| Text on reverse reads: "Paul & Matilda Wegner Grotto. Little Glass Church ca 1930-1934. Located on Highway 71, 1/4 mile west of Hwy. 27, 9 miles north of Sparta, WI. Church was constructed of concrete, broken glass, and crockery by German Immigrants Paul and Matilda Wegner. Purchased from the Wegner family by Kohler Foundation in 1986, restored and donated to Monroe County. For tours and information: Monroe County Local History Room, 200 W, Main St., Sparta, WI 54656. 608 269-8680 • E-mail MCLHR@centurytel.net." A concrete structure with a glass mosaic exterior. It is surrounded by a wall, decorated fence, trees and a garden. 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. |
