Two Rivers ice cream landmark

TWO RIVERS - With your first few steps into Washington House you can't help but feel transported into a bygone era.

"People say, 'I could feel the oldness of the building as soon as I walked in the door,'" said the administrator of Washington House's, Walter Vogl.

From the copper ceilings to the steady beat of the depot clock, the old hotel turned visitors center and museum has kept it's 1850's flair.  The highlight is  the ice cream parlor, commemorating Two Rivers as the birthplace as the sundae.
    
As the story goes, Ed Berner served the first sundae, down the street from Washington House in 1881.  But the distinction does not come without some competition.  Two Rivers was recently in a History Channel special on the ice cream concoction.

"The main opposition is Ithaca, New York," said Vogl.  "A lot of it is serious, a lot of it is fun too."

Washington House is now receiving more national publicity as one of three Wisconsin finalists for Hampton Hotels' "Save-a-Landmark" competition.  The winner will get thousands of dollars for a renovation.

"There is a wonderful tradition here to preserve," said Vogl.  "Any funds we would get would be gladly received."
    
And may just be the cherry on top.