With lumbermen and river pilots filling the saloons on the Public Square during the latter part of the 19th Century, ladies of the lamplight were sure to follow. Amelia Berg, later known as Stevens Point’s “Madame Extraordinaire,” ran the town’s most famous brothels and has quite the story to follow. She kept her house of ill fame on S First Street, just off the square where Water Street runs today. Her husband, Ole Berg, conveniently ran a saloon next door on the corner of Clark and S First Street.
In the early 1990s late local historian Wendell Nelson wrote about his initial research on Mrs. Amelia Berg in the book, Portage County Shadows, edited by Janet Menzel Jurgella. He mentions in his musings that his work is incomplete and there is more research to be done. In honor of Women’s History Month we have had our heads buried in research putting together an in depth full length post on Mrs. Berg based on Nelson’s original research. Please enjoy Part 1 of our initial abridged timeline describing the life and literal trials of the notorious Amelia Berg. This is a work in progress.
Early years before 1895
1857 Ole C Berg born in Norway according to Census reports
1881 Ole Berg immigrated to the US per 1910 census records, it is not known where he originally settled.
It is unknown when Amelia was born or if or when she immigrated.
1884 Ole and Amelia married in Scandinavia according to an article regarding her divorce in 1905. It is not clear if that was Scandinavia in Wisconsin or Europe, but it is assumed that it is Wisconsin. No other documentation has been found yet.
1884 Sanborn Map shows a Flour and Feed Warehouse at 122 S First street, connected to a grocery and provisions store at 114 S First Street
1885 A gas street lamp was put up at the Corner of Clark and First
1891 Sanborn Map shows same Flour and Feed Warehouse at 122 and Grocery and Provisions at 114
By 1891 the Commercial Hotel is built across the way on the south east corner of Clark and S First Streets
1892-93 first mention in City Directory, Ole Berg, laborer, res Superior nr Central Ave, no mention of Amelia or spouse, Ole would have been about 35 years old.
1895: The First Year
1895 Much of 100 block on Clark Street was sold to the railroad for expansion, but the building at the south west corner, 126 Clark, remained.
Until 1895, 126 Clark Street is listed on maps as a Feed Warehouse which was connected by way of S First Street to a Grocery and Provisions store at 114 S First Street. Have not been able to identify original owner.
1895 Wisconsin State Census, Ole Berg is listed as living in Stevens Point, accounts for 1 other in household. Photo clip above.
1895 City Directory lists a saloon under the name of Ole Berg, corner Clark and S First
May 29, 1895 Bergs mentioned as owning the property on S First Street in article regarding paving the Public Square
June 18 1895, first mention of Ole Berg being granted a saloon license, Stevens Point Daily Journal
Aug 7, 1895 ARSON! At Ole Berg’s residence. A passerby noticed smoke and alerted Mr. Berg. Ole Berg’s house is described as “located on First Street, about midway between Main and Clark streets.” A hole was found in the siding about four feet from the ground, and another smaller one made to give air to the fire. The fire was started inside the walls. The smell of kerosene was “plainly noticeable.” Mrs. Berg was out of town at the time, “visiting relatives in the country.”
Oct 24 1895 Another arson was reported at a the home of James Murphy at 351 Fourth Ave. Three auger holes filled with kerosene and saturated rags lit with matches. Family woken by smell of smoke. Children mentioned running to the fire station.
Oct 30 1895 First Ameila Berg raid, midnight raid at “maison de joie” “Anna Thompson and Ida Davis are given the option of leaving the city in twenty four hours or taking sixty days in jail. “They took the latter” Contradicted by the Gazette who say they left town, which they may have as their names are never mentioned in conjunction with Mrs. Berg again.
Jan 1896 Chief of Police and Mayor declared war on disorderly houses which were apparently becoming a major issue in Stevens Point
Watch for Part 2 of our timeline on Madame Extraordinaire, Amelia Berg!
Historic Stevens Point 