157 Yesterday, Today and Forever, A Pictorial History of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Yesterday, Today and Forever: A Pictorial History of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin by Pamela Vandermark Volbrecht This is a copy of the book that is on the shelves at the Community Library. We are concerned both by the potential loss of the book for any of a variety of reasons and by the fact that it has a substantial amount of data that is not easily searched. By the process of the digital archive, we protect the book and allow for Optical Character Recognition (OCR). Thank you to A. Kenjar for the efforts to photocopy for the project.

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157 Yesterday, Today and Forever, A Pictorial History of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.pdf

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SNIPPETS of SALEM
157- Yesterday, Today
and Forever
A Pictorial History of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

By
Pamela Vandermark Volbrecht

Contents: This is a copy of the book that is on the shelves at the
Community Library. We are concerned both by the potential loss of
the book for any of a variety of reasons and by the fact that it has a
substantial amount of data that is not easily searched. By the process
of the digital archive, we protect the book and allow for Optical
Character Recognition (OCR). Thank you to A. Kenjar for the efforts
to photocopy for the project.

The citiations used to denote information found it the book should
reference the book itself, not this booklet.

0-66 pages
NOTE:
The materials herein were contributed by those of the area who wished that the history they have
experienced be saved for the future generations. These may represent private documents as well
as previously published articles and obituaries and images from their saved collections ..
Researchers should also refer to the Digital archives at the SALEM COMMUNITY LIBRARY for
more images in this collection or digital images of items photocopied in this booklet or related to
the topic ..

Compiled 8/2009 by L S Valentine Copyright©Valentine2009

YESTERDAY, TODAY & FOREVER
A PICTORIAL HISTORY OF
LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN

Pamela Vandemark Vollbracht
Project Director
Copyright© Curtis Media, Inc. - 1994
2nd Printing- 1995
ISBN: o-88107·247·8

c

Printed and published in the United States by Curtis Media, Inc., Hurst, Texas. All rights reserved. No part of this work
covered by the copyright may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means- graphic, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording, taping, or information retrieval systams - without written permission from the
publisher. Tbe materials were compiled and produced using available information; the publisher regrets they cannot
assume liability for errors or omissions.
To obtain copies of this book, or information on how to publish your own county or community history, contact:

Curtis :Mufia, Inc.
1-800-743-4388

SPONSORS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Lakeside Orthopaedics, S.C. -James L. Knavel, M.D.
Ted Horton Chevrolet/Oldsmobile - Lake Geneva
Potter's Signs & Art Supplies
The Steffen Collection
MCLCompany
Woodhill Farms Nursery
Book Buffet Children's Bookstore
The Elizabethian Inn - Paul & Elizabeth Farrell Alford
McCormack+ Etten/Architects -Lake Geneva
Steinke Funeral Home Inc. - Gerald & Arnold Steinke
Richter Sentry Foods -Lake Geneva
B & J Tree & Landscape Service Inc.
Whetlow Pier Service - Lake Geneva
Art Independent Gallery
Le Cookery -Don Todd and Caroline Zador
Railton's Town Crier Furniture
Walter Dale - Lake Geneva
Re/Max Realty LTD
Mercy Lake Geneva Medical Center
Sheldon Landscape Inc. - Fontana
Lawrence House Bed & Breakfast Inn
Wuttke Photographic
Pat's Places II Travel- Tom and Pat Paulson

When I first informed Curtis Media, Inc. that I would be thrilled to accept their offer
to be the Project Director for a historical and pictorial book about Lake Geneva,
Wisconsin, I don't think I was aware of just exactly what lay ahead of me. In fact, I know
I didn't.
While I am not a native of Lake Geneva, and I had made that clear when I answered
the advertisement for the position, I had done literary research in-the·past and felt
competent that I could write about this grand city with the cooperation of its residents
and the materials available at the library and the local museum. And, indeed, this was
true! Without the assistance of Barbara Davis, Director of the Lake Geneva Public
Library, and the knowledge of the other librarians and aides there, I would still be
sitting staring into space. In addition, accolades must be given to Helen Brandt,
Curator of the Geneva Lake Area Museum, who allowed me to peruse their wealth of
pictorial materials while sitting on the floor (pen in hand and glasses on a chain). Guess
that tells a little bit about my age ... few people have their glasses on a neck chain at
21, do they?
One of my biggest concerns (no, really, fears) about doing such a piece of historical
nature, is not what I have included in the book, but, perhaps, what I have not included.
I am certain that I have left out items, photos, places and events which many readers
will feel were important and stories about their families that do not appear in print.
For this, I apologize and for any other errors in dates or locations.
And last, but not least, YESTERDAY, TODAY & FOREVER would not be in print
if it weren't for all the people in town (and out of town) that I wrote, called, and just
about begged to loan me photographs, newspaper clippings and tape oral history about
their growing up in Lake Geneva and giving me some "local color" to spice up the book
a bit ... and that, they did willingly. These people are listed on next page.
May I say in closing, this research was a "community effort". Thank you, Lake
Geneva friends ... and I have made some wonderful ones. I hope that they will feel a
part of the book when they read it. And should you, as the reader, ever decide to take
YESTERDAY, TODAY & FOREVER with you on a trip, I ask you one favor ... please
take a small jar of the lake water with you, because that is truly the spirit that makes
this wonderful place alive!
Pamela Vandemark Vollbracht
Project Director

Svenska Stuga Butik, Swedish Gifts and Books - Glada Grisen
ii

ill

LIST OF PERSONAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Wellington(Gabby) Merritt

Alice Denison Hackett

Jerry and Marlyn Glass
Arnold Ackley
Doris Reinke, Webster House Museum, Elkhorn
Sue Koepsel, Fontana Library
Robert L. Webster, Sr.
The late Max Newman
Charlotte Peterson
Gretchen Allen
Gail Guilfoile
Sheila Dwyer

COVER PHOTO CREDITS

Bill Marshall, whose delightful photograph "copyright © 1998" of Lake Geneva's
Riviera adorns the cover of YESTERDAY, TODAY & FOREVER, was born and raised
in London, England. Bill spent two years in art school, but unfortunately contacted
tuberculosis which for time, curtailed his career in the arts.
Following his recovery from TB, he became a draftsman for the English aircraft
industry. Eventually Mr. Marshall moved to Canada(Montreal) and worked for Air
Canada for over 20 years. He met his present wife, Lianne, in Hawaii and after their
marriage, they moved to Lianne's home state: Wisconsin. Together Lianne and Bill
Marshall have owned and operated LAKE GENEVA PHOTO GRAPHICS for eleven
years. (Location: Geneva Office Mall, Hwy. H., Lake Geneva)

And last, but not least importance, the Creator of the Universe and. my reli~ous mentor, J~s~s
Christ, who both continually fed me spiritual nutrition, guidance, and informatiOn about all of life s
progression, including my own.

