History of Menchalville
Map of Menchalville, 1921
Farewell Dance at Menchal’s Ballroom (located on southwest corner); Manitowoc Herald Times on June 25, 1943.
In the early 1850s, the written story of the crossroads community of Menchalville begins, located at the intersection of County Road K and County Road NN in Manitowoc County. Early town names in the 1850s include Mich. Rolland, Pat Hart, Mich. Joyce, Miles McMahon, John Hayden, Pat Keehan, Steve O’Neil, R. Grady, R. Collins, and Pat Barrett. It isn’t until the 1890s, when Stephen Menchal settled there, that the community began to develop, and the community still retains his name today.
Stephen Menchal was born in 1861. He married Catherine Hynek in 1882 and together they made their home just south of Kellnersville. Around 1895, they moved to the present Menchalville crossroads and built thier home, a tavern, dance hall, and store on the northwest corner. He also offered rooms for boarders. Soon after, first post office was also housed in Mr. Menchal’s business and he became the community’s first – and only – postmaster. The post office was discontinued around the early 1900s when rural free delivery took over. Menchal also helped organize the Franklin brass band which played for many dances throughout the county, including his own hall.
Notes from Menchalville from the Manitowoc Pilot on April 9, 1908.
one of many Fish Fry advertisements for Biely’s Bar; Manitowoc Herald Times on November 29, 1946
On August 19, 1900, a new, larger dance hall was built by Stephen Menchal on the other side of the road from his business (southwest corner of the intersection). Many balls, picnics, and dances would be held at this new location but smaller events continued to take place at the original hall. In 1908, the new dance hall was the location of a large family gathering for the wedding of Stephan and Catherine’s son Joseph Menchal and Miss Mary Sauer. On June 25, 1908, the Manitowoc Pilot reported: “During the evening the wedding party and guests danced in Stephen Menchal's Hall and not until morning did the crowd disperse. The groom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Menchal and is a popular young man who has a large number of friends. The bride is an accomplished young lady and her courteous ways have won her a prominent place in Menchalville society. The couple will reside at Menchalville where the groom is engaged in the mercantile business. We wish the young couple joy and happiness in their journey through life.”
Stephen Menchal retired in 1910 and his son, Joseph, took over the Menchal family business operations. It is recorded in July 1910, that Stephen sells his property to Joseph from section 5, 8, and farmland in section 3 in Franklin Township.
On January 26, 1917 it was reported in the Manitowoc Daily Herald reported a fire in Menchalville. The report states that Mr. Menchal sounded the fire alarm when he awake at an early hour to see the sawmill of Joseph Schultz on fire. Menchal awoke the owner and nearby residents to help put out the fire.
Joseph Menchal ran the businesses until the 1940s. On Sunday, June 27, 1943, “Menchal’s Ballroom” held its farewell dance.
In July, 1944, the Trustees of the Farmer’s State Bank of Cato sold the original Menchal property in section 5 and the addition in section 8 to William Kvitek. The newspaper record details the transaction. Just a few years before, in July, 1937, Kvitek bought land in section 4 from Anna Tisler, who had operated the site with her husband, Joseph, as a butcher shop. Kvitek would become the community’s storekeeper for almost 30 years.
In March, 1946, it was reported that William Kvitek sold the “old saloon, dance hall, and store of Menchalville … to Charles Biely and his wife (Angeline).” William (Bill) and Edna Kvitek held their “last dance” on Easter Monday, April 22, 1946 but they would continue to operate businesses in Menchalville across the road.
A Grand Opening was held at the new Biely’s Hall on Thursday, May 2, 1946.
In the summer of 1970, the building then known as Biely’s Bar came up for sale but Charles’ son, Lyle and his wife, Donna, took over ownership. The couple owned and operated Biely's Bar in Menchalville for about 13 years.
Dale and Nancy Reindl purchased the property in 1984 and operated the historic space until 2014 as Reindl’s Countryside Inn.
On Friday, January 24, 2025 the original home, tavern, and hall building burned and was a total loss. For more than a century, the space that Stephen Menchal created has gathered community members together to share memories, celebrate milestones, and enjoy each other’s company. The building will forever be a part of the Menchalville community’s story.