Amherst Riverdance came to be because of the passion of two people who have worked and played as team for many years - Chuck and Mary Egle.  They are a dynamic duo - Chuck with his enthusiasm, zeal, and readiness to jump into anything, and Mary with her quiet determination to connect with people and make sure everything gets done.

We also have to thank the Cameron House for being in the path of Wisconsin DOT's Highway 10 expansion plan and being petitioned to be on the National Register of Historic Places.  That started this adventure currently known as Amherst Riverdance.

About Chuck

Life is an adventure for Chuck. It's probably because he likes saying yes to new projects and ideas.  As central Wisconsin's premier landscape designer, he's created many things that Egle Landscaping's talented staff and crew have beautifully implemented. Always a conservationist, his passion for old buildings was ignited by his sister's desire to start the Victorian Swan on Water bed & breakfast. With that renovation under his belt, he was ready to conserve natural resources and old buildings.

What you'll notice is that Chuck is a visual artist.  One has to step back to see this because Chuck does things in large scale. Instead of brushes, he uses highly talented work crews and power equipment. Wood, plants and hardscapes work as his canvas. He has worked this into all of the aspects of Amherst Riverdance.

Chuck also loves stories.  Rest assured that this place a created quite a few. You'll be able to read about some of them in this site; you can always hear more "from the horse's mouth".

About Mary

Mary is the great connector in this pair.  This is her art. She makes sure the details are handled, asks the right questions, makes sure that people are taken care of.  She finds the perfect things to fill in and connect the big projects that Chuck takes on. 

Mary is also an artist in her own right.  Her specialty can be found in music.  She has taught thousands of kids and adults to perform and appreciate their own music through the public school system and privately.  She continues this teaching privately today.

Some of the Help

There are many people who have helped make Amherst Riverdance into what it is today. Here's a partial list:

  • Joan Ouellette
  • Annette Johnson
  • Tim Egle
  • Leroy Rekowski
  • Arnie Kaminski
  • Chris Egle

Thank you all!

Construction

What an adventure! Meander through the photos to see the highlights of how locally sourced pine logs, repurposed factory beams, a barn hip roof, and an ironwood tree all became the Amherst Riverdance.

Read more: Construction

The Start of the Story

Amherst RiverDance would not exist today if it wasn't for a house built back in 1856 and in the path of US Highway 10's expansion in the early 2000's. It was nominated to the National Register of Histoirc Places and, its porch had been adorned with an old orange couch for years, possibly decades. None other than the Cameron House kicked off quite an adventure for Chuck and Mary that would eventually provide the place for Amherst Riverdance to call home.

Read more: The Start of the Story