Jesuit Retreat Center - Fahrnwald Farm

Taken June 2013

One of my favorite compositions, the exposure, depth of field were just perfect which doesn't happen too often.

While working on this upload, I discovered that there is some history surrounding this unique barn originally part of a community known as Perryville which existed from the 1850's and was a ghost town by the Civil War after the passing of widow Ruth Swift The property was then passed around the local farmers until purchased by Homer and Ezra Fahrney who developed a tonic remedy Alpen Kraüter, who owned the land and planted thousands of trees. By 1910 it became known as Fahrney's Woods and would eventually become what we now call The Jesuit Retreat House.

By 1918 a 30 room brick mansion was build on the grounds north of this barn, now known as the Jesuit Retreat House.     I've been on the grounds of the retreat and cannot recall a brick mansion although a published history last updated in 2015 has it still standing.  Another excuse for a Road Trip I believe!

Pictured here is a prayer room. Unfortunately, the full sized RAW file is resting somewhere in a hard drive and the uploaded file was one that I took from my facebook page and has suffered some degradation as it is a smaller file size. Lightroom has really helped but will probably need some TLC through Photoshop.  This is sad, really, as it's one of my best work.


Where to find:
From Oshkosh travel south along the lake on Highway 45 about 15 minutes, approximately 7 miles.
There will actually be a sign for The Jesuit Retreat House on the corner of Hwy 45 and Fahrnwald Road where the historic Farnwald Barn can be seen.


What to Expect:

Probably a no trespassing sign.  I've driven the grounds when it was closed.  There is a winding asphalt drive that is lined with several religious pieces including the Stations of the Cross. There is also a small ornate bridge and several resting places.


To learn more about this property's history on the Jesuit Retreat House Historical Narrative,
and Legends of America.   Or learn more about the Jesuit Retreat House.

Cedar Valley Retreat Center - West Bend

West Bend (Washington Cty) ** UPDATED POST **

photo credit: cedarcommunity.org/retreat-center-cedar-valley

I was always curious about this place, and found that it was part of a HUGE retirement community that also included Ye Olde School House right on the main campus grounds (The main campus located on Hwy Z). Note: To clarify, this retreat center is not located in the same area. I used to live in Kohlsville, and when traveling to town would have to pass here and always assumed it was a church. Eventually my curiosity bested me and I began to plot my trespassing strategy. If the parking lot is empty, I would roam freely. If there is a car, I will go in and ask to wander the grounds . Once I was told that a $5 donation was appreciated for a such a visit. At times I have discovered other trespassers and we respectfully kept our distances while eyeing each other warily and relaxing as only trespassers can. I suspect that with this post I am breaking some trespassing code of secrecy.

Where to Find: 5349 County Road D, West Bend. From Hwy 41 - take Cty Hwy D exit and head east through Kohlsville (towards West Bend), and watch for the entrance on the right (exact distance is not known, feels like it's about a mile). At the entrance is also a hobby farm - which may or may not be open to the Cedar Valley public. I know it was at one time, that was many moons ago. Note that it is missing from the amenities list on the retreat centers website. For those who use Hwy 45 - take the Hwy D exit and head west, this road will go up a hill and then snake around (slow down, the turn is surprisingly sharp), and it will be on the left in about a mile. To call in advance: 262-629-9202, or email: cvcinfo@cedarcommunity.org

What to expect: Both paved and unpaved trails, with interesting sculptures along the way, bridge, gazebo, pond w/paddle and rowboat. From the main parking lot there is a paved trail that heads up a hill, it will lead you to a cement teepee structure that is a tiny church used for paying respects.