Peter Schumacher, an apprentice with J.P. Cullen, found a long-hidden etching in the tower at Old Main at Soldiers Home while inspecting the building’s historic windows.
Built in 1867 to house returning soldiers after the Civil War, the building has been vacant for decades. The Alexander Company is redeveloping it into a home for veterans at risk for homelessness and has hired J.P. Cullen to lead the general contracting.
Many veterans have already left their mark in the building, the oldest of which drew the eye of Schumacher. “Chas. H. Lass 107 Eng 32 Div, 1917-1919,” reads the engraving. It’s dated May 26, 1924.
Luke Mikula, a site engineer with J.P. Cullen, looked into what Schumacher found, connecting the dots just in time for Memorial Day.
“It’s a reminder of why we’re doing this and who we’re doing it for,” said Mikula.
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This was originally published by Jeramey Jannene in Urban Milwaukee.
