08/06/2025
As previously mentioned, we’d make a post about the history behind the “new” fencing…
The fencing and gates were sourced out of Steven’s Point from The Sisters of St. Joseph Third Order of St. Francis Convent Complex.
Founded in 1901, The Order was established by 46 members of the School Sisters of St. Francis. The complex served as the founding motherhouse and teacher training academy of the congregation, which ultimately became the largest Polish sisterhood organized in the United States.
The growth of the campus coincided with a great wave of Polish immigration to the United States. In 1964, approximately 40,000 students were enrolled in schools administered and staffed by the Order. Membership peaked in 1967 at 1,331 Sisters.
The property became vacant after the Sisters began relocating their elderly members to another property in Ohio.
The property is now called Berkshire at the Grove. General Capital Group of Fox Point, WI purchased the 121-year-old convent and Motherhouse from the Sisters in 2021.
The first photo is the fencing in its original installment.
Sources:
1. Archivists for Congregations of Women Religious (ACWR) & Catholic Archives Collaborative
2. Stevens Point Metro Wire
3. Wikipedia.com
4. Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS)
Thanks for reading!
