Waelderhaus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waelderhaus |
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| Native name German: Wälderhaus (Forest house) |
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| Location | 1100 W. Riverside Dr, Kohler, Wisconsin |
| Built | 1929–1931 |
| Architect | Kaspar Albrecht |
| Architectural style(s) | Bregenzerwald |
| Owner | Kohler Foundation, Inc. |
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The Waelderhaus (pronounced VAYL-der-hows) is a special building in Kohler, Wisconsin. The Kohler Foundation takes care of it. A woman named Marie C Kohler built it to remember her father, John Michael Kohler II. It was made to be a meeting place for the Kohler Women's Club and the local Girl Scouts. People also used it for talks and small shows.
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A Unique Building Design
An Austrian architect named Kaspar Albrecht designed and furnished the Waelderhaus. He made it look like traditional houses from the Bregenzerwald (Bregenz Forest) region in western Austria.
Inside the Waelderhaus
The main floor has a veranda, a living room, and a work room. These areas were made in the old Austrian style. The lower floor has a modern kitchen and a dining room. It also has dressing rooms for people performing in the auditorium upstairs.
The second floor has a traditional Bregenzerwald-style kitchen. It holds many items that the Kohler family brought from Austria. This floor also has a "werk zimmer" (work room) and a "stube" (living room). There's also a traditional bedroom and a meeting room for the Girl Scouts. This room is dedicated to Sir Robert Baden-Powell, who started the Scout Movement.
The third floor has an apartment for the building's keeper. It includes two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Costumes for plays and performances are also stored on this floor.
The inside of the Waelderhaus is full of beautiful details. You can see amazing carvings, metalwork, and stained glass. There is also special Austrian furniture and tapestries.
Outside the Waelderhaus
On the outside of the building, you can find a special kind of sundial. It's called a Nodus Sundial. This sundial is on a vertical wall that doesn't face exactly south. It shows the seasons using Zodiac symbols. However, it only tells the time from sunrise until noon.
History and Use
The Waelderhaus was officially opened on July 26, 1931. For many years, it was a popular place for events.
Past Events
Starting in 1944, the Waelderhaus hosted most of the speakers for the Kohler Distinguished Guest Series. Many music and performing arts shows were also held here. This continued until the Kohler Memorial Theater opened in 1957. That theater is located at Kohler High School.
Current Use
Today, the Waelderhaus is still used for special community performances by the Kohler Foundation. You can visit the house for free guided tours every day, except on holidays.
Images for kids
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A typical house in Schwarzenberg, Austria
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The unique sundial on the Waelderhaus
