Calhoun was established in 1872 when Thomas and Mary Calhoun, Irish immigrants, purchased land in the area. Calhoun Road long divided the urban east side of New Berlin from its rural west side. Early pioneers including Franz Elger built a store, and Matt Follman operated a general store where he sold penny candy. Calhoun Hall, built in 1881, became a popular place for roller-skating and dancing every Saturday night. Later, a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and electric railway were added. Across the road, the Pabst Farm raised hops, and Dr. David Roberts, a manufacturer of animal medicines, established his experimental livestock farm at Calhoun Farms. The Calhoun Farms subdivision, whose homes were known for their white fences, flourished in the 1940s. Stockyards installed at Calhoun greatly benefited farmers and cattle dealers such as the Elgers by allowing cattle to be shipped to either Milwaukee or Chicago.