This is who first "informed" me of the possibilty of this project: LAPARATA ZIA,
fondly call Zia, who was born in the United Kingdom,_ but is ~w f~ate enough
to call Lake Geneva, Wisconsin her home ... my prec1ous Pekinese prmcess.

iv

Lianne and Bil Marshall, owners and operators of LAKE GENEVA PHCYI'O GRAPHIC

DEDICATION
rnsTERDAY, TODAY & FOREVER is dedicated to my husband, Roger Vollbracht, who
ntinued, through good and bad times, to give me moral and intellectual support while I was
>rking on this project.
During the two year span of compiling information and photographs for this book, there were many
nes when I was ready "to throw in the towel". However, my persistence in following through came
>m the spiritual guidance of my husband who constantly reminded me that "Quitters never win
.d winners never quit." Thank you, Roger.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Potawatomi Indians ................................................................................•..., .., .............. 1
Early Settlers ................................................................................................................ 3
Churches and Cemeteries ............................................................................................. 5
Mayors, Post Office, Police and Fire Departments ................................................... 21
Chamber of Commerce ................................................................................................ 31
Schools ......................................................................................................................... 32
Parks ............................................................................................................................ 44
Businesses and Restaurants: Yesterday & Today ..................................................... 51
Local Landmarks: The Riviera- Horticultural Hall ............................................... 62
Lake Geneva Public Library ....................................................................................... 65
Geneva Lake Area Museum of History ...................................................................... 69
Transportation: Trains to Trolleys ............................................................................. 70
Hotels ........................................................................................................................... 73
Motels and Bed & Breakfasts ..................................................................................... 78
Recreational Activities: Summer and Winter ............................................................ 82
Geneva Lake Boats and Water Safety Patrol ............................................................ 89
Ice Cutting Industry ................................................................................................... 95
YMCA ........................................................................................................................... 97
Clubs and Organizations .......................................................................................... 103
People, Places & Events ............................................................................................ 110
Potpourri .................................................................................................................... 120

AUTHOR'S PREFACE

Pamela Vollbracht grew up in Elyria, Ohio, near Oberlin College, and graduated from Denison
University in Granville, Ohio. An anthropologist by degree, Pamela is a fiber artist and owns her
own business, BASKETS, BEADS & BUTTERFLIES, INC., in a studio where she teaches basket
weaving and papermaking classes. In addition, Pamela exhibits her contemporary creations in
various galleries and shows.
Although she has only lived in Lake Geneva for seven years, her love for this area and her
enthusiasm for the community is apparent throughout the book.

GREETINGS FROM THE MAYOR
Welcome to Lake Geneva, YESTERDAY, TODAY & FOREVER.
The author, Pamela Vollbracht, brings to all readers a sense of who
we are and how we became what we are. We have a glorious past and
should have a wonderful future.
Being a fourth generation resident of the Lake Geneva Area, my
feelings for the city run deep. Even though I know that times change
and the city will change, I strive to keep our small-town, rural
atmosphere. The beauty of our lake and the surrounding countryside
contributes to a feeling of peace and relaxation.
Lake Geneva has a Mayor/Alderman form of government. There
are eight elected aldermen and I served in that capacity for several
years before becoming Mayor in 1992.
After reading about our city, I hope each of you will feel the same
love for Lake Geneva that I have and will share the same hopes for
its future. Let each of us contribute to making Lake Geneva the place
to be!
Congratulations to Pamela on a great book!
Mayor Bea Dale

viii

ix

ENDORSEMENT PAGE

POTAWATOMI INDIANS

:STERDAY, TODAY & FOREVER has been endorsed by the FIRST BANKING CENTER(with Main Office in
ingon, Wisconsin ... a wonderful city east of Lake Geneva) .
.e First Banking Center opened in 1920 and moved to its present site on Milwaukee Avenue in Burlington in 1961.
e are seven offices, including a Mini Bank,all located in neighboring communities, including downtown Lake
wa.
,man Borkovec, who began working for the bank in 1963, is President and CEO of the Bank Holding Company.
,ael R. Ploch is Vice President and Manager of the Lake Geneva Office, with Frank D. Wilson also serving as Vice
ident of this successful financial institution.
vould like to thank Mr. Borkovec, Mr. Ploch, Mr. Wilson, and also Karen Smith, Marketing Director of the FlRST
IKING CENTER, for their endorsement of my character and their faith in my ability to write this book. Without their
icity and public relations efforts, and the bank's invested interest and community support of Lake Geneva,
TERDAY, TODAY & FOREVER would still be a dream.

SimonKahquadoo,,.....lacmofChiefBigFoot,
waa the lut horeditor.Y chief of the Wiac<main
Potawatomi lndiau who made their home
ar<>UJlli Geneva Lake. Kahquadoo waa born in
1851 and died near Wabeno, WJBCOJUiin at the
age of 79. (Fhoto courteoy Webster Houoe
MUIIeU.Dl, Elkhom, Wisconsin)

Mrehael R. Ploch, Viee P.reoiclent and
k D. Wdacm, Vice P.reoiclent • Lake Geneva office.

Manaser of Lake

Geneva Office.

Potawatoml Chieftain, Simon Kabquadoo, i.olaid to rest in Pemnaula State Park, Door County,
Wiac<main. Kabquadoo died in November 1930. (Photo courteoy Milwaukee Joumal)

. Vt\•t]
l•t~~......

· -*a'''

. u-.

PenonoJ Banker, Burlmston offiee.

t Bllllkillg Center, 667 Broad Street, Lake
eva office.

F.irst Banking Center, Milwaukee Avenue, BurliJlston,

Wiecorurin.

Collection of urowbeade found near the north
ebore of Geneva Lake after the Potawatoml
lndi.on bibs left in 1836. (Photo courteoy
Webater Houee Museum, Elkhorn, Wiacrmain
from collection of Lambert Lindqui.ot, Willi·
ame Boy, Wisconain)

At the beginning of the 19th century,
the name Lake Geneva waa non-existent.
The only people who knew the secrets of
the "clear water" and the surrounding
wooded bluffs were the Potawatomi
Indians, of Algonquin stock, who had
come here from central New York.
The name Potswatomi means 'Those
Who Keep Council Fire" or "Blowers of
the Fire". They were a peaceful tribe and
preferred to settle their differences
around a council fire rather than through

The Potawatomllodians on a return visit to Lake Geneva and theiiUl'!OUJ1ding area in 1931. (Photo
courteoy Webster Houoe Museum, Elkboro, Wiscoo.ein)

warfare. It is believsd that the Pots·
watomi left New York to avoid fighting
with the large number of Iroquois
Indians residing there.
The Potawatomi Chief was Maunksuck or Chief "Big Foot", namsd when
his followers saw the size of his footprints
while dragging a deer across the snow on
the lake. This tribe of Indians residing in

the Geneva Lake area had three large
settlements or villages at establishsd
access points around the lake. The lake
was known to them as Kish-wauketoe
(clearwater). Other followers titled it ffig
Foot Lake, in honor of their chief whose
village was located at the western end.
Total population in these villages was
about 600 in 1831.

