In many ways, the story of Sarah and Charles Allis is the story of Milwaukee. It’s one of migration, industry — and generosity. Both Sarah's and Charles' families left the East Coast to settle in Milwaukee. Charles' father arrived in the very year the city was established in 1846, while Sarah's family arrived shortly thereafter in 1851. As their fortune grew along with the family business, they made provision to serve the community in perpetuity — by bequeathing to Milwaukee a most magnanimous gift.