A Little History on Orfordville
Orfordville, Wisconsin, a village in Rock County, was initially named "Orford" after a town in New Hampshire, but the name was changed to Orfordville to avoid confusion with Oxford, Wisconsin, upon the establishment of a post office. The village was incorporated on June 29th, 1900.
Orfordville’s dedication to education began in 1846, when the first classes were held in Isaac Wright’s cottage, originally located near the present Main Street railroad crossing (now located on East Beloit). This small cottage, initially built by Stephen Weeks, also served as the first post office. The first teacher, Clarinda Sprague, was just 14 years old and earned 75 cents a week. In 1862, a wooden frame school was constructed at the corner of Center and Church streets, replacing the cottage school. This second school served the growing community under the leadership of teachers like Mr. Race and Miss Silverthorn. By 1890, the community’s continued growth led to the construction of the “white brick school”, a two-room state-graded school on West Beloit Street. It offered education through two years of high school, and teachers like Flora Helmbolt became well-known figures in the community. In 1915, a new three-story red brick school was built on the same site, opening in 1916. This larger facility supported a four-year high school program, and the first graduation ceremony was held in 1921, with a class of seven students. The educational journey continued into the 21st century with the opening of the new Parkview Jr./Sr. High School in 2015, reflecting Orfordville’s ongoing commitment to learning. From humble beginnings in a one-room cottage to a modern campus, education has always been a cornerstone of Orfordville’s story.
The Orfordville Opera House was more than just a stage—it was the beating heart of the community. On June 29, 1900, residents gathered inside what was then known as the Wee Opera House to cast their votes on whether to officially incorporate the Village of Orfordville. With a decisive vote of 65 in favor and 30 against, the village’s future was set. But this wasn’t the only change in Orfordville's story. The Opera House itself saw a transformation—it began as the Wee Opera House, a name that reflected its humble beginnings, but later became the Star Opera House, shining as a central hub of entertainment and community events. From deciding the village's fate to hosting countless performances and gatherings, the Opera House has always been at the heart of Orfordville’s story.
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