ASHIPPUN — The original Meissner Store in Ashippun, now home to Pribnow’s Maple Inn, has been added to the State Register of Historic Places.
Located at N887 Highway 67, the Meissner Store is comprised of an original general store building and four additions constructed between 1873 and the 1940s. Gustave Meissner, the first proprietor of the general store, catered to a predominantly German agricultural community, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society. It was also one of the earliest post offices in Ashippun.
The tavern portion in the brick building addition played an important part in the community. The second floor of the tavern served as one of the only hotels along Highway 67 between Oconomowoc and Neosho, critical in the late 19th century when travelers passed through on foot or by ox- and horse-drawn wagons, according to the state Historical Society. Eventually, the property was converted to a dance hall and supper club. For more than 150 years it has served as a commercial and social center for the community.
The State Register is Wisconsin’s official list of state properties determined to be significant to Wisconsin’s heritage.