EARLY SETTLERS

POTAWATOMI INDIANS

Indian celebration held around Geneva
's shores. Hundreds of Potawatomi
ns came here to pay tribute to the area
was once home to their ancestors who
"deported" in 1831. (Photo courtesy
.ter House Museum, Elkhorn, Wisconsin)

A reenactment in 1931 in Lake Geneva of the Potawatomi Indians as they left the area for Kansas.
(Photo courtesy Webster House Museum, Elkhorn, Wisconsin)

CHIEF BIG FOOT SOUVENIR SPOON.
~$liH-

We e11grll'e name~ and initials
Fr",on goodsboughtofus

~$~:)H. ROGERS & SUi\,

Jew~lcrs,

LakeOeneva,Wis

>ainting of Simon Kahquados done by Jo
Bittner, Lake Geneva.

Regardless of the Jake's "official" name
at the time, it was home to the Potau
watomi Indians and they remained here
living off the fish, birds and animals and
enjoying the native vegetation of trees,
grasses and arid soil for gardening survival.
Through a government treaty in the
Fall of 1933, referred to as the Great
Chicago Council, the Potawatomi ex~
changed land here in southeastern
Wisconsin for land west of the Mississippi River, plus a cash settlement of one
year's supply of food. They were "taken"
by government trains to a reservation
near the present city of Lawrence, Kan~
sas in 1836.
There are no known photos available of
Chief Maunk-suck (Big Foot), but it is
reported that there was a great physical
resemblance between the chief and his
grandson, Simon Kahquados. In Lake
Geneva's City Hall, there is an oil
painting of Kahquados done by Jo Ann
Bittner, local Lake Geneva artist.

This Page Sponsored by Glada Grisen
Svenka Stuga Butik
Swedish Gifts and Books

John H. Kinzie, a United States Sub-Indian
agent at Fort Winnebago (now Portage,
Wise.). In the spring of 1831, Kinzie and his
wife were on their way from New York to make
their home at Fort Winnebago and during the
course of that journey• they "found.. Lake
Geneva. (Photo from WAU~BUN, Mrs. John
Kinzie, Chicago, Illinois)

Juliette A. Kinzie, wife of John H. Kinzie. Mn.
Kinzie recorded the earliest description of
Lake Geneva and the lake and spoke of "a
place, far removed from the bustle and strife of
civilized life and praised the great Author of
the Universe". (Photo taken from Centennial
Edition WAU-BUN, Mrs. John Kinzie, Chi"
cago, Illinois}

Site of the first white settler's home in Lake Geneva: Kiehwauketoe Queeters unveil the plaque
they donated marking this hiatorical event. A log cabin was built here in 1836 by Christopher
Payne, The marker is located on the south lawn of Railton's Town Crier Futniture on Center
Street.Pictured L toR: Clara Jacobs, Elizabeth (Bink) Nelson, Gloria Melges, Ellie Fleming and
Pat Wales. (Photo courtesy Lake Geneva Regional Newa 1989).

John Brink, a native of Geneva, New York, was
the second recorded white man to visit the
lakes area. He was a surveyor and returned
here with a government surveying contract in

1835.

Miss Fay Brink, (Crystal Lake, Illinois),
daughter of surveyor John Brink of New York,
shown here holding the original surveyor's
instrument her father used in 1835·1836.
(Photo courtesy Webster House Museum, Elk·
horn, Wisconsin)

3

EARLY SETI'LERS

CHURCHES

CHURCH OF THE HOLY
COMMUNION (EPISCOPAL)
320 Broad Street)

John and Juliette Kinzie may not have
been the "absolute" first white settlers to
the lakes area, but they are the earliest
"recorded" ones to visit.
In 1831, Mr. Kinzie, because he worked
for the U.S. govenunent as a Sub· Indian
agent, was instructed to come through
this part of Wisconsin en route to Fort
Winnebago. When they arrived, they
found a band of about 500 Potawatomi
Indians still residing around the lake. In
their exploration of the lake, the Kinzies
are said to have followed thewell·laid out
Indian trails.
The entire area must have been a
breathtaking experience for Mr. and
Mrs. Kinzie, especially Mrs. Kinzie who
wrote the following:
"The air was balmy, the foliage of the
forests fresh,
and fragrant; everything in nature
spoke the
praises of the Creator. Scenes like this,
far removed from the bustle and strife,
and the
sin of the civilized life, is when we most
fully realize the presence of the great
Author
of the Universe."
(Courtesy: National Society of Colonial
Dames in Wisconsin, 1948)
Surveyor John Brink came from New
York for his frrst visit here in 1833. Re·
ports say that at that time he was quoted
as saying "I want to look at this lake
forever." (Lake Geneva Regional News)
In 1835 Mr. Brink came here on official
business. His roots were near Geneva,
New York with the surrounding Seneca
Lake engulfmg that town. He did not feel
"Big Foot Lake" was appropriate enough

4

to desCl'lbe beauty of what he saw here.
Therefore, he took it upon himself to
rename this long and narrow body of
pure water - GenP'Y"_ ~e. While the
"climate" of the area was thought to be a
peaceful one with camaraderie aboun·
ding, it 8.ppears this was not so. The best
article found about the situation between
Christopher Payne and John Brink appeared in the following article in the Lake
Geneva Regional News, in August 1974.

Geneva Lake's Placid Outlet
Once was a Battleground
"After the Potawatomi Indians sold
their land to the government in the
1830's, the land was thrown open for
settlement, paving the way for claimants
to wage a minor war over the most
valuable site on the lake, The fight
brought in men of money, whose in~
vestment laid a firm foundation for the
city. Records indicate two versions of the
struggle to gain control of the lake outlet,
both parties claiming squatters' rights,
which were not recognized by law. In
September 1835, John Brink, according
to his own report, surveyed the Geneva
Lake area for the government and re·
cognizing the outlet as fine potential
water power. staked off a claim (section
36) which included the lake and the site
of the original village of Geneva. Ac·
cording to Brink, a party of his men, R.T.
Ostrander and Jesse Eggleston, returned
to the outlet in February of 1836 and
'erected five log houses and com.mmenced
digging a mill race. Christopher Payne,
an Indian fighter and frontiersman, who
often moved on from one settlement to
another searching for a place where he
could support his large family, learned of

''Big Foot Lake"from one of his half.breed
Indian friends in Chicago. Payne, according to his own report, visited the lake
in February 1836 with his son·in-law
G.W. Trimble and Daniel Mosher and
found no mark to indicate that any claim
had been staked out near the outlet.
Payne also realized the value of the water
power and said that he marked all the
trees along the lake shore to where the
Manor subdivision begins today, east
around the east shore. His claim am~
ounted to a quarter section. Payne says
that he spent two days here and returned
in March of 1836 and built the ill'St log
cabin at the outlet. Payne insisted that
he and his companion found nothing to
indicate that any prior clailn had been
made and Brink denied this.
In the spring of 1836, both psrties re·
turned to the outlet. Ostronder (Brink's
companion) brought in men from Mil~
waukee to back his clailn; Payne brought
in men from Chicago for the same pur·
pose. There were several battles. John
Brink's forces were winning. They
burned the framework of Payne's dam
and tore down Payne's cabin. They yoked
his oxen to his wagon and put Payne on
board and drove him to Illinois warning
him never to return to the lake region.
Christopher Payne did return, however,
bringing three more men with him and
camped out in what is now Flat Iron
Park, preparing for another battle.
Whether Brink's group was defeated in
battle or merely tired of the struggle is
unknown." Payne sold his shares of the
clailn ... and the story goes on ... nothing
is really known "as positive". (Courtesy

