Victory! South Milwaukee Lets Backyard Skeletons Rest in Peace

Christopher Ingraham · July 8, 2026
Giant Skeletons in South Milwaukee yard
Giant skeletons Hector and Henrietta, decked out in patriotic attire, stand watch over the yard of Sean and Laura Oster in May 2026 (courtesy photo).

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South Milwaukee will not be sending Sean and Laura Oster’s decorative skeletons to an untimely grave after the Institute for Justice (IJ) sent a letter informing them that any such action would be a major First Amendment violation.  

“The Office of the Inspector called and said the skeletons can stay,” Sean said. “Since seven out of ten neighbors say they love them, we’re declaring 7/10 Hector and Henrietta’s Independence Day!”  

“The First Amendment protects the right of every American to express themselves in their own yard, whether through a political sign or a display of costumed skeletons,” said Jimmy Odell, an IJ Attorney and author of the letter. “We’re glad South Milwaukee has backed off and recognized that the government has no business policing a resident’s harmless display.”  

IJ’s Zoning Justice Project aims to protect and promote the freedom not just to own property, but as the Founders intended, to use it peacefully and productively as well.