Haumerson’s Pond on ‘Discover Wisconsin’

By Chris Spangler  

Contributor  

One of Fort Atkinson’s recreational gems is being featured on “Discover Wisconsin.”

Haumerson’s Pond and its warming shelter, skating rink and hiking trails are showcased in the tourism television program’s “Know Your Wisconsin” segment highlighting interesting places to visit in the Badger State.

It premiered in mid-January and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-_B6q2mB_U&feature=emb_title.

“Nostalgia is skating on a frozen pond,” the program’s trailer reads. “What winter activity is nostalgic to you? Discover more to do in the Fort Atkinson area.”

Interviewed in the segment is Fort Atkinson’s Steve Mode, commonly known as the “grand poobah” of the Haumerson’s Pond shelter construction project eight years ago. He notes how the pond, located at the end of South Fourth Street just past Zida Street, was a popular ice-skating rink from the 1920s-80s. And thanks to volunteers’ efforts, it is so again.

“This was a Norman Rockwell place when I was a kid, because everyone was here,” Mode tells “Discover Wisconsin” during the 1:38-minute segment.

“The Haumerson’s Pond shelter has become a central recreation place. We’ve got 3 ½ miles of ski trails; people come down, they enjoy the ice, walk their dogs.”

He cites the Candlelight Ski and Hike as one of the largest draws to the park during winter. It features a mile-long trail through the woods along the Bark River glowing with luminaries.

Due to COVID-19 the 2021 hike is not being held. 

Haumerson’s Pond was the former site of W.F. Haumerson’s brickyard in the 1880s, which produced “cream city” brick. For decades, it was the focus of the community’s winter social scene, with ice skating and hockey from first freeze through spring thaw. 

It was early in 2013 when the Friends of Haumerson’s Pond formed with a mission to construct a timber-frame warminghouse and shelter overlooking the pond in an effort to return the east-side area to its former glory. Mode and local timber framer Craig Roost spearheaded construction of the 25-by-40 foot structure, which kicked off with a community “raising” similar to that for an Amish barn.

The building’s circle-cut beams are held together by mortices and tenons. The main level is covered with original “cream city” brick rescued from historic Jefferson’s homes and encircled by a covered porch, while the second floor and vaulted ceiling are made up of boards cut from ash trees taken down by the City of Fort Atkinson following the Emerald Ash Borer infestation.

A freestanding brick fireplace, public restrooms, an outside deck and huge windows providing a 360-degree view overlooking the pond, Bark River Nature Park and beyond round out the structure.

The shelter is the product of community donations and volunteer labor, with great City of Fort Atkinson support.

“Fort Atkinson is a very special place,” Mode says in the “Discover Wisconsin” segment. “When there is a need, people step up to the cause. And this whole building, this whole park, is a symbol of that.”

Recently, winter access to Haumerson’s Pond was altered. The former entrance at the end of South Fourth Street East now is for walk-ins only. Vehicle traffic must enter from the south end of Zida Street, where a plowed parking lot is provided.

“Discover Wisconsin” is a weekly television program that promotes tourism in the state and profiles cities, events and tourist attractions. It was created in 1987 throughout the Midwest on a combination of network, cable and satellite stations. Additionally, DW-TV is regularly viewed on cable stations nationwide. 

This marks the second time “Discover Wisconsin” has visited Fort Atkinson. In 2020, the city was featured in an episode that may be viewed at https://bit.ly/2Wrrh2W.

For more information about Haumerson’s Pond, visit the website: https://friendsofhaumersonspond.com. 

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