Right up front, we want to say thank you to Debra Jane Seltzer whose website, www.RoadsideArchitecture.com is a virtual treasure trove of stop-the-car-and-grab-the-camera stops along America's highways.
Photo courtesy http://www.RoadsideArchitecture.com/
The Grotto of the Redemption, West Bend Iowa
Billed as "The Largest Grotto in the World", The Grotto of the Redemption was built as a tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary by Father Paul Dobberstein. While a young seminarian, Father Dobberstein became critically ill with pneumonia. He vowed to the Virgin that if she would return his health to him, he would build a shrine in her honor.
Photo courtesy http://www.RoadsideArchitecture.com/
Photo courtesy http://www.RoadsideArchitecture.com/
Father Dobberstein embellished his grotto with the jewels of the earth; azurite, geodes, jasper, petrified wood, quartz crystals and more. Some of these materials he sourced in the US, traveling from town to town enlisting the aid of locals in finding the most perfect specimens. Other materials were imported.
Photo courtesy http://www.RoadsideArchitecture.com/
Here is a video clip from The History Channel's Weird US.
For our Facebook likers, the link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlrMYQ6z-Yk
Father Dobberstein's remarkable accomplishment was the inspiration for more Midwest grotto-building.
Photo courtesy http://www.RoadsideArchitecture.com/
The Dickeyville Grotto, Dickeyville Wisconsin
The Dickeyville Grotto was the creation of Father Mattheus Wernerus, a German immigrant and pastor of the Holy Ghost Parish. Father Wernerus dedicated his labor of love to two themes: Love of God and Love of Country
Photo courtesy http://www.RoadsideArchitecture.com/
Photo courtesy http://www.RoadsideArchitecture.com/
Like Father Dobberstein, Father Wernerus studded his concrete substrates with beautiful natural specimens; stalagmites and stalactites, sea shells, starfish, petrified sea urchins, fossils, corals, agate, crystals, amethyst, Fool's Gold, coal and more.
Photo courtesy http://www.RoadsideArchitecture.com/
Photo courtesy http://www.RoadsideArchitecture.com/
Along with their labor, Holy Ghost parishioners contributed additional materials to the project -- molten glass, wooden rounds, broken ceramics, tile, costume jewelry and memorabilia.
Photo courtesy http://www.RoadsideArchitecture.com/
Photo courtesy http://www.RoadsideArchitecture.com/
Here is a lovely video produced by WPT on the Dickeyville Grotto:
Direct link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJXX8Jqg7oc
Finally, we visit the work of more German immigrants . . .
Photo courtesy http://www.RoadsideArchitecture.com/
The Wegner Grotto, Cataract Wisconsin
"Unlike church-sponsored grottoes, the grotto garden the Wegners made is not overtly religious. There is a small chapel, and a prayer garden, but there are also family monuments, animal sculptures and birdhouses that are simply playful concrete constructions without overt spiritual purpose. The Wegners seemed more concerned about creating a democratic and inspiring roadside attraction than the traditional meditative grotto of spiritual mystery. The space they created is a visual embodiment of their progressive political and religious ideals, from the Peace Monument to the American Legion plaque to the multi-denominational Glass Chapel." http://www.wurlington-bros.com/Museum/Grotto/Wegner1.html
Photo courtesy http://www.RoadsideArchitecture.com/
We find these grottos to be enormously inspiring. The people who made these things had little if no formal art education or building experience. There is a spirit in all of them that speaks to us of what we feel are the basic foundations of the American psyche: vision, will, ingenuity, steadfastness, faith, love and joy in the making.
Who is making grottos now?
Enjoy -- Nancie
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