Wilhelm's Chalet by Deborah

       Last time I talked about the man who built the 1930’s chalet that can be viewed on a short hike in Stoneham Maine (Hiking with some history and mystery.)  This week I would like to talk a little more about the chalet itself, as well as, the goat barn.  According to The Sun Journal the chalet is owned by the developer Bob Bahre.  The property is part of 1700 acres that have been on the market for some time along with an interest in the timeshare company Evergreen Inn. 

            Since Wilhelm’s death the chalet has been mostly vacant except for some restoration in the 1970’s.  Since the closing of the Evergreen Valley ski area it has been unoccupied.  The chalet was built to replicate the style of a Swiss chalet and has five bedrooms each with a sink as well as two bathrooms.  The second floor has birch railings and above the dining area hangs a wagon wheel chandelier.  The fireplace is made of rose quartz and has the year of the chalets birth, 1932 carved in granite. 

            The chalet boasted all the comforts of home when it was built and probably was nicer than most.  Wilhelm installed indoor plumbing, heat was provided by forced hot air heat from a wood furnace and electricity from hydropower from a local stream. 

            Part of the property also houses a large barn where Wilhelm raised his cattle and goats.  One of the more interesting facts that surrounds this remarkable property is that the Green Berets used the barn for training exercises during the 1970’s.  The bunk beds they installed for soldiers still remain in the barn.

            The view from the front of the property allows visitors to see for miles.  The condition of the chalet is deteriorating and I sincerely hope someone restores it before it is too late. 

  The Lovell Historical Society has many photos that show the interior of the chalet when Roy Wilhelm lived and worked there.  You can see them at: http://lovellhistoricalsociety.org