We just dropped our latest adventure video on the Oldwayon YouTube channel, and we’re excited to share it with you all! This time, we’re taking you to Wisconsin for a journey through the James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden, a nostalgic dive into family memories, and a stunning sunrise over Lake Michigan. Check out the video here:
What’s in the Video?
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the video! Have you been to the James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden or similar historical sites? Got any favorite old-way skills or places that inspire your homesteading journey? Drop your stories, ideas, or questions below, and let’s keep the conversation going. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Oldwayon on YouTube to join our growing family of explorers bringing ancient ways back to today.
What’s in the Video?
- James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden (est. 1940s): We explored this hidden gem in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where self-taught artist James Tellen (1880–1957) created over 30 concrete sculptures between the 1940s and 1950s. From woodland creatures to historical figures like Abe Lincoln splitting logs, these sculptures reflect mid-20th-century folk art and Tellen’s personal vision, crafted during a time when concrete was a popular medium for affordable, durable public art. The garden, now preserved by the Kohler Foundation (acquired in the 1990s), showcases Tellen’s dedication to blending nature and history. What’s your take on this kind of grassroots artistry? Have you visited similar folk art sites?
- Homesteading Inspiration: We tied the visit to our love for self-sufficiency, reflecting on how Tellen’s hands-on craftsmanship mirrors the skills of early 20th-century homesteaders. Did you know that during the Great Depression (1929–1939), many rural Americans turned to DIY projects like Tellen’s to beautify their homes and communities? We’re planning to bring some of these old-school techniques to our own homestead—any tips or historical methods you’d recommend?
- Lake Michigan Sunrise & Community: We captured a breathtaking sunrise on Sheboygan’s south beach, a reminder of the natural beauty that has drawn people to Lake Michigan since Native American tribes like the Potawatomi and Ojibwe fished its waters centuries ago. We also shared how connecting with a local congregation in Sheboygan (a tradition rooted in the community-focused churches of the 19th century) grounded us during this trip. How do you find community on your adventures?
- Bonus Fun: We ended with a fun stop at The Loft, learning a new card game, Sorcery: Contested Realm (released 2023). It’s a nod to how games have brought people together since the 19th-century rise of parlor games in American homes. Anyone else into modern or historical games?
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the video! Have you been to the James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden or similar historical sites? Got any favorite old-way skills or places that inspire your homesteading journey? Drop your stories, ideas, or questions below, and let’s keep the conversation going. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Oldwayon on YouTube to join our growing family of explorers bringing ancient ways back to today.
Last edited: