Readfield History: From the Yellowstone Trail to Modern Infrastructure
The community of Readfield has evolved through a series of significant transportation and infrastructure shifts, transforming from a stop on an early transcontinental auto trail into a modern residential and educational hub. Its growth has been closely tied to the roads that connect it to the surrounding region and the services that supported its residents.
Key Facts
- Yellowstone Trail: Readfield was part of this original transcontinental auto trail established in 1915.
- Highway Evolution: The primary route shifted from State Trunk Highway 18 (1917) to U.S. Route 10 (1926) and finally to Wisconsin Highway 96 (2003).
- Education: A consolidated school opened in September 1961 to serve approximately 220 students.
- Telecommunications: Service was provided by the Larsen-Readfield Telephone Company until its acquisition by Century Telephone in 1989.
Transportation and Roadway Development
Readfield's early development was heavily influenced by the rise of the automobile. In 1915, the community became part of the Yellowstone Trail, a pioneering transcontinental auto trail. By 1917, the road passing through Readfield was designated as State Trunk Highway 18, which was later renamed U.S. Route 10 in 1926.
Further expansion occurred in the summer of 1928 with the construction of the roadway that would become Waupaca County Highway W, creating a vital link between New London and Readfield.
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The Impact of Highway Realignment
Infrastructure upgrades in 1982 brought significant economic challenges to the community. To improve safety, U.S. Route 10 was straightened, and curb and gutter systems were installed. Additionally, County Road H was rerouted to eliminate a three-way intersection with County Roads W and U.S. 10.
While these changes improved safety, they led to the closure of several local businesses, including Hanneman's Grocery Store and Rec Center and Vic & Myrts' Supper Club. Following these upgrades, only four businesses remained: three taverns and one small variety store.
The final major designation change occurred on December 5, 2003. With the completion of a new divided highway for U.S. Route 10 between Greenville and Fremont, the primary route through Readfield was redesignated as Wisconsin Highway 96.
Community Growth and Services
Beyond transportation, Readfield established essential social and utility services. The Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church first expressed intentions to build in the community in 1902 and maintained its presence there as of 2017.
Education and School Consolidation
In October 1960, the New London Board of Education approved a new school in Readfield. Opening in September 1961, the facility was designed to accommodate roughly 220 students. This move led to the consolidation of smaller schools south of New London. While most were closed immediately, the three-room Dale school remained open until the late 1960s, at which point its K-3 students were also integrated into the Readfield school.
Telecommunications History
For several decades, starting as early as the 1930s, the Larsen-Readfield Telephone Company provided essential communication services to the area. In 1989, the company was purchased by Century Telephone of La Crosse. This entity, now known as CenturyLink, maintained the subsidiary CenturyTel of Larsen-Readfield, LLC as late as 2013.
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Readfield Infrastructure Summary
| Year/Period | Event/Development | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1902 | Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church plans construction | Community |
| 1915 | Inclusion in the Yellowstone Trail | Transportation |
| 1917 | Designated as State Trunk Highway 18 | Transportation |
| 1926 | Redesignated as U.S. Route 10 | Transportation |
| 1928 | Construction of Waupaca County Highway W | Transportation |
| 1961 | Opening of consolidated Readfield school | Education |
| 1982 | U.S. Route 10 straightening and safety upgrades | Infrastructure |
| 1989 | Larsen-Readfield Telephone Co. bought by Century Telephone | Utilities |
| 2003 | Route redesignated as Wisconsin Highway 96 | Transportation |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original name of the highway through Readfield?
Readfield was originally part of the Yellowstone Trail, a transcontinental auto trail established in 1915, before receiving numerical designations.
How did the 1982 highway upgrades affect local businesses?
The straightening of U.S. Route 10 for safety reasons led to the closure of several businesses, including Hanneman's Grocery Store and Rec Center and Vic & Myrts' Supper Club, leaving only four businesses in the community at that time.
When did the consolidated school in Readfield open?
The school opened in September 1961, serving approximately 220 students and consolidating several smaller schools from the south, including the Dale school.
Who provided telephone service to Readfield before CenturyLink?
Telephone service was provided by the Larsen-Readfield Telephone Company from at least the 1930s until it was acquired by Century Telephone of La Crosse in 1989.
What is the current primary route designation through Readfield?
As of December 5, 2003, the primary route through Readfield is designated as Wisconsin Highway 96.