 In February 1950, the state conservation commission proposed purchasing the house to use as an office and visitors' center for the Kettle Moraine State Forest.The sale of the house did not occur until July 1950 when it was purchased, along with all furnishings, by the Kohler Foundation for $17,000 with the intention of donating it to the historical society after the restoration work was completed.From 1950 to 1953, the Wade House was restored to its Civil War–era appearance by the Kohler Foundation with the effort spearhead by Ruth Miriam DeYoung-Kohler, wife of Herbert Kohler.