The History of CenterHouse
CenterHouse today is a welcoming neighborhood spot near Green Lake where friends gather, families connect, and regulars feel at home. From fish fry nights to cold drinks at the bar, it’s a place built on community and conversation.
But the story of CenterHouse goes back much further.
In 1841, English settlers William Baisley and Maryanne Seaman arrived in America and established a farm at Green Lake. A few years later, in 1846, James E. Welch immigrated from England, married Elizabeth Baisley, and built a log cabin on the property. That cabin quickly became a meeting place for prairie farmers and helped shape what became known as Green Lake Center.
By 1860, the community was growing. Jack Finch built a tavern on Welch’s original log cabin property, creating an early hub for meetings and refreshments. Between 1878 and 1885, August F. King operated a general store and tavern here, continuing the tradition of serving the local community.
Over the decades, CenterHouse remained an important part of life in Green Lake Center.
In the 1940s, Elmer W. Wilde and Elizabeth took over the Center House Store and Tavern. In 1945, Clarence and Elizabeth Ky purchased the property. Just one year later, in 1946, the Center House building burned down due to a chimney fire.
In 1947, Otto C. Warnke rebuilt CenterHouse, restoring it as a gathering place for the community. After Otto’s passing in 1976, the business continued with the help of his sons.
In 1980, Gordon and Betty Warnke purchased the CenterHouse property. They extensively remodeled the building and moved the restrooms to the main level. During the 1980s, CenterHouse became known for its home-prepared fish and chicken. Gordon and Betty’s son, Dan Warnke, perfected the margarita, and the restaurant remained a favorite in the area.
After 53 years in the Warnke family, CenterHouse was sold in 2001 and continued to thrive under new ownership.
In 2023, I purchased CenterHouse after being part of this restaurant for 15 years. It’s an honor to continue a tradition that stretches back nearly two centuries. My goal is simple: to keep CenterHouse a welcoming place where friends gather, families connect, and the community feels at home.
Today, CenterHouse still carries the spirit of its early days — a place to meet, share a meal, and enjoy time together.
A Look Back at Green Lake Center
This video shares the story of Green Lake Center and CenterHouse, from its early days as a prairie gathering place to the generations who kept it going.
Narrated by Daniel Warnke.
CenterHouse Historical Timeline
1841
William Baisley and Maryanne Seaman, born in England, migrate to America and settle at Green Lake, building a small cabin and starting a farm.
1846
James E. Welch arrives from England, marries Elizabeth Baisley, and builds a log cabin at Green Lake that becomes a meeting place for prairie farmers.
1860
Green Lake Center grows rapidly. Jack Finch builds a tavern on Welch’s original log cabin property.
1878-1885
August F. King operates a general store and tavern building at Green Lake Center.
1940s
Elmer W. Wilde and Elizabeth take over the Center House Store and Tavern.
1945
Clarence and Elizabeth Ky purchase the property.
1946
CenterHouse burns down due to a chimney fire.
1947
Otto C. Warnke rebuilds CenterHouse.
1976
Otto C. Warnke passes away, and the business continues with the help of his sons.
1980
Gordon and Betty Warnke purchase the CenterHouse property, remodel it extensively, and move the restrooms to the main level.
1980s
CenterHouse becomes known for its home-prepared fish and chicken. Dan Warnke perfects the margarita.
2001
After 53 years in the Warnke family, CenterHouse is sold and continues under new ownership.
2023
Kim Schertz, a CenterHouse employee for 15 years, purchases the restaurant and begins a new chapter in its history.
Present
CenterHouse remains a welcoming gathering place for the community.