Lake Geneva Regional News)

Church of the Holy Communion (Episcopal) 320 Broad Street as it appeared in 1909. (Photo
courtesy Robert Webster, Lake Geneva)

TheRt. ReverendJacksonKemperwas
the first Missionary Bishop of the
Northwest Territory. Kemper used to
come to Lake Geneva. on horseback, as
early as 1844 to administer communion
to the Episcopalians in the area.
However, Reverend John McNamara
is rightly known as the organizer and
founder of the Church of the Holy Com·
munion in 1850. McNamara originally
came from New York to serve the Church
of the Holy Communion in Bloomfield
Township, but plans changed his mis~
sion.
It has been written that Andrew Ferguson and Ansel Merritt assisted Rev·
erend McNamara a great deal is getting
this church in order,
The first Episcopal services were held
in the unused Presbyterian Church
building located in the 700 block of
Wisconsin Street. They continued to be
conducted here until the Episcopal parish could afford their own chapel. This
dream came to fruition in 1880 when the
cornerstone for the new church was laid
on the NW corner of Geneva and Broad
Streets.
This edifice, constructed from glacier·borne granite boulders which had
been gathered from the hillsides of Lake
Superior, was consecrated in 1883. The
building was designed by Treat & Foltz,
Chicago architects; the contractor was
Lake Geneva resident, Austin Moody.
Cost: $3,000.
Although the interior of the Church of
the Holy Communion has been remodeled several times, the exterior remains
unchanged.
Reverend Robert Slocum serves as the
current Episcopal priest.

Chu:rch of the Holy Cotnmunion, the church with the bright red door. Photographed 1993.

5

;J
CHURCHES
ClllJRCHES

~TCONGREGATIONAL

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

The First Congregational United
Church of Christ is located at 715 Wisconsin Street. Although organized in

The glorioua Beii To,..,. of the Church of the Holy Communion located at 320 Broad Stn.et. The
bell waa J>Ul'Chued in 1879, wae recast in 1909, uaod until the mid· 1950's when the tower wae

climwuJed. It has since been rebuilt and :rinp out in full glory!

UNITED METHODIST CHURcH
The United Methodist Ch=b is the
oldest ch=b in Lake Geneva. It began in
1837 with a "class" of oeven people who

United Methodist Church, photographed
1993. Storiea have it that around 1960,
tbowoande of honey heee inveded this church
and since that time, many refer to thia
Methodist Church aa "'the eweetest little
church on earth".

Coneregat!OilBl Church (now called The First Congregational United Church of Christ) aa it
appeared in 1909. (Photo courteay Robert Webater, Sr., Lake Geneva)

fl:rst met In the old schoolhouse on Sage
Street (near Eastview School). The fl:rst

pastor was Reverend Halstead, followed
by Reverend Pillsbury in 1838.

In 1877-1878, the present Methodist
Ch=h was built at a cost of $10,000. An
interesting story has been told that when
electric lighting was Introduced In Lake
Geneva in 1896, the Methodiata were
among tha fl:rst to subscribe to the electric program. Because the Methodist
Church and the Church of the Holy
Communion (Episcopal) both required
voltage at the same time for their Sunday
evening services, it became necessary to
disconnect the transformers from the
business section of town and relocate
them to the church circuits: cost was 1•
per hour, per lamp!
Extensive remodeling was done to the
United Methodist Church in 1944 and
also In the 1960's. The old parsonage was
demolished and in 1965, a new parish
hall was consecrated. Current minister
is Reverend Francis R. Deaner.

a..r..

The stained gi... windows in the Church of the
Holy Communion Were ~ by Henry
Lord Gay, but crafted in Munich, Germau,y.

6

in 1888, Mno.
Sturges J>Ul'Chued this
tracker-action pipe orBan for the church in
memory of her 11011. The orpn, manufactured
by Hook & Haetin.., Company of Booton, is a
real music llla8te!pieee and haa been written
about in newepapers and mBBaainao lll'OUild
the world. The organ waa renovated in 1960
and remains a jewel today!

The United Methodist Church (912 Geneva
Street). (Photo courtesy Robert L Webeter,
Sr., Lake Geneva) Cunent minister: Franeie
R.Deaner.

First Congregational United Church of Christ, photographed 1998. Located at 715 Wieconain
Street. Reverend S. Daniel Outer, current paator.

7

CIRJRCHES

CHURCHES

Aninterutina altar display,lll'tisti<allycreated by Gail Guilfoile, a member of St. Francis de Salaa.
Mr. aod Mre. Oriaca Gillette, Choinnaster aod Oqaniat of the Finot Ccm,regatlonal Church,
entertain the choir members at a party in thair home during the late 19th oentuJy. (Photo oourtesy
Lake Geneva Public Librmy)

St. Fr&Dcis de Salee Catholic Church, pho·
tographed 1993.

This relisious scene depicts the imporlant Christian season of Lent.

FIRST BAPI'IST CHURCH
1839 as ''The Presbyterian Church of
Geneva", the church became known as
the First Congregational in January
1888. It remains as the oldeet Congregational Church in Walworth County.
The first pastor was Reverend Lemuel
Hall who had moved here from New York.
In 1959, this First Congregational
Church again changed its name to: First
Congregational United Church of Christ
and remains as such today. Current
pastor is Reverend S. Daniel Dexter.

The Firat Baptiat Church of Leke Geneva was organized in 1840 and the
initial structure erected in 1846 at a coat
of $1500. Elder Phipps Waldo Leke, an
early settler in Walwortb County, served
as the beginning pastor.

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES
CATHOUC CHURCH
St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church is
located at 148 W. Main Street/Hwy 50 on
what is often referred to as "Catholic
Hill". As early as 1842, Father Thomas
Morrisaey would come from Milwaukee
periodically to minister to Catholic
families in the Lake Geneva area.
In 1844-1847, under the spiritual
guidance of Father Martin Kundig, the
church was known as St. Martin's parish.
The fll'St structure was a rectory built in
1844 and the first resident priest to occupy this rectory was Father Patrick
McKernan. The second floor served as
the site for mass until the first church
was erected in 1852.

8

St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, located on what is often called "Catholic Hill". (Photo
courtesy Lake Geneva Public Librmy).

Father David Braun is the current
priest at St. Francis, aasisted by Father
Scott Leanna.

The newest addition to the Catholic church was completed in 1994.1t serves as a parish commUDity
centsr aod day ehapal.
9

CHURCHES

CHURCHES

The fll'Bt edifice was razed in the early
1900's and anew church was builtin 1910
at a cost of $15,000. The Baptist Church,
architecturally a Brick Gothic Revival
style, has chimes that play daily from the
square corner bell tower. These melodious sounds can be heard all over the
downtown area. Church location: corner
of Broad and Geneva Streets across from
the Church of the Holy Communion
(Episcopal).
Reverend Don Andrews currently
serves as pastor.

