Trinity Luthern Church
Trinity Lutheran Church was organized in 1887 in the home of Richard F. Wendel. Among the charter members were the families of Christian Schmidt, Gottlieb Schimke, and August Zosel, early settlers in what is now Onekama Township. The old Trinity Church was dedicated in 1889; and the School was dedicated in 1900. After
the School's closing in 1921, it was annexed to the old Church in 1933, when a basement was placed under both buildings.
Designed by Jack Bernard of Chicago and Onekama, the new Trinity Lutheran Church project began in 1959. The steeple of the old Church was damaged by fire in 1960; however, the last services were held there on March 18, 1962. The following week, demolition
was initiated. The new church was dedicated on September 9, 1962. Shadows from the unusual cross-and-bell tower play on the new Church, which now boldly greets Onekama residents and visitors approaching this high rise of land. At Christmas, the tall spruce decorated with lights can be seen from a distance. The sanctuary windows allow the spectacular view of the lakes and surrounding countryside to become a part of the interior beauty.
Blue Slipper
An artesian well at one time emptied into a horse trough in front of the Blue Slipper, which has long reigned at the southwest corner of First and Main Streets. This brick building is shown on the 1895 insurance map. Hans Hansen owned the saloon in earlier years; it was purported
to have had a special entrance for the ladies. A restaurant has been established in this remodeled building during recent years and was eventually called the "Blue Slipper Bistro."
Schroeder House
Brookfield, which included the east end of what is now Onekama, was platted in 1880 by John Schroeder, one of the Channel diggers. Schroeder produced brick as well as tile from local clay and was cited as being the largest shipper at this port in 1871. After the grist mill of John Schroeder had been removed from the northeast corner of Dyke and First Streets in Onekama, a lawn with a fountain eventually swept all of the way from the corner to the large frame Schroeder dwelling that was owned by John's son, Adolph. The tower of this house had a mansard roof originally. This residence was later occupied by the John Dolansky family.
Specht House
John Schroeder’s daughter, Louise, was married to Herman Specht, who after being a watchmaker in Chicago made and sold patent liniment. This brick home had a belvedere at one time and has featured for many years the fountain graced with a large statue of a classical woman that was acquired from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The residence more recently has been occupied by members of the Norma Sikkema family.
Brown Lumber Company
A clipped corner of this building allowed vehicles to move under a canopy that existed in front when the Brown Lumber Company sold gasoline as well as lumber at this location, where a cheese factory had been. Brothers Daniel and Howard Deal bought the property in 1946 and operated the Square Deal Farm Store here. Byron and Steve Joseph, nephews of the Deals and also brothers, operated the business before it closed in 1986. Roger and Ann Smith then purchased the structure and began using it as an arts and antiques center under the name of “The Old Farm Store.” It later became MacBeth & Co. A building marked “lumber” is shown at this location on the 1914 insurance map.
Tom Gearhardt, May 2008