Dublin Core
Title
Shingle
Subject
Business
Description
This piece of scalloped wooden shingles was a section of the Bethesda Springhouse roof, built in 1893. The springhouse took on many forms over the years. Originally, it was a simple wooden structure. In the 1880s, tents were used to cover the spring.
The 1892 springhouse cost $3,500 to build. It was an eight-sided building with intricately carved columns on each corner. The columns supported a massive dome and roof. Decorative paintings graced the underside of the dome, and the outside was painted green. There were eight gilded diamond shapes on the roof which were stolen after the first season. Inside the springhouse two levels of marble floors were installed. The first floor was for the spring and the second floor was for visitors. A bronze-plated railing surrounded the spring. Prisms of stained glass in the dome were arranged to shine a rainbow on the spring. At night, it was lit by gas and electric lights.
In addition to new structures and enclosures, many of the springs throughout the city improved their grounds with landscaping and walking paths. The improvement served both the summer resort tourists, and Waukeshonian’s throughout the year. Some springs such as White Rock entered agreements with the city to establish playgrounds on their properties. Today several parks in the city trace their roots to the Springs Era including: Bethesda Park, Springs Park, Frame Park, and Horeb Spring Park.
Donor: John Schoenknecht
Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: Berg Management
The 1892 springhouse cost $3,500 to build. It was an eight-sided building with intricately carved columns on each corner. The columns supported a massive dome and roof. Decorative paintings graced the underside of the dome, and the outside was painted green. There were eight gilded diamond shapes on the roof which were stolen after the first season. Inside the springhouse two levels of marble floors were installed. The first floor was for the spring and the second floor was for visitors. A bronze-plated railing surrounded the spring. Prisms of stained glass in the dome were arranged to shine a rainbow on the spring. At night, it was lit by gas and electric lights.
In addition to new structures and enclosures, many of the springs throughout the city improved their grounds with landscaping and walking paths. The improvement served both the summer resort tourists, and Waukeshonian’s throughout the year. Some springs such as White Rock entered agreements with the city to establish playgrounds on their properties. Today several parks in the city trace their roots to the Springs Era including: Bethesda Park, Springs Park, Frame Park, and Horeb Spring Park.
Donor: John Schoenknecht
Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: Berg Management
Creator
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum
Date
1892
Rights
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum