2020 will be a big year for the Manitowoc County Historical Society. The organization will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of its Pinecrest Historical Village and the relocation of its first building – the Sorenson House.
It was in 1969 that a 40 acre farmfield was donated by Hugo and Eleanor Vetting to create a historical village. Now comprised of over 30 structures from throughout Manitowoc County, Pinecrest Historical Village is a journey through our community’s past from about 1850 to 1915. As discussions took place throughout the 1960s on how and where to create a historical village, the Sorenson Family home, located near Valders, was not needed on the property purchased by Spancrete. Eleanor Sorenson Vetting, after learning that her childhood home was going to be destroyed, approached the Manitowoc County Historical Society along with her husband Hugo, to see if the organization would be able to help either move the house or keep it from being demolished.
Hugo and Eleanor Vetting donated their 40 acre farmstead for the creation of a historical village in November, 1969 and Eleanor’s childhood home, the Sorenson house, was moved in January, 1970 to officially begin the creation of Manitowoc County’s largest historic preservation effort.
The original Sorenson family property, which included what is now known as the Sorenson House, was purchased from the heirs of Erick Erickson Renne by Jens Peter Sorenson on May 21, 1901 for $2000. It is not known exactly when the home was built or by whom. The Old World styling of the original home would indicate that the house was probably built between 1855 and 1870 and it is likely that Erick Erickson Renne built the home since it was located on his property. However, information handed down from the Sorenson Family suggests that it could also have been built by Michael Neitzel, a neighbor on the property just south of the Erickson Renne property.
Jen Peter’s son Peter worked for the Manitowoc and Western Railroad that was being built at that time between Manitowoc and Menasha, eventually becoming Section Foreman. He married Martha Gilbertson from near Gjerpen on June 25, 1902 and bought the Sorenson family farmstead from his parents, making an agreement to pay his brother and sister for their share of the property and to provide a home and care for his parents for the rest of their lives, including paying their medical bills and funeral expenses.
In addition, Peter was required to pay his parents $25 per year payable in four equal payments on the first day of August, November, February and May, and grant them free access and use of all of the outbuildings on the farm.
Peter and Martha’s first child, Eleanor, was born in the home on May 12, 1903.
The relocation of the Sorenson House in January, 1970 marked the official beginnings of the Manitowoc County Historical Society’s Pinecrest Historical Village. Neighbors and community supporters gave generously, held bake sales, and passed the offering basket again and again to secure treasured century old structures and build, debt-free, what would become Pinecrest Village.
When the first wave of visitors came to our museum in 1977, the future was far from guaranteed. Many sacrificed what little they had and their valuable time and energy to keep the gates open.
The Manitowoc County Historical Society and its Pinecrest Historical Village soon became part of the fabric of our community. It’s where the stories of our ancestors are preserved, where our family roots are shared, and where our triumphs, tragedies, and laughter will forever live. It’s the place we all count on to be there for us and for those of the future.
During the 1977 dedication of the Village, volunteer and committee member Edward Ehlert asked, “Where do we go from here”? He said that depends on you, your generosity, and your spirit. With the milestone 50th anniversary of Pinecrest Historical Village this year, the Manitowoc County Historical Society is seeking generous donations to ensure the continued preservation of the historical village. Continued restoration work is needed on many of the museum’s structures, including the Sorenson House. Repairs to the Sorenson House include siding repair, chimney work, and reconstruction of the iconic front porch. Donated funds can be sent to the Manitowoc County Historical Society at 924 Pinecrest Road, Manitowoc WI 54220.
You’ve helped make our Manitowoc County Historical Society one of the leading museums in innovation and preservation across Wisconsin, and now it’s our turn, as the next generation, to expand this vibrant museum campus for our future.
