Rio's Colorful Stone Wall Everything from Stone to Glass By Marcy Spicer Registered Special Feature Writer.

Tues Dec 17 - 1968 This unusual stone wall, which has thousands of bits of glass pieces in it, is located on Francis Smith farm east of Rio on CTH A. East of Rio, of CTH A, you'll find a farm owned by Francis Smith. You'll spot it right away because of the unusual sone wall stretching across the front of it. The wall has been standing about 30 years, and still is an eyecatcher. It was built by the former owner, Fred Zuelsdorf [*], now deceased. A stone mason by trade, he also was a trapper, and when there was a lull in both trades he would work at his wall. The lower part is built of colorful field stone. The top of the wall is scalloped with heart shaped concrete creations, in which are embedded a multitude of pieces of glass, china and marbles, of every color of the rainbow. Zuelsdorf's daughter, Mrs. Maynard Benson, Portage, said "We'd help Father hunt all over for the glass pieces, even in the dumps. We'd gather colored glass from broken bottles, mirrors, anything colorful. People use to save their broken cups, glasses and dishes for him." As I examined parts of the fence, I saw part of a candlestick, orange drainer, statue, Japanese tea cup. There were other evidences of Zuelsdorf's handiwork around. A birdhouse which was trimmed with many mirrors, a large urn-like structure which had broken light bulbs and radio tubes in its cement. A small log cabin [**] is also on the grounds. It is closed up now, but at one time Zuelsdorf used it as a sort of museum. He had the walls hung full of mounted arrowheads. These he found by keeping his eyes open. Gradually, he added antiques and related objects to his cabin. Mrs. Zuelsdorf contributed a button collection. Teachers from nearby schools would bring their classes to see the historical items. Although the cabin no longer holds its treaures, the wall will stand for passers-by to enjoy.   [*] Photo of Fred Zuelsdorf circa early 1900s on his farm near Doylestown (photo on opposite side of postcard). [**] Photo of the cabin on the former Fred Zuelsdorf property in 2004   Contributed to this site by Judy Goll.

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