P.L. Wegner Summer Home | Postcard | Wisconsin Historical Society

Postcard

P.L. Wegner Summer Home

P.L. Wegner Summer Home | Postcard | Wisconsin Historical Society
Text on front reads: "P.L. Wegner Summer Home. S.T.H. 71. Sparta, Wisc." The Paul & Matilda Wegner Grotto aka The Glass Chapel, a concrete structure with a glass mosaic exterior. It is surrounded by a house on the left, a wall, decorated fence and trees.<p>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.
DESCRIPTION
Text on front reads: "P.L. Wegner Summer Home. S.T.H. 71. Sparta, Wisc." The Paul & Matilda Wegner Grotto aka The Glass Chapel, a concrete structure with a glass mosaic exterior. It is surrounded by a house on the left, a wall, decorated fence 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.

RECORD DETAILS
Image ID:149183
Creation Date:after 1929
Creator Name:Unknown
City:Sparta
County:Monroe
State:Wisconsin
Collection Name:Wisconsin postcard collection, circa 1860s?-circa 1990s
Genre:Postcard
Original Format Type:photographic print, b&w
Original Format Number:PH 2744
Original Dimensions:5.5 x 3.5 inches
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Divided back. Real Photo Postcard. Stampbox indicates the photographic paper was manufactured by DOPS, 1925-1942.
SUBJECTS
Rural areas
Stone buildings
Stone walls
Folk art
Mosaics
Trees
Dwellings
Stairs
Decoration and ornament
Fences
Outdoor photography

How to Purchase a Copy

Buy The Image

For commercial or non-profit use, please contact Image Sales.

By clicking "BUY" you agree to our Terms of Use.

10-percent discount for Society Members.

Image-purchasing questions? Please Contact Us.

RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS
This image is issued by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Use of the image requires written permission from the staff of the Collections Division. It may not be sold or redistributed, copied or distributed as a photograph, electronic file, or any other media. The image should not be significantly altered through conventional or electronic means. Images altered beyond standard cropping and resizing require further negotiation with a staff member. The user is responsible for all issues of copyright. Please Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society.
Reference Details
Location:Wisconsin Historical Society Archives, 4th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin

How to View in Person

To view this image, visit the Archives Research Room on the 4th floor at the Society Headquarters building in Madison, WI. Print out this index page and present it to the librarian. Use the links below to plan your visit to the Society's Archives.

Checking Out Materials

Visual materials in the Archives do not circulate and must be viewed in the Society's Archives Research Room.

How to Cite

For the purposes of a bibliography entry or footnote, follow this model:

Wisconsin Historical Society Citation
Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Image ID. Viewed online at (copy and paste image page link).
Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research Citation
Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research, Creator, Title, Image ID. Viewed online at (copy and paste image page link).

Have Questions?

Contact our Archives staff by email.