The Chrietian Sci..,.. Reading Room, adjacent to the main cburclt, woo built and dedicated in
!956.

The- Baptiat Churclt of Lake Geneva, located at the comer of Broad and Geneva
built in 1910.

s-.

woo

IMMANUEL EVANGELICAL
LUTHERAN CHURCH

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST
SCIENTIST
Firat Church of Christ Scientist (338
Broad Street) held ita first meetings in
the late lSOO's in private homea, m.eeting
places and often the public library.
The present structure was dedicated in
1926 with the adjacent Reading Room
added in 1956. This church is a recognized denomination branch of the
mother church in Boeton, which was
founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879.

First Churclt ofChriat Sciontiat,located at 333 Broad Street in Lake Geneva, was dedicated at this
lito in 1926.

The Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran
Church (1229 Park Row) was organized
in 1899 by Rev. C.F. Goldammer. The
first meetings were held in private
homes, but later the old atructure at the
comer of Park Row and Warren Street
was used for services.
The present location on Park Row was
built in 1952, designed by Edward Stade
of Illinois. Stade used roof lines and
spirea reaching toward the sky in an
attempt to tie the earth to space, soaring
up and out. It is a beautiful and graceful
piece of architecture.

Immanuel Evanplieal Lutheran Churclt (1229 Park Row) was dedicated in 1962. Cun-ent pastor
is Reverend Donald B. West.

10
11

CHURCHES

CHURCHES

METROPOUTAN CHURCH
ASSOCIATION

FIRST EVANGELICAL
LUTHERAN CHURCH
The First Evangelical Lutheran
Church of Lake Geneva originally met in
the church on Walworth Street that now
houses the Assembly of God Church.
Reverend Varlynn Dobbarstein serves as
current pastor.
The present church is a large, con·
temporary building with church bells
hanging freely in the portico. (1101
Logan Street).

LAKE GENEVA ASSEMBLY OF
GOD
The Lake Geneva Assembly of God is
located at 428 Walworth Street. The
church membars formerly met at the
structure on Park Row and Warren
Street (when this building was the Labor
Union Hall) ... 1961-1963. In 1963, the
congregation began services in the Walworth Street building.
The fll'Bt pastor of the Assembly of God
was Reverend Holstrom. The current
pastor is Reverend Joseph Brostowski.

The Lske Geneva Asoembly of God Church,
located at428 Walworth Streetoince the early
1960's. Reverend Joeeph BroatoWBki is the
cumm.t paator.

12

First Ev&Dplical r...theron Churoh, located at llOllogan Street, oouth of Oak Hill Cemotery.
Church was built in 1963.

Reverend William T. Pettenaell who oerved as
the first pastor at the Metzopolitan Church
AaBOclation from 1970-1966. (Photo courteoy
Eva Adams, Metn>politan Church)

The Metropolitan Church Association
(323 Broad Street) eerves as a retirement
home for former missionaries (mostly
ones who had worked in India and Africa}
and also as the Metropolitan Church
Headquarters.
The Metropolitan group resides in a
building that was originally tha Union
House Hotel, built in 1870 to be close to
the railroad depot when tourists fll'Bt
started arriving in Lake Geneva for tha
weekends when the Chicago and
Northwestern train made its initial run
in 1871. Later, the Union House became
the Gerrieon House, then the Hotel
Denison, and flll8.lly was named the
Traver Hotel.
The Metropolitan Church Associstion,
Wesleyan in doctrine, took over the
Traver Hotel in 1970. Reverend William
T. Pettengell was the fll'Bt pastor and
served from 1970 until 1985. Thirty
~sionaries moved in initially, however
.there are fewer Jiving there todey as
many have since passed away.
· Reverend W&lTell Bitzer ofMilwaukes
ia the current pastor who assists in
weekly devotions and handles all the
religious activities and matters for the
group.

Retired miseionariea, many who moved into the old Traver Hotel in 1970 when it became the
Metropolitan Church Asoociation Headquorten. L to R: Reversnd Murdo MacKay, Mrs. Ethel
Adams, Mise Marian Madison, Mise Elvsl.ounabury, Mise Ethal Eotes, Mrs. Murdo MacKay, and
Mrs. James Eaton. (Photo courteoy Alice Whipple, Metropolitan Church Association)

The Assembly of God held their meetings and serriees from 1961-1963 in this building which had
formerly been the Labor Union Hall (Park Row and Warren Street)

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Lake Geneva
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13

CHURCHES

CHURCHES

COVENANT HARBOR BffiLE
CAMP
Covenant Harbor Bible Camp & Retreat Center is a very unique and won~
derful part of life here in Lake Geneva.
Established in 1947 as a non~profit organization, the center is run by the

1etropolitan Church Association, located in the old Traver Hotel at 323 Broad Street, is a re·
~ement home for former missionaries and also the Metropolitan Church Headquarters. (Photo
ourtesy Eva Adams, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and former missionary)

Evangelical Covenant Church of America and supported by about 100 different
churches (mainly composed of Swedish
descendents).
Covenant Harbor is situated on the
beautiful grounds that once were known
as Snug Harbor, the lakefront estste of
the Sturges family. The camp and retreat
facilities were housed in the Snug HBl'bor
buildings until the fire in 1957, which
destroyed nearly all of the former Sturges estate.
At one time, Covenant Harbor was only
open in the summer, but today it is a
year~round retreat for conventions,
meetings, and various Christian semin~
ars ... large and small. In 1989, the Geneva Bay Center was designed and built
by Msher & Associates. This has added a
great deal to the facilities available and
the amount of people desiring to stsy
here.
Covenant Harbor is a spiritual laboratory of life located directly on Geneva
Lake and offers relaxing environments
for families to spend quality Christian
time in recreation, fellowship and Bible
Study. Directors of this wonderful camp
sre Mr. and Mrs. (Pat) Peter Heintzelman who have been in this position since
1979.

(Photo courtesy Lake Geneva Public Library)

The original boathouse and pavilion from the Sturges Family Estate still :remain as part of
Covenant Harbor Bible Camp. (Photo courtesy Geneva Lake Area. Museum).
:!ovenant Harbor Bible Camp as it appeared in the former Snug Harbor estate buildings. (Photo
ourtesy Geneva Lake Area Museum)

4

15

CHURCHES

CHURCHES

Covenant Harbor Bible Camp and Retreat Center groundao (Photo taken 1993)
mtrance to Covenant Harbor Bible Camp directly off Hwy. 50.

