Smaller Villages of Sheboygan County: Key Players in Agriculture and Industry

Sheboygan County is home to several smaller, historic communities that played important roles in the county’s agricultural and industrial development. While often overshadowed by larger towns like Sheboygan and Plymouth, these smaller villages were vital to the county’s economy, serving as local markets and social centers for farming families. From the rise of early railroad towns to key industrial hubs, each of these communities helped shape the history of Sheboygan County.

Waldo and Adell: Railroad Roots and Agricultural Growth

Waldo and Adell, two small villages located along early railroad lines, were key agricultural hubs in the late 19th century. Both communities grew up in the 1870s around railroad crossings and farm crossroads. The arrival of the railroad made it easier for farmers to transport their goods, boosting the local economy and connecting the villages to larger regional markets. These communities were integral to the agricultural life of Sheboygan County, providing local markets for nearby farming families.

Glenbeulah: Lumber and Brickmaking

Glenbeulah, a small settlement located on the Sheboygan & Fond du Lac Railroad, had a unique economic foundation. Known for its lumber industry, Glenbeulah also became known for its brickyard, which contributed to the region’s building materials market. The presence of these industries helped the village grow in the late 19th century, and while the village may be small today, its historical importance in local industry and trade cannot be overlooked.

Random Lake: A Railroad Village with a Unique Name

Located at the southern edge of Sheboygan County, Random Lake straddles the county line between Sheboygan and Ozaukee Counties. This village, named after the random-shaped lake that it borders, grew up around the Sheboygan and Milwaukee Railroad. Like many small railroad villages, Random Lake became an important stop for travelers and a center for local commerce. Its distinctive name and position near the county line made it an essential part of the county’s landscape during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Greenbush: A Stagecoach Stop and Gateway to Wade House

Greenbush, situated in the rural western part of Sheboygan County, stands out in the region’s history for its role as a stagecoach stop. In the mid-1800s, it was an important point of travel for those journeying between Milwaukee and Fond du Lac. The village’s connection to the stagecoach system made it a notable stop, and it is home to the Wade House, an important historical landmark that remains an iconic feature of Sheboygan County today. The Wade House served as a stop for travelers and a social hub for the surrounding farming communities.

Conclusion

Each of these smaller villages—Waldo, Adell, Glenbeulah, Random Lake, and Greenbush—contributed to the development of Sheboygan County by providing critical infrastructure, markets, and social spaces for farming families and small industries. Though these communities may be small in size today, their historical impact on the agricultural and manufacturing sectors of Sheboygan County remains significant. These villages are a testament to the resilience and industrious spirit of the people who helped shape the region’s economy and culture.