The general area now occupied by the new Phantom Junction Band Stage has quite the history.
When the Anglo settlers arrived in the mid 1830’s, the Mukwonago River shores were dotted with the wigwams and a meeting lodge of the Potawatomi native tribe, one of the largest villages of this tribe at the time. They farmed the rich river flood plain. However, in the Treaty of 1832 Potawatomi ceded this land to the Federal Government. So, by the time of the arrival of the first settlers in 1835, the Potawatomi were beginning to leave the area. The first mill dam was built on the river in the early 1840’s forming a lake. The lake had several names that changed depending upon who owned the mill. It was called Howitt Lake well into the 20th century before becoming the lower Phantom Lake.
History
In the 1860’s, the original mill was replaced by a larger “Roller Mills” built by Erastus Kellogg. Later it was run by the Howitt family. It stood until 1948 and was located almost directly on the spot of the Phantom Junction stage.
In 1907, with much fanfare, The Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Company’s (T.M.E.R &L. Co.) interurban line was extended from Big Bend to Mukwonago and East Troy. Passengers from Mukwonago could now make the trip to Milwaukee in about an hour. Travelers coming west could be dropped off for a boat or carriage ride to the grand Phantom Lake Inn or disembark at the Beulah Hotel on that lake. There was a station near the roller mill and a passenger shelter that is well documented in many post cards of the early 1900’s.
Freight such as lumber and grain traveled the tracks between Mukwonago and East Troy until 1939. A spur from the electric trolley to the Wisconsin Central (now Soo Line) in Mukwonago operated and served East Troy until about 1960. Today’s Phantom Junction stage is aptly named as this site has truly been a “junction” for over 100 years! A junction of river and road, two railways to neighboring villages, and has always been a place for people to meet.
The Phantom Junction Stage is not the first bandstand in Mukwonago.
Replacing the bandshell that was on the village square was a topic of discussion over the years.
In 1910, the iconic builder and band leader Albert Grutzmacher designed the original bandstand for the Village square. It was built in 1912 at a cost of $1000 and for several decades after, the Grutzmacher orchestra entertained the locals on weekends and special occasions. Albert and his brother, Arthur, were self-taught musicians and their band was renowned in the area. The bandstand was octagonal in shape, twenty feet in diameter and twenty-two feet high. A flagpole rose thirty-two feet from its pinnacle. Sadly, it was torn down in 1949 and the Village has had to wait seventy-three for its reincarnation.
Listen up.
It all began with an idea. Construction on the stage officially began in 2021. WFAQ, FM radio was there to capture the “sounds of the Mukwonago outdoor performance stage.” Hear construction updates, interviews with community historians, PSAs from our 2023 concert series and more!
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No. There is no charge to attend our events. However, if you wish to support the stage and events, you can donate here.
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Yes. There are two municipal lots with ada parking and ample street parking within a short distance to the park. Parking in private lots is by permission only. Map here.
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Yes, please complete this form and submit to the village here.
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For sponsor information, please our support page.
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Please complete this form and someone from our team will get back to you asap.
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There will be food and drink vendors at each event, however you are welcome to bring in your own refreshments.
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Yes, pets must be leashed or confined when in a village park. (Ord. 58-33 (4)).Owners are responsible for appropriately disposing of any deposits made by their pets. A pet waste station is located in the park.
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Seating is limited to park picnic tables. It is recommended that you bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on.
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Yes. Phantom Junction Stage is a true park with a playset and lots of green space for the kids to run around.