Wonderful wooden steps, on the upgrade, that lend themselves to the nature and awe of this special
retreat center, Covenant Hftl'bor.
(Photo taken 1993)

17
16

CEMETERIES

CEMETERIES
!'he first cemetery in Lake Geneva,
•neer Cemetery, is located fairly near
1 downtown area with its entrance on
dge Street and bordered by Warren
d Maxwell Streets.
3urials were here from 1837 until1880
Len 40 acres of land were purchased (for
,000) at the end of Madison Street and
med Oak Hill Cemetery. There are
merous omate tombstones, statues
d mausoleums in Oak Hill, including
e 65 foot Burton-Denison-Hackett
nily marble obelisk purchased in 1886
a cost of$7,000.

Sturses Family tombotm>e (Oak Hill).
Osk Hill Cemetery, with lllODY ornate tombotoneo and monumento, including .,..,Ute mauooleuma. Located at the and of Madison Street on Cemetery Road.

Salll'B Family mauacleum (Oak Hill).

:meer Cemetery, the first burial grounds in

tke Geneva. Entrance located on Dodge

reet.

Warren Family tombatone in Oak Hill, dated
1874-1876.

At the entrance of the cemetery, there
are beautifully patterned iron gates hung
upon gateposts of granita boulders which
were a gift from the family of Shelton
Sturges and dedicated in 1890.
Oak Hill Cemetery continues tc
maintain its philosophY of providing a
reverent and peaceful reeting place for
the people in and around Lake Geneva.

Chapin Family mauooleum (Osk Hill).

Omate decorative aranite boulder arebway
wbicb adoms Oak Hill Cemetery grounda.

atepoet at the entrance of Osk Hill Cemetery riven in memoriam of Shelton Sturges (1890).

8

19

MAYORS

CEMETERIES

Lake Geneva has had 27 people serve
as mayor for the city. The first mayor was
B.A. Walker who served just one year in
1886. Edward Dunn served three terma

Cemeteries for many people are unw
pleasant and depressing places to view.
However. Lake Geneva's Oak Hill Cem~

(1900-1902; 19.2Q-1930; and 1934-1937).
Emil Johnejack served two terms
(1962-1970 and 1972-1978).
In 1956, Lake Geneva went to a City
Management form of government. J.
Sherman Allen had been elected mayor,
butnevertookoffice. Dean VanNess was
appointed City Manager from 1956-1961.
The city then voted to return to a mayoral
form of goverment. City Clerk Josephine
Park was acting manager until Emil
Johnejack was elected mayor in 1962.

etery reminds one of the dignity of life
and death and the continued reverence
for loved ones.

The following have served as Lake
Geneva Mayors:
Mayor James B. Simmons
The Buhon~Denison~Haekett Family 65'
marble obelisk dated 1886 in Oak Hill Cem·

1887~1888.

Also

Mayor W.N. Johnaon 1894-1895.

authored the book, The Annals of Lak< Geneva$ Wisconsin (Jan. 1897).

etery.

It is said that General Henry Strong,
who had a palatial estate around the
lake, wanted this granite houlder on his
Oak HHI Cemetery lot and could not find
anyone who could move it for him. Thus
in the middle of the winter, this giant
glacial boulder was dragged by eight
horses with sleds, across Geneva Lake,
through town and up the steep ascent to
the cemetery. This was over a threewm.ile
trip ... but the grandeur of the houlder
speaks for itself. (Alice Hackett, Heritage

*If you do not see photos of some of the
mayors listed, none were available.

Walks)
Mayo:r Ebenezer Davidson 1902-1908.

Mayor H.G. Douglaa1908-1912.

20

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Serving Lake Geneva Since 1944 - Gerald & Arnold Steinke, Directors

B.A. Walke" 1886
J.B. Sinunons 1887-1887
Charles S. French 1886-1892
Wm. H. Seymour 1892-1894
W.N. Johnson 1894-1895
Alex T. Seymour 1895-1898
Phillip H. Moore 1898-1899
F.S. Moore 1899-1900
Edward Dunn 1900-1902
Ebenezer Davidson 1902-1908
H.G. Douglas 1908-1912
Frank Augesky 1912-1914
Samuel C. Ford 1914-1918
Allen E. Peacock 1918-1924
L.A. Nichols 1924-1926
Edward Dunn 1926-1930
S.P. Taggart 1930-1934
Edward Dunn 1934-1937
Walter Ledger 1937-1942
Lyle Traver 1942-1948
Uoyd Best 1948-1949
Ralph Williams 1949-1956
City Management 1956-1962
Emil Johnejack 1962-1970
Norman Blue 1970-1972
Emil Johnejack 1972-1978
Richard C. Folman 1978-1986
Kenneth Schneider 1986-1988
Spyro Condos 1990-1992
Bea Dale 1992-

(All photos are courtesy of Colleen
Alexander, City Clerk, and are on display
at City Hall)

21

MAYORS

MAYORS

Mayor Walter Ledger 1937-1942.
Mayor Lyle Traver 1942-1948.

Mayor Allen E. Peacock 1918·1924.
Mayor FraDk Augesky 1912·1914.
Mayor Lloyd Best 1948-1949.

Mayor Samuel C. Ford 1914·1918.

Mayor Edward Dunn served three terms:
190().1902; 1926-1930; 1934-1937.

Mayor S.P. Taggart 19:J0.!934.

Mayor Ralph Williams 1949-1956.

J, Sherman Allen was elected mayor in 1956,
but never took office.

Mayor L.A. Nichols 1924·1926.
Under the temporary City Management form
of government in Lake Geneva, Dean Van
Ness served as City Manager from 195()..1961.
(Photo courtesy Doug Elliott)

23

POST OFFICE

MAYORS

Andrew Ferguson, the first Postmaster of
Lake Geneva in 1838 (Photo courtesy Geneva
Lake Area Museum)

~~ephine Park, who was City Clerk at the
:1.e of this b'&llBition, served as Acting City
mager 1961·1962.

Emil Johnejack served two terms
1962·1970 and 197~ 1978.

8.8

mayor.

Cunent United States Post Office, Lake Ge~
neva, Wisoonsin. Built in 1939 and remodeled
in 1988.

Florence Kelleher, Clll"l"Emt Postmaster, has
been with the Postal Department for thirteen
years and was appointed Head Postmaster
here in Lake Geneva in 1992.

Mayor Richard C. Folmon 1978-1988.

Mrs. Andrew Ferguson, wife of the first
Postmaster in Lake Geneva. (Courtesy Geneva Lake Area Museum)

In 1838, Andrew Ferguson was ap·
pointed the first Postmaster in Lake
Geneva. Ferguson was also the fll'st
storekeeper in town, running a grocery
store on the NE comer of Main and

Center Streets.
During the early years the post office
was located on the SW corner of Main and
Broad Streets (CUITently the Lake Aire
Restaurant). The second floor of the
building housed a "group" of what ap·
peared in those days to be an off·the·wall
religious sect. Signs on the edifice read:
Mayor Bea Dale (1992-- ). The first woman to
ever be elected mayor of Lake Geneva.
Mayor Spyro Condos 1990·1992.
.{ayor Kenneth Schneider 1986-1988.

