In 1871, one year before Eau Claire became a city, Herman and Augusta Schlegelmilch built a new house in downtown Eau Claire.  In this time Eau Claire was the "Sawdust City", so they built their house of brick, hoping it would not burn down from any fire.  In 1860, ten years before they built the house, Herman built a hardware shop.  Well, they especially built their house of brick since the hardware shop was burnt just recently after it was built.

About the couple:
Before the two got married, Augusta was working at a little housekeeping and plain sewing in Milwaukee.  Later in the late 1850's she was housekeeeping for her brother at Beaver Dam.

Meanwhile, Herman was learning gun making, at a famous gun making factory over in Germany, at his home town Suhl.  At the age of 17, he left home working in many different places.  He left for the United States in 1853.  He reached the shores and got some trade in Bethleham, New York, PA., and Chicago, and then moving to Beaver Dam.

He and Augusta met in Beaver Dam.  Then later getting married in March 1858.

Interesting pictures of things in the house!!
 

A fold out bathtub.

The dining room.

Sources:
Chippewa Valley Museum