In 1879, the Frederick John Eberlein family moved from the township of Herman to Shawano, seat of Shawano county. Mrs. Eberlein (nee Catherine Goerner) wanted their children to have a better education than was available in the one-room, rural school of Herman. In Shawano, Mr. Eberlein opened a hotel and saloon.

Here are excerpts from the Shawano County Advocate:

18 May 1882:       The auction sale of the old court house and jail drew out a large crowd and the bidding was spirited. The court house was finally bid in by Fred Eberlein, Sr. for $176 and the jail by the city for $131.

15 Jun 1882:       Fred Eberlein has the old court house moved next to this dwelling and will soon open a hotel. Fred has many acquaintances in this county and no doubt will receive plenty of customers.

28 Aug 1882:       Fred Eberlein — Application for a saloon license. The application was accepted and his bond approved, and Clerk instructed to issue license at the rate of $100 per year, as soon as the proper amount is paid into the city treasury.

25 Jan 1883:       Fred Eberlein will open the season for dancing by giving a grand masquerade ball, at his hall, Jan. 29. A cordial invitation is extended to all.

22 Mar 1883:      A dance at Eberlein’s Lake Shore House Hall, Shawano, Monday evening, March 26 — Music by the Bavarian Brass Band of Tigerton — H. A. Brauer & J. M. Schweers, floor managers.

2 Aug 1883:      Fred Eberlein has purchased one of the handsome Parlor Bagetelle Tables [1], manufactured by M. Redgrove, which are well known throughout the land, for the accommodation of his many customers. Call on him and play a game.

[1] Bagatelle is a table-top game based on billiards. In 1870, Montague Redgrave patented a spring loaded plunger mechanism that launched the ball, making his version the predecessor of pinball. See a photo of an 1871 Redgrave bagatelle table.