"Christ Died for the Un·Godly"
and
'The Post Office"
(Information given by the late Max
Newman of Lake Geneva)

In the early to mid·l900's, rates for
mail service were 6e a letter if going a
distance of 30 miles, 10~ per letter if
going 80 miles.
At one time, Mr. Lewis Curtis was
appointed Postmaster by President
Lincoln. Miss May Powers served during
Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration
and part of Trwnan's term. It was during
Miss Powers' years that the Federal
Government purchased the land on the
SE corner of Center and Main Streets
and the new post office was built (1939).
The post office building is still located
there but there was extensive remod~

eling done in 1988.
The current Postmaster is Florence
Kelleher who was appointed in July of
1992.

G8l"Y Paxson, the man "'about town", has been
with the U .R Postal Department for 14 years.
He is often seen in these short pants, even
when it's a bit chilly on his route.

25
M

FIRE DEPARTMENT

POLICE DEPARTMENT

~C f.. R Rll\G~'S +-

JC\UIL

1947 police "cruioer" parked in front of the old
Police Department Headquarters at 623 Main
Street (DOW Art Independent). (Display: City
Ha1VPoJice Department)

... .
rJ\111'1

~~IMP

An array of"'deadly"weapons whic:h have been
<:ODfiscated from those .,....ted in the Lake
Geneva area. (Display; City HalVPolice ])e.
partment)

Richard I. Newbeny, oummt Lake Geneva
:Jhief of Police.

1880's Lake Geneva Fire Department Hook and Ladder equipment perked on Main Stnoet. (Photo
courtesy Lake Geneva Public Library)

AI Exner, police offieer killed in the line of duty
in 1931. Officer Exner wae 29 yelll'll old.
(Display: City HalVPolice Department)

PruentPoliceDepartmentlocatedonGenevaStreet.TbeDepartmentmovedherein1979(t.omer
Skrudland Photo CompODY Building).

At the present time, the Lake Geneva
Police Department consists of 15 full.
time police officen and numerous parttime officers. There are two detectives on
the force: one male and one female.
Richard L. Newberry has served as Chief
of Police since 1978 but has been with the
department since 1966. Newbe!Ty was
preceded by Robert Clapper (now Municipal Judge) and before that, Melvin

Swance was the Chief of Police for Lake
Geneva.
James Cronin is believed to have been
the fll'St Chief of Police and then a
gentleman named Ezra Button. However, I was not able to substantiate tbis
information in my research.
As of 1994, there has only been one
police officer killed in the line of duty.
That was in 1931, when AI Exner, aged

26

The Lake Geneva Fire Department
was informally organized around 1880
with a hook and ladder truck drawn by
"Dobbin", six ladder men and one man
who did tbe climbing. 1n 1890, tbe department had two horses and a cart. The
first motorized truck was acquired in
1917 and a pumper was added in 1926.
The Fire Department has always been
run on a volunteer basis and at the present time there are forty such volunteers.
The department used to be located in
tbe 621-623 Main Strest buildings which
also housed City Hall, the Street Department, Police Department and Judge's chambers. Some of the former Fire
Chiefs are Sid Rouse, Claude Foster (who
served from 1924-1949), and Assistant
Chief, Albert Stephan.
1n 1975 the Lake Geneva Fire Department, which is tax-supported by tbe
city, moved to its present location on
Marshall Street. The CUlTOilt Fire Chief
is Tom Derrick who has served in tbis
capacity since 1955. The Firat Assistant
Fire Chief is Tom Clausen and the Second
Assistant Chief is Jim Binkert.

29, tried to break up a "squabble" at the
home of one of his neighbors (Wallace
Morgan). Exner was fatally wounded
with a .38 caliber revolver by Mr. Morgan. Morgan also was fatally shot by
Officer Gebler who had come on the scene
to assist Exner.
This incident was a terrible shock for
tbe entire community and people still
mention the tragedy of tbe event.

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Fire Department Hook and Ladder running team early 1900's. Looks like a summer get-together.
(Photo courteoy Tom Derrick)

27

FIRE DEPARTMENT

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is located in
the southwestern part of the state.
Current population of the city is ap·
proximately 7,000.

Darryl MacKaig, fire department volunteer, hoste an education program for young children during
Fire Prevention Week in 1981. (Photo courtesy lAke Geneua Regional News)

ake Geneva Fire Department Running Team •.. Champion~~ in the State Tournament 1902. Top
tW L toR: Allan Barr, Winfield Wind, Seth Willi8ln.B, Louis O'Brien, Art Logan, Frank Bashaw.
>d Row L to !CArt Bullock, Charles Burns, Chiefl. Cn>gan,lke Dowoing, Fl-00 Twist, Fl-00 Grant
.-d Row L to R: C.A. Foster, Louis Lusignam, John Flan:na.gen, Ray Allen, Jees Shannon, Art
iechty, Bob LaSalle. (Photo courtesy Tom Derrick)

Fire IlepartmentCentenniall980' Lto !C Tom Derrick, Fire Chief, his wife (the late Betty Derrick),
and Jim Binkert. (Photo courtesy Lake Geneva Regional Newa, July 1980)

1940's ftre truck now on permanent display at- the End of the Line Motel on Curtis Street in Lake
Geneva.

29

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FIRE DEPARTMENT

:Au-rent up·to-date lu-e truck with all the necessary equipment to serve the community. Pictured,
William Jay, who has been an active fireman for 7 years.

Geneva Lake Area Chamber or Commerce
Executive Vice President, George F. Rennerley, seen at his deek reviewing the Chamber's
annual Program of Work. Mr. Hennerley was
raised in the surrounding lakes area and is a
graduate of the University of Wisconsin. He
has been in this executive position since 1980.

The Geneva Lake Area Chamber of
Commerce was formed in 1944 from an

informal organization known as the
Lake Geneva Business Group. Bill Par·
ker, a retired Chicago police officer, was
the first full-time Executive Director of
the group which really got its feet on the
ground in 1947 to handle post·war
tourism. At one time the Chamber was a
small office located on the lake front
beach area ... and only open during the
summer months (in the 1950's and early
1960's).
Since its founding, the Chamher has
undertaken many programs and projects
designed to fill its continued mission of
"Building a Better Community", Most
recent important activities include the
founding of a downtown Lake Geneva
Business Improvement District, lake

The Geneva Lake Area Chamber of Commerce building and office opened here at 201 Wrigley
Drive, directly across from the lake, in the midol960's. During the summer, it is the fll"St stopping
off place for most tourists.

front and downtown beautification, and
maintaining an information center
which is open year round.

Industry
While the majority of residents of Lake
Geneva think that tourism is the main~
stay of the community, there is another
large and very important force here that
keeps the city moving toward continued
positive growth and upgrading of fman·
cial stability in the entire area. That
force is INDUSTRY.
Most of these manufacturing facilities
are located on the perimeters of the ac·
tual downtown area and many are at~
tractively situated in "Industrial Park'"
settings; their importance to Lake Geneva must be addressed:

Albert Trostel Packings, Ltd.
CTI Geneva/Fontana Vans, Pickups
Hay Manufacturing Co., Inc.
Lake Geneva Spindustries, Inc.
Brunk Industries, Inc.
Geneva Seating Division
Lakes Area Printer
Northern Precision Casting Co., Inc.
Primex, Inc.
Chaney Instrument Co/Combex
Quartex, Inc.
Sola/Hevi-Duty Electric
Swatek Sales
TSR. Inc.
Yunker Industries, Inc.
The Supply Corporation
Stuart W. Johnson Co.
(List of L.J.dustries, courtesy of Geneva
Lake Area Chamber of Commerce)

The Lake Geneva Fire Department moved into this location on Marshall Street in 1976.

