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Little Red Store
By Wauwatosa Public Library
Thursday, Sep 4 2008, 11:49 AM
The Little Red Store (7720 W. Harwood Ave.) has seen many transformations over the years. Built in 1854 by Dr. Levi C. Halsted, it was originally intended to be a blacksmith shop but instead became the private dwelling for Dr. Halsted. Since then, the Little Red Store has served many purposes. It was the first railroad depot in Wauwatosa and is the oldest post office building in Milwaukee County still standing. It has also served as a general store, grocery store, harness shop, plumbing shop, library and Republican Party headquarters.
The Little Red Store is now undergoing a dramatic restoration. In May of this year, the Wauwatosa Common Council approved a lease agreement with the Wauwatosa Historical Society for the property and agreed to appropriate $150,000 from a block grant for its restoration. With another substantial donation by the Wauwatosa Historical Society, the restoration work began in June. By the end of September, it is expected that the exterior and rough interior work on the Little Red Store will be completed. Work on the interior will continue over the winter with an expected opening in May, 2009. The Little Red Store will see its newest reincarnation as a Wauwatosa visitor and welcome center.
