Events at the Gerold Opera House

Events at the Gerold Opera House The historic Gerold Opera House in Weyauwega, Wisconsin was built in 1915. wegaarts.org

08/09/2026

Larry Berg, the notorious Weyauwega Bridge Toll Man. In 1904, Larry Berg found himself unemployed. He had few skills other than being argumentative. He was regularly let go from any form of work he was able to muster. He soon took it upon himself to serve as the collector of tolls on the Weyauwega bridge crossing the Waupaca River. He let pedestrians pass but would charge wagons and carriages a penny per axle. He claimed the city had hired him and that the proceeds were for bridge maintenance. There were many instances of lines of carriages forming when someone would refuse to pay. His unrequested services did not last long. Word quickly spread not to pay him as he was just keeping the money for himself. At night he could be found at the Corner Public House spending his pennies on pints of lager. About three weeks after he started his Toll Man services he disappeared. His belongings were found in the shack he was living in behind the old Weyauwega Hotel but there was no sign of Larry. Rumors started to spread about Larry perhaps meeting a wet demise in the Waupaca River, but he was never found. Please remember Larry, wherever he may be, when crossing the bridge in Weyauwega.

Address

PO Box 50
Weyauwega, WI
54983

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Events at the Gerold Opera House posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Events at the Gerold Opera House:

Shortcuts

Share