Exploring the Magical Past of the Witch's Cottage
In the heart of Winnipeg's Kildonan Park, a charming, earth-toned structure nestled among the trees stands as a testament to Manitoba's rich cultural heritage. This is the Witch's Hut, a beloved landmark that has been enchanting visitors of all ages for over half a century.
Built in 1970 by the German-Manitoban community as a gift to the children of Manitoba to celebrate the province's centennial, the Witch's Hut was designed by the talented architect, Hans Peter Langes. The round structure, reminiscent of Hans Christian Andersen-style fairy tales, was a departure from the candy-colored cottage expected by the hut's planning committee.
The construction of the Witch's Hut cost approximately $18,000, primarily funded through donations and city support. The building, which officially opened in October 1970, has remained a cherished local attraction ever since.
Inside the Witch's Hut, visitors find terra cotta panels illustrating the Brothers Grimm folk tale of "Hansel and Gretel." A little Hansel mannequin is trapped inside a barred cell beneath a log staircase, adding an extra touch of magic to the experience.
Over the years, the Witch's Hut has hosted countless storybook hours, the Fairy Tales Festival, and photo shoots, attracting over 1,000 visitors weekly during the summer months. It has become a popular spot for families, with stories of grandparents bringing their grandchildren to visit, just as Randy Bachman, a renowned musician, did with his son Tal when Tal was two years old.
Jim Zacharkiw, a dedicated volunteer, has been opening the Witch's Hut every May for the past 19 years. He takes care of the hut, painting the fading coloured glass windows, creating new gingerbread ornaments, and greeting visitors. In 2021, Tal Bachman, son of Randy Bachman, gave a tour of the Witch's Hut in an Instagram video.
The Witch's Hut is more than just a tourist attraction; it's a symbol of the power of imagination and the enduring appeal of fairy tales. As scholar Donald Haase believes, fairy tales are for everyone, and we all make our own versions of them. Jane, the daughter of Hans Peter Langes, came to love the Witch's Hut and the legacy it left behind.
In 2014, the cedar shake roof of the Witch's Hut was replaced by the city. Despite this, the hut retains its original charm, standing out as one of the park’s enchanted, storybook features and a key part of the area’s ongoing celebration of arts and nature.
On a hot July day, Bobby and his grandkids visited the Witch's Hut, setting off to feed the ducks outside after their visit. For them, and for countless others, the Witch's Hut continues to be a magical escape, a place where the stories of Hansel and Gretel come to life.
References:
[1] CBC Manitoba. (2021, October 29). Winnipeg's Witch's Hut turns 50. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-witch-s-hut-turns-50-1.6218713
[2] Winnipeg Free Press. (1970, October 25). Witch's Hut opens to public. Retrieved from https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/witch-s-hut-opens-to-public-465224391.html
[3] City of Winnipeg. (n.d.). Kildonan Park. Retrieved from https://winnipeg.ca/parklocator/parks/kildonan.stm
[4] Tal Bachman. (2021, October 29). Winnipeg's Witch's Hut turns 50. Instagram video.
[5] Winnipeg Free Press. (2021, October 29). Winnipeg's Witch's Hut turns 50. Retrieved from https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/winnipeg-s-witch-s-hut-turns-50-497965401.html
- The Witch's Hut in Kildonan Park, showcasing a mix of news (CBC Manitoba article) and entertainment (Tal Bachman's Instagram video), serves as a cherished landmark for both locals and tourists, attracting over a thousand visitors each week during summer months.
- The Witch's Hut, originally designed by Hans Peter Langes, includes a home-and-garden–inspired touch with terracotta panels displaying the Brothers Grimm tale of "Hansel and Gretel" inside.
- The Witch's Hut is not only a symbol of Manitoba's rich cultural heritage (CBC Manitoba article, Winnipeg Free Press article) but also a testament to the enduring appeal of fairy tales as explained by scholar Donald Haase, providing a magical escape for families, like Bobby and his grandkids on a hot July day.
