On a recent visit to Wisconsin I went to the town of Kohler, which is more or less Kohler Inc.’s personification of the American Dream. It’s history is the story of a family beginning in 19th and 20th century America, creating a major industry as bathrooms moved from outside to inside, fulfilling a growing need from its beginnings. John Kohler himself was an immigrant from Austria who came over as a boy in 1854. He started out as a manufacturer of cast iron products for farmers and furniture companies. He experimented with enamel powder, coating a hog scalder, and created the first enamel bath tub. The company was successful enough that he moved it outside Sheboygan to escape the city congestion. No sooner had he completed his new factory when he died and the factory burned to the ground. His three oldest sons resurrected the business (two died within five years )and the youngest, Walter brought ultimate success back with his enamel plumbing fixtures and a lighting system for farmers that didn’t require batteries. He respected all the European workers he brought over, building temporary housing in the American Club, supplying nourishing and ample food and giving them a good dose of American patriotism and education on becoming an American citizen.
Kohler’s vision of the American Dream was based on hard work, family, innovation, solving problems and fulfilling needs. They weren’t afraid to diversify and acquire or partner internationally. It remains a private company today and at the forefront of design with Kohler family members guiding its reigns.
I didn’t realize until visiting the Design Center at Kohler that they owned several other companies in the design business. The 1980′s saw their acquisition of the quality furniture company Baker, Knapp and Tubbs as well as Kallista, a high -end plumbing fixture leader. The 1990′s brought them Ann Sacks Tiles and McGuire furniture company. Dapha custom upholsterer was obtained in 1994 and merged with Baker Furniture to allow for greater customization. As Kohler developed its hotel/spa, and golf division, they also incorporated the company Mark David, a leader in furniture and design for the hospitality industry in 2008. By the way, Kohler doesn’t just stay within the plumbing and design industry. They also have for decades sold engines for industrial needs from agriculture and marine to lawn, garden and home purposes.
Their Design Center is a fantastic display of many of their products and features many complete bath rooms designed by the top designers today.
…such as the garden bath by designer Bunny Williams …
…or the sleek yet fun bath done in lucite and white by Jonathan Adler
Their three-story wall of sinks and wall of toilets is a sight to behold!
Innovations in the kitchen make you wish you could just start over with your own.
Bathroom sinks ran the gamut of cut crystal bowl vessel sinks to exotic leopard and hand painted surfaces.
Bath tubs and showers showed you can have a bathing experience any way you want it!
Almost as enjoyable as the Design Center is the little Village of Kohler with 25 restaurants and Kohler owned companies displaying their wares.
One of my favorites being their garden shop – a feast for the eyes, featuring MacKenzie-Childs pottery and furniture.
…and then there was the chocolate shop…
A trip to Kohler is especially enjoyable in October during their wine and food festival when wineries all over the US come to lecture and share their offerings. Stay at the American Club Hotel for the finest in food and accommodations and experience what only Kohler can put forth in their water spa.
