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In the summer of 1856, Henry Mahr was a young farmer who had just moved to Oak Creek, Wisconsin, with his wife and two children. He had bought a plot of land near the railroad, hoping to grow apples and sell them to the nearby city of Milwaukee. He had heard that Oak Creek was a fertile area, rich in history and natural beauty.

He was not disappointed. As he planted his apple trees, he marveled at the rolling hills, the towering oak trees, and the clear creek that ran through his property. He felt a connection to the land, as if he was part of its story. Oak Creek had been settled by pioneers in the early 1840s, and had been named after the abundant oak trees that lined the creek. He also learned that Oak Creek had been incorporated as a town in 1955, thanks to a special law that prevented it from being annexed by Milwaukee¹²³.

Henry worked hard to make his orchard successful. He built a barn, a cider mill, and a roadside stand. He hired some workers to help him with the harvest. He made friends with his neighbors, who were also farmers and orchard owners. He became a respected member of the community.

His apples were delicious and popular. He sold them fresh, dried, or as cider and caramel apples. He also grew raspberries and cherries in season. His orchard became a destination for visitors from Milwaukee and beyond, who came to enjoy the fruits of his labor and the scenic views of Oak Creek⁴.

Henry was happy and proud of his orchard. He hoped to pass it on to his children and grandchildren. He felt that he had found his place in the world, in the orchard of Oak Creek.