Downtown Beaver Dam the heart of our community
D
owntown Beaver Dam has been the commercial hub of Dodge County ever since a dam was constructed to harness the water power of the Beaver Dam River in 1843. Land behind the dam was flooded and became Beaver Dam Lake. Early enterprises included a blacksmith shop – the first spark of a thriving metal fabrication industry, which still dominates Beaver Dam’s manufacturing sector. Over time the water power of the dam supplied power for a flour (grist) mill, a woolen/cotton mill and a tannery. Stores of all kinds popped up downtown, which thrived until a fire destroyed most of the downtown area in 1863.
pal parking lot, has been restored. The river now flows unimpeded through downtown, adding beauty to the community of shops, restaurants, banks, a museum, offices, services and other enterprises. All are invited to come and discover downtown, which is always changing and always surprising those who visit.
• Jewelry • Scarves • Mittens • Bags • Home Decor • Children’s Books & Toys • And much more!
Change of Heart Outreach Center • 114 Front Street • Downtown Beaver Dam 920.219.4559 • www.trinitychurch-unitedmethodist.org
Focused on the beauty of natural fibers, our store offers fine yarns and accessories in a relaxing contemporary atmosphere.
BIKES
Over time the area has been improved and expanded, so much so that many businesses built over the river, which ran behind the storefronts on Front Street between Madison and Spring streets.
More information is available at www.beaverdamchamber.com or www.bddowntown.com.
Looking for something different? Unique items from around the world.
Join us for Coffee Mon, Wed & Fri 9 - 11:30 am Saturday 9 - noon
• Yarn • Supplies • Classes
The tenacious residents persevered, however, and shops of all kinds rose from the ashes almost before they cooled.
In recent years floods threatened all of downtown, and the river channel, once confined to culverts beneath a munici-
Fair Trade Gifts F Shopping that makes a difference.
Road • Mountain Fat Tire • BMX
Scooters Disc Golf Skateboards Radio Control
Sales • Repairs • Parts • Accessories
920-219-4027
112 Front St. Beaver Dam, WI 920.356.8859 www.fireflyfibers.com
something for everyone! ...within our unique, 3-level building... with tin ceilings & hardwood floors. 142 Front street Downtown Beaver Dam open Daily 10-5 Closed holidays
920.887.1116
Beaver BeaverDam Dam
books coins depression glass stoneware jewelry militia dinnerware vintage tools
Fast EddiE’s BicyclE and HoBBy Emporium
108 S. Center St., Downtown Beaver Dam
Twisted Sisters
Eclectic Twist wist of Home Decor & Gifts
• Vintage intage One of a Kinds • Chalk Paints Open Wed.-Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-4, Sun. 11-3 twistedsisters@yahoo.com
112 So. Spring St. • Beaver Dam • 920.356.8984
Specialty Popcorns 40+ flavors, Kettle Corn Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade, Farmstead Ice Cream, Locally Roasted Coffee, Retro Candies, Locally Grown Popcorn Seeds, Popcorn Tins, Gift Baskets, Popcorn Gifts, Fun Popcorn Bowls and more… 507 Madison St. Beaver Dam 920-885-CORN (2676)
www.chippyspopcorn.com
www.DiscoverDodgeCounty.com
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