Oak Creek Turns 65 This Week

OAK CREEK, WI— Sixty-five years ago, on December 15, 1955, Oak Creek became a city.

According to the Oak Creek Historical Society, Milwaukee tried to fight the move for Oak Creek to gain its independence, but Milwaukee leaders couldn't find anyone to serve.

Town Attorney Anthony X. Basile drafted a law, which has become known as the Oak Creek Law, to allow the town to hold a referendum on the incorporation. Basile introduced the law to the State Senate. The bill was passed, and Oak Creek scheduled its referendum for Oct. 27, 1955, according to the Oak Creek Historical Society.

Milwaukee officials hoped to block the referendum. They set out to serve legal papers to Oak Creek officials, but they couldn't find them.

"Oak Creek's officials went into hiding. Some moved in with relatives and friends so they couldn't be found. One hid in an attic. A local tavern was used as a mail drop," according to the Oak Creek Historical Society.

Thus, the referendum was held as scheduled.

Even with several legal moves by Milwaukee following the referendum, Oak Creek got its charter on December 15, 1955.