Nifty '50s & Swinging '60s of Cedarburg

In the 1950s and 1960s, Cedarburg delicately worked to balance preservation with growth. Historic buildings like the Wittenberg Woolen Mills and St. Francis Borgia Church were saved, while new businesses revitalized downtown. Further organizations and plans were begun to springboard the city into a tourism destination.

 

The population surged from 2,810 in 1950 to 7,697 in 1970, with expanding subdivisions transforming Cedarburg into a suburban hub. Embracing the slogan “City of Schools, Parks, and Homes,” it became a thriving bedroom community north of Milwaukee.

 

Community life flourished with events like the Music Festival and car and motorcycle races at Firemen’s Park, strengthening local pride. The city grew while preserving its historic charm.

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The Nifty ‘50s and Swinging ‘60s of Cedarburg is an exhibit that also explores the national and global events that shaped Cedarburg in that era. Local artifacts from the collections and collectors are highlighted, as well as broader historic pieces.

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