An early backyard concrete-and-glass creation, this one was assembled by German immigrants Paul and Matilda Wegner between 1929 and 1942. After retiring as a farmer and car dealer in 1927, Paul wasn't sure what to do next (he didn't care to hunt and fish like everyone else).
After the Wegners took a trip in 1929 to the Dickeyville Grotto (built 1925-31), the cement-and-glass light bulb snapped on. They promptly set to work on their own "found materials" miniature glass church. The two cobbled together more little sculptures and structures, and after Paul died in 1937, Matilda continued until her demise in 1942.
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 as a park.
An exhibit about the Wegner Grotto is featured at the Monroe County Local History Museum, 200 West Main St., Sparta, Wisconsin.
