The Shakespeare Garden Society of Wessington Springs was established at the time of the states centennial in 1989 to purchase, restore, maintain and improve the Garden and Anne Hathaway Cottage. The actual garden was begin in 1927 by Mrs. Emma Shay, an English teacher at Wessington Springs Seminary when she returned from a trip to England. The work on the Garden was done by Professor and Mrs. Shay, other faculty and students.
The Anne Hathaway Cottage was built in 1932 from plans taken from a picture postcard of the original Stratfore-on-Avon. It is said that it is an excellent likeness of the left half of the original cottage. The thatched roof was added in the fall of 1995. The thatching was done by an English-trained craftsman since there wasn’t anyone in SouthDakota that had any idea how to roof with reeds. Although the work took several years to complete, because they ran out of reeds and had to get others from other supplies, the roof and building now are truly European in appearance. The reed roof should last for between 40 and 50 years. It is at such a slop that rain does not get in and therefore the cottage stays dry and warm. The building is the only thatched roof building in South Dakota.
Anne Hathaway was the wife of William Shakespeare. They were married in 1582 and she was widowed in 1616.
The Garden and Cottage are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Step back into the time of the Renaissance with a visit to this unique location.
The Cottage and Garden are the site of teas, tours, Maypole Dance and even weddings. A program or tour of homes is held annually at Christmas as well. A one-act Shakespeare play or program has been performed in Shakespeare Garden each summer, beginning in 1993. That same year a collection of ornaments donated by members, friends, and alumni was begun for the Cottage Christmas tree.
Located at 501 Alene Ave N
(When entering Wessington Springs go north on Dakota Ave to 6th Street, west 3 blocks, south 1 block)
Hours:
Garden open during daylight hours
Cottage open – June, July, August: Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday from 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. or by appointment.
Group tours, English tea or events may be arranged in advance by calling (605) 539-1529.
Email:
info@shakespearegarden.org
Dear friends:
My late grandmother was Hazel (Powell) Bidleman. She passed away 7/6/84. I have very fond memories of visiting the gardens and Anne Hathaway cottage. I recently received a note card of the cottage – do you have a gift shop with souvenirs? Thank you – Denise Whitman