2006 Preservation Awards
Hauge Log Church
Highway Z, Blue Mounds
[photo: Jason Tish]
Perry Hauge Log Church Preservation Association
Craig Bluschke, president; Gary Boley, past president
Ralph Kleppe, Margaret and Russell Berg, caretakers
Town of Perry Historic Preservation Commission
Dane County Conservation Fund Grant Program
Award: preservation stewardship
The Perry Hauge Log Church near Blue Mounds in western Dane County is a rare early example of a country church, dating to 1852. Built of cut logs, the 20 x 20 foot church was used by the Norwegian settlers who built it until 1887 when a new larger church was constructed two miles away. The church sat neglected until 1927 when it was restored by members of the Hauge Church congregation, who also formed a committee to maintain the structure.
In 1966, it was determined that more long-range protection was required, so the Perry Hauge Log Church Preservation Association was formed. The association oversees the maintenance of the church and the adjacent cemetery. The church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
In 2000, the property immediately north of the church was sold and the new owner announced plans to build a house and large metal storage building less than fifty feet away. Strong opposition by area residents blocked building permits for the new structures. In 2001, the Town of Perry became one of the few rural townships in Wisconsin to adopt a local historic preservation ordinance.
The church, cemetery and surrounding farmland were designated as a Historic District, severely restricting future development. In 2002, the Town of Perry voted to acquire the 30 surrounding acres in the preservation district, ensuring protection of the church and the scenic vistas. Over 75 percent of the funds for the land acquisition has been raised with assistance from the church preservation association and grants from the Dane County Conservation Fund and the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
The town lacks only one parcel to complete the historic preservation buffer, assuring that modern forces do not compromise this important historic asset.
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Other 2006 Award Winners
William and Fryetta Burmeister Residence
American Tobacco Company Warehouses
Ellsworth Block
23 N. Pinckney Street
Adolf and Edna Kannenberg Residence
Maurice and Elanor Johnson Residence
