| Text on reverse reads: "Paul & Matilda Wegner Grotto. Ship Bremen 1930. Located on Highway 71, 1/4 mile west of Hwy. 27, 9 miles north of Sparta, WI. One of the first sculptures made of concrete and broken glass by German Immigrants Paul and Matilda Wegner. Purchased by Kohler Foundation in 1986, restored and donated to Monroe County. Tours or information: Monroe County Local History Room, 200 W, Main St., Sparta, WI 54656. 608 269-8680 • E-mail MCLHR@centurytel.net." A concrete ship with a glass mosaic exterior, chain and anchor. It is surrounded by a lawn and trees. Information from the Wisconsin Historical Society Property Record. Site began in 1929 but continued to grow until 1942. There are approximately 35 pieces in the garden, ranging from structures 10 feet in height to decorative objects two feet tall. Though labeled "grotto," the subject matter is non-denominational, not religious for the most part -- including an American flag, a 12-foot ocean liner, and a Peace Monument. There's a concrete and glass version of the Wegner's 50th anniversary wedding cake. The house is gone, but the property was purchased by the Kohler Foundation in 1986, the sculptures restored, then donated to Monroe County in September of 1987. |
