Herman Hediger left Switzerland at the age of 17 arriving
in Neillsville in 1923. A job was waiting for him at the
Zbindlen Cheese Factory making Swiss cheese.
Throughout Herman's life he produced cheese and dairy
products, at times employing as many as 27 workers.
Herman wished to bring a little of Switzerland to
Neillsville. After a study of Swiss building styles and
methods during three trips to Switzerland, Hediger drew
up the plans for a "heimat-style" home. Hediger brought
carpenter John Morganthaler, who remained for his
lifetime in Neillsville, and mason Hans Haefeli from
Switzerland to Neillsville to work with him and his son in
the construction of their home. 60-foot steel beams rest
on a poured cement basement. Cider block walls rise to
the second floor log siding. Later these block walls would Click image to enlarge
receive a coat of stucco applied by Haefeli. 6 x 6 60-foot
timbers, whose ends are exposed under the floor of the balcony, support the second floor. 10 tons of flat clay tiles, which are fastened with copper nails, form the roof covering. These tiles were made in Switzerland and came by ship to America. As the roof began to sag under this tremendous weight additional reinforcing had to be added. The stone for the porch pillar and the arch above the front door were brought from Hatfield. The interior has a circular poured concrete staircase. EL
EL – The structure is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
LR – The structure is on the Local Historic Register
NR – The structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
