(1869-1953) 

During the 1930’s, Fred Schlosstein created an extensive collection of miniature buildings to adorn his yard in Cochrane, Wisconsin. Made of indigenous rock and concrete, each small building has charming, handcrafted doors and windows of wood and glass. Chimneys were painted to look as if they were brick. The artist actually drew upon the small village of Cochrane for his inspiration, and many of the buildings replicate the stores and homes from Cochrane in the early 20th century. He also sculpted a menagerie of reindeer, bears, elephants, and herons for his back yard.

This particular collection of sculptures features 13 pieces, including an entrance arch, windmills, castles, planters, and a boy fisherman. The buildings required extensive conservation. Wisconsin weather took its toll on the concrete and wood surfaces. Following conservation treatment by International Artifacts with assistance from local craftsman Bill Kammueller, the sculptures were installed in the Prairie Moon Museum in Fountain City, Wisconsin. A second collection of Schlosstein's work has been conserved and installed on a grassy area adjacent to the museum, allowing the sculptures to remain in an outdoor environment. Don Howlett led the conservation efforts on the outdoor pieces.

The Schlosstein collection came to Kohler Foundation through the generosity of Gary and Shelby Schlosstein. The collection is now owned and cared for by the Friends of Prairie Moon.