Durward's Glen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Durward's Glen
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Durward's art studio
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 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Merrimac, Wisconsin |
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| Area | 40 acres (16 ha) |
| Built | 1862 |
| Architectural style | Italianate, Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000081 |
| Added to NRHP | November 7, 1978 |
Durward's Glen is a special historic place in Wisconsin. It is located in Columbia County, near the village of Merrimac. This beautiful area includes a deep valley between tall cliffs. These cliffs are part of the Baraboo Bluffs, close to the Wisconsin River. You can find many nature trails winding through the glen.
The property covers about 40 acres. It has a church, a peaceful grotto, and several homes. There is also a barn and an outdoor "way of the cross" with religious statues. One statue, the Guardian of the Glen, is near where Durward's daughter was born. A small cemetery on the land holds the graves of the Durward family. The original Durward family house burned down in 1951.
Contents
The Story of Durward's Glen
How the Durward Family Started the Glen
In 1862, Bernard Durward and his family moved to this land. Bernard was a talented painter and poet. He was born in Scotland and moved to the United States in 1842. He finally settled in Wisconsin in 1845. Before living at the glen, he was a painter in Milwaukee. He painted portraits and religious scenes.
Bernard became interested in the Catholic faith while painting a portrait of Archbishop John Henni. He converted in 1851. Later, he became the first teacher of English literature at St. Francis Seminary. He taught there for several years.
Discovering and Building a Home
The Durward family found this special place while visiting friends nearby. They loved the glen so much that they bought the land from the blacksmith who lived there. The Durwards first called their home "Auld Geordies." But later, they simply called it "the glen."
Bernard and his wife had six children, five sons and one daughter. Two of their sons later became priests. While living at the glen, the family enjoyed many artistic activities. Mrs. Durward made beautiful lace, often for priests' special clothes. One of their sons also became a religious painter. To earn extra money, they grew fruits and vegetables. They sold these fresh foods at local markets.
The Durwards built their house on a small hill on the property. In 1866, the family built a small chapel. This meant Mrs. Durward did not have to walk far to church. One of her sons was even ordained as a priest in this chapel. Later, they added an art studio to their buildings. The chapel, called "St. Mary's of the Pines," burned down in 1923. But it was rebuilt in the late 1920s by the Knights of Columbus.
New Owners and Uses for the Glen
The Durward family sold the land to the Order of St. Camillus in 1932. This Catholic order started a seminary there. They trained priests at the glen starting in the 1930s. The order built a large 75-foot stone and log building by hand. In the 1960s, more buildings were added. These new buildings were used for conferences and retreats.
In 2007, the glen was sold to The College of Saint Mary Magdalen. They owned the land for four years. Then, they sold it to a group called Durward's Glen Our Lady of the Rosary Group. This group now uses the property as a retreat center. It is also a popular place for weddings and other group events.
Durward's Glen was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 7, 1978. This means it is recognized as an important historic site.
