"Houses are a labor of love – they always need something. You have to be a good steward and take care of your home."
~ Mrs. Cheri Di Renzo
~ Mrs. Cheri Di Renzo
The Exterior
The well known man in Wisconsin who did the Zodiac door is named is Cyril Colnick; he was a wrought iron master who did a lot of work for the old beer barons in the twenties. There is a room in the Villa Terrace Museum in Milwaukee dedicated to him.
The Basement
Mr. Robert Di Renzo had the basement remodeled and over a foot of flooring taken out in 1966 after flooding. Fortunately, the basement had previously donned an orange shag rug and was able to be updated to nicer room after the flooding incident.
The First Level
The Second Level
The Third Level: "The Art Studio"
The wood is original for the floor, walls and ceiling; it has been covered in fresh paint to add color and spunk to the studio.
The Artwork
Mrs. Cheri Di Renzo finds joy in art and color; she was an art teacher and continues to enjoy creating artwork herself. Many items in the Albert C. Gilbert House have been produced by her. Mrs. Di Renzo enjoys sketching, painting on canvas and furniture, and doing stained glass projects. Please note that not all of the pieces of art shown have been completed by her.
The Garden and Land
In the summer, the flower beds are vibrant and attract an array of birds and butterflies. Note: during the time of these photographs, not all the flowers had bloomed yet.
The Waterfront
"I love being by they water – I grew up near it. You know what? Often, very early in the morning, we see boats and fishermen outside our window on the water. The ice fishers love it ... it must be a sweet spot because it's like a cove." ~ Mrs. Cheri Di Renzo
" I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world." ~ Mr. Bob Di Renzo
All photos taken by two of the four students who collaborated on the Albert C. Gilbert House project.
Information provided via interview of Mrs. Cheri Di Renzo