Talk about the power of crystals! Rising out of the small town of West Bend, a part of Iowa where the landscape is seldom disturbed by anything larger than a grain silo, lies the Grotto of the Redemption.
This gorgeous garden of grottos was built to honor Our Lady of Czestochowa, who came to be known as the Black Madonna because of the way she appeared in early paintings. Brother Bronislaus Luszcz literally did all the building here, using rocks, broken glass, and castoff jewelry to add to the splendor.
Ave Maria Grotto – Joseph Zoetl 1878 � 1961 1600 St Bernard Dr SE Cullman, AL 256-734-4110 Website Religious/spiritual environment Built: 1932 – 1958 At the age of 13, Joseph Zoettl, almost died of the flu that swept Europe.� A year later, when candidates for…
It had been a few years since I have been to the Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend, and wow, it was just as exciting. It took me a bit to calm down and literally focus the camera…there are so many amazing sights, and…
I had gone hunting for this before, and somehow missed it. OK – I know exactly how I missed it…it isn’t really on any maps. Luck with with me today, along with the ability to surf the web at a local restaurant. Father Dobberstein, of…
Rockome Gardens – Arthur and Elizabeth Martin Created 1937-1958 Rock environment Arcola, ILAs far as environments go, Rockome Gardens and the rock work ranks right up at the top. Started in 1939, when Arthur and Elizabeth Martin dreamt to have the largest flower garden in…
Hartman Historical Rock Garden—H. G. “Ben” Hartman 1905 Russell Avenue at McCain Springfield, OH Built: 1932-1939 McGinn: Hartman Rock Garden to crumble no more The local folk-art landmark will be completely restored by a Wisconsin foundation By Andrew McGinn Staff Writer Updated 8:40 PM Thursday,…
Another beautiful day, another incredible grotto. This weekend’s tour has become a study in organized cacophony. It seems that the sites that I have seen in the last few days are so densely packed that at first glance the sheer volume seems to overwhelm. But just…
The Molehill, The Towers and Gardens of Antiquities and Louie’s Rock Garden Louis C. Wippich 1896-1973 Built 1949-1973 Private property, artist deceased Sauk Rapids, MN It was storming like crazy when I headed out to find the Molehill. Luckily, the weather broke for about 20 minutes…