more than 170 years, each one has a very different story to tell.

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If you plan on visiting any of these houses and museums, please check hours and admission ahead of time. Make sure to mention you heard about them on Weird Wisconsin. The Deacon Smith Octagon house in Pewaukee is a private residence, however Jeff is a very friendly owner and I'm sure if he has the time, he'd love to chat with you.

Hudson Octagon House & Museum
📍Hudson, Wisconsin
Website

Neenah Historical Society & Hiram Smith Octagon House
📍Neenah, Wisconsin
Website

Deacon West Octagon House
📍Pewaukee, Wisconsin
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Episode Artwork by Rachal Duggan
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Original Theme by Tyler Quinn
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If you enjoyed this episode, follow the Weird Wisconsin Podcast on your favorite podcast app, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who loves Wisconsin history, mysteries, and true crime.

Welcome back to This Week in Weird Wisconsin, a weekly mini episode highlighting the people, places, and events that happened during this week in Wisconsin history.

This week, we revisit Wisconsin's only state-sanctioned execution, remember the day Charles Lindbergh and the Spirit of St. Louis came to Madison, uncover the deadly 1888 explosion at a Menasha paper mill, explore Wisconsin's connection to Dungeons & Dragons, and make a stop at the fascinating Paradise Springs in Eagle.

Places & Events Mentioned:

Inspired! The Legacy of Gary Gygax
August 22 | Madison
Free talks, exhibits and more celebrating Gary Gygax, TSR and Wisconsin's role in Dungeons & Dragons. A ticketed Wisconsin-themed D&D adventure follows the free program.
Event Details & Registration

Paradise Springs Nature Trail
Eagle, Wisconsin
Explore the spring house, former resort grounds, trout pond and other remnants of Paradise Springs along a short trail in the Kettle Moraine State Forest.
Paradise Springs | Wisconsin DNR

John McCaffery Burial Site
Green Ridge Cemetery | Kenosha
Visit the Wisconsin Historical Marker marking the burial site of the only person ever executed under Wisconsin state authority.
Green Ridge Cemetery

Camp Randall Stadium
Madison, Wisconsin
Walk the grounds where a massive crowd gathered to welcome Charles Lindbergh during his 1927 visit to Madison.
Camp Randall Stadium

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Follow Weird Wisconsin:
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Original Theme by Tyler Quinn
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