Chapter One: Welcome and Thank You

We have been stewards of the Walker House since early March 2012, and, if nothing else, we’ve learned to develop a sense of humor.  We started the journey with no heat in the building, no water (23 busted pipes), and a porta-potty by the bed.  The doorframes and windows were crooked (and still are), and piping that should have been in walls appeared in ceilings.  Can you believe that we wanted to open for business a year ago (big laugh)?

We are transplants from Maine to Wisconsin (almost half a century now), and we are immensely proud of it.  At the Walker House, we feature a strong sense of place:

·        Art from Wisconsin artists, especially Hollandale and House artist, Randy Larson;

·        Night tables, writing desks, art rails, and hardwood picture frames constructed in-house from trees felled a few dozen miles from here;

·        Beer and wine from Wisconsin breweries and vineyards, and root beer from the Brewpub across the street;

·        Food homemade with local ingredients like Jerry Marr’s beef and produce from our own organic gardens;

·        Super-premium ice cream from Madison-based Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream.

At the Walker House, we celebrate Everything Wisconsin, including the state’s boundless sense of humor.  Please smile with us when you see the proud Pointers cooking for you and serving you—they are the ones who helped transform the “big laugh” of frustration into the “pleasant smile” of accomplishment.

We are starting slowly, and we hope to grow with input from you.  Please tell us how we can serve you.

 

Kathy and Dan Vaillancourt