Endres Manufacturing Company

THE GOATS

One of the most frequent questions we get is “what is the deal with the goats?” The simplest explanation is that Larry Endres just liked them and thought they were cute. While this is true there were some points of inspiration for Larry. Larry was always on the lookout for new and creative ideas. He was extremely proud of his German heritage and also of his hometown here in Waunakee, and when he moved Endres to what was then the edge of Waunakee he wanted to demonstrate his pride for these two aspects of his life. He decided the architecture should reflect his heritage, and at the same time be a welcoming and unique image as you entered town. He took inspiration from his trips to Germany, specifically Bavaria in Southern Germany and the Alps (this is why the design is often confused as Swiss or Austrian), from Frankenmuth, Michigan and from Al Johnson’s Restaurant in Door County, Wisconsin. During his travels he would see things he liked and then bring those ideas back to Endres. Endres already had a very strong Bavarian theme before the goats were introduced in 1982. When Larry would travel the German countryside he would see goats roaming the hills and around the chalets built into the sides of the German Alps. On another one of Larry’s many adventures he happened upon Al Johnson’s which is famous for having goats on the roof of the restaurant and Larry thought that was great and loved the idea of having goats on site. He wanted to do something like that back in Waunakee and decided he would add goats to enhance his Bavarian themed grounds at Endres.

Starting in the summer of 1982, Waunakee became host to some very special guests. In a little park on the north side of Endres’ grounds, six goats appeared. They became quite popular in the village but still caused a bit of a ruckus. There was some controversy as some locals complained and the goats were eventually banned since they were livestock on commercial zoned property. As anyone who knew Larry would tell you, he was as stubborn as they come, much like the goats he adored. He decided to throw a tug-at-your-heartstrings farewell party where he won over the sympathy of the community through food and drink. Just to make sure, he had a bell tolling as each goat was loaded onto the truck to take them back to their farm.

It was only a matter of time until Larry found a way to bring the goats back. In 1990, after a few years of haggling, Larry brought the goats back and celebrated with a big party for the community. The goats now reside on the South side of the property in Kappel Park. A new group of goats return every summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and are there for young and old to enjoy. They love all kind of fruits, vegetables and breads and will eat them right out of your hands. They spend their days basking in the sun and exploring their surroundings. The enclosure is filled with bridges, ramps, rocks, their own Bavarian chalet, and the newest addition, a thirty-foot tall Spiral Goat Tower. They love visitors and we hope you consider stopping in to see them the next time you are in the area. The goats are part of the culture and history of the company and hopefully they will remain for generations to come and for all to enjoy.

Endres Manufacturing Company

802 S. Century Avenue

Waunakee, WI 53597

(608) 849-4143

Endres@EndresMfg.com