Bucyrus Club celebrates industrial and community history in south Milwaukee

June 26, 2024

SOUTH MILWAUKEE, Wis. – On Thursday, TMJ4 takes over the Bucyrus Club for “Let’s Talk South Milwaukee.”

In advance, we wanted to get an idea of how important this space is for the community.

“We knew that if we could complete this project according to our vision, it would be a catalyst for others to say, ‘Hey, you know, South Milwaukee, if they’re willing to put this in this building, we’ll do it,'” said Ernie Wunsch, owner and operator of the Bucyrus Club.

Wunsch says the dream of transforming the abandoned space began about five years ago when he and three other partners, including the city of South Milwaukee and the Bucyrus Foundation, decided to get involved.

“It was very laborious, so no one person could have done it. But the four of us work together in this community and know that this would help the community, so we decided to make every effort during COVID to make this happen,” Wunsch said.

Since then, Wunsch says his team has worked tirelessly to restore the centuries-old roots and make the history of the former production facility accessible to new generations.

“That made us famous and now we are keeping the game alive through the museum and the club,” Wunsch said.

Nick Anton says he is grateful that the space is now operational.

As principal of nearby Rawson Elementary School, he says Bucyrus definitely holds a special place in his heart.

“I have to say, I see staff members who used to be my students at middle school. There is definitely this sense of community that I think is pretty unique and special,” Anton said.

This effort has now become a family affair.

Ernie’s daughter Elyse just became a co-owner and says she is incredibly proud to be part of this legacy.

“Just talking to people and hearing their stories. That’s what makes it so special and it’s very fulfilling for me and certainly for everyone else who works here,” said Wunsch.

Let’s Talk South Milwaukee will take place on Thursday, June 26th from 4-6 p.m. at the Bucyrus Club.

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