30

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This Page Sponsored by Richter Sentry Foods
Lake Geneva

31

SCHOOLS

.ake Geneva Young Woman's Seminary (circa 1864). (Photo courtesy Geneva Lake Area Museum)

The Lake Geneva Young Woman's
>eminary was built in 1864 in the area

hat was then known as Oak Park at
1\'illow and Baker Streets at a rost of
n ,000. The school was organized by
vealthy families who wished to provide
heir daughters with special educational
1pportunities above and beyond those
aught in the public schools.
The Seminary was often called "A
Jourting School: one for refmed ladies".
C'he curriculum included many art op·
>Ortunities. Painting on china and velvet
Nas a very popular form of art during that
;ime. Numerous people in this area have
:hina that was painted by these ladies;
md of course today, these are considered
mtiques and highly prized.
Miss Anna Moody, a graduate of Mount
f-Iolyoke in Massachusetts, was one of the

flrSt and well·known educators at the
seminary. In addition to Miss Moody,
Mrs. Julia A. Warner (who originated the
Cenotaph Ceremony) served as principal
for many years. Because there were no
boarding facilities available, The Geneva
Hotel served to house many of these
young women for several years.
The Young Woman's Seminary was
closed in the late 1880's. The building
was purchased by the city of Lake Ge·
neva in 1895 where it served as a tem~
porary high school until Lake Geneva
High School was built (in the Central
School area) in 1901. The seminary
building was razed in 1906.
Sports in the Lake Geneva schools
have always been an integral part of the
total student physical education program
as they are in most areas.

SCHOOLS
Under the guidance ofWalterJ. Jonas,
who was coach for almost all sports when
he came to Lake Geneva in 1929, there
were many championships won by the
football and basketball teams. Jonas
taught biology and physical education in
addition to his coaching duties at the old
Lake Geneva High School on Wisconsin
Street, but when the new high school
opened in 1958, he left coaching (in name
only) and spent those years until his
retirement in 1969 as a driving education
instructor.
Walter J. Jonas was honored for his
years of coaching when the Lake Geneva
High School football field was dedicated
in his name. Mr. Jonas died in 1977 at the
age of 78. In his thirty years of coaching,
he directed his teams to eight state
conference championships and five un~
defeated seasons.
Edmund Decatur Denison, after whom
Denison Middle School is named, was an
educator in the imest sense of the word
and an attribute to all who knew him ...
especially the students he educated so
well. Nicknsmed "Ted", he married
Bonnie Eloise Burton who had been one
of his students when he was teaching
German at Lake Geneva High School. At
one time, Edmund Denison served as
Superintendent of the Lake Geneva
School System.
Ted was involved in all phases of
education for over 42 years. Along with
his role as superintendent, he had been
principal of Central School and taught in
the elementary and serondary grades for
over 26 years .
There is a bronze plaque on the wall of
Denison Middle School which appears to
sum up the importance of the outstand~
ing qualities which Edmund D. Denison
passed on to all his students:

Football star, Gordon Friedericks in 1947,
(Photo courtesy Vince Danca, Rockford, llli~
nois)

Lessons
He emphasized the value of clear en~
unciation;
Insisted that the moral code have
sound pronunciation.
Combining books and character inse·
parably, he gave
The vital lessons never lost to confmes
of a grave.
And throughout all his classic life, this
gentle educator
Found a common love for all the true
denominator.
(written by Alice Denison Hackett, his
daughter)
Mr. Denison died in December 1952.

1933 Southern League Champions under the direction of Coach Walter J, Jonas. (Photo courtesy
Laiu! Geneva Regional News)

1947 Lake Geneva High School football
players: Jim Smith, Don Wuttke, Glen Cocroft
and Geine Loveland. (Photo courtesy Baggy
Douglass, Lake Geneva)

32
33

SCHOOLS

SCHOOLS

SCHOOL DAYS, SCHOOL DAYS,
DEAR OLD GOLDEN RULE DAYS ...
READING, WRITING, AND

ARITHMETIC ...
TAUGHT TO THE TUNE
OF THE HICKORY STICK

1993 Cross Coun'b-y Divisional Championa: L
to R: Kate Torhorst, Lisa Schreiner, Anne
Jensen, Katie Recht, and Hayley Hyde.

ch Walter Jonas appears to be telling his players exactly what he thinks! Early 1950's, (Photo
~sy Baggy Douglass, Lake Geneva)

Denioon Middle School complex: gym and

auditorium.

Denison Middle School, 1993.

Lake Geneva High School, located on Wisconsin Street, built in 1902. (Photo courtesy Robert L.
Webster, Lake Geneva)

This Page Sponsored by Walter Dale, Lake Geneva, WI
Heating & Air Conditioning "Since 1933"

35

SCHOOLS

SCHOOLS
-------------->O

LUCF.

-a•.~F.\'A ~E'!!NARV

----~-----~-----

EXPENSES,

fl~y

·.00\
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DoyP!ljllb(froollon•<>f'l.lloti.<'r,)p<'r"'o"k, . • .

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:~:1~-:~~~·m.~~~-;!;;;~ ,..,;.;:.,l)op>t .~.4 ~·e1Ji7~ it~,.;~.

1ok ttlrer llrnlli:J of lhb'Clble~,jj:o ud ltonb-Weo!el'll trdlt<f~l for m11~u

J:1'~:,•t•!:: ~: ~·~~~~i,~

J.e Seminary became Lake Geneva High School around 1895. Note the number of young men who
IW were part of the group of ''ref'med young women", (Photo dated 1898; courtesy Alice Hackett)

, 1869, Rev. C.A. Williams opened a boarding
hool for boys here at 1105 Main Street. The
hool closed around 1885.

A private boarding school for boys, the
building is now a residential lodging: The
Victorian Lodging.

eo~~.~-1 ~~-~: -~~ N~·

de!>l>t, t\ln•loOLreot,
1', ~:: 111111 ·~~~~~~ ~ lllr lb!il!'ox nt~or br~ncb ~~ Cryot.t L•~•
or!lf/W·o.!id.nloi>'!.lttt>'rel>O;-tl'!>m Genova, (ofl~~.~~ *llh eo~h l.n.lo Ol .
8ptf~'ld. Btollorl, M t.b.t WG!II'!tb tlolo~ &PI<!.
1
, An btaol~•• eomb\~MUlloM tbould I>< Pl<i<lr•...d tO
·: i-?!"':~~ -• ,. '~';·.!.
£,!!.WARNER,!!~'iUIIJ1'uu'il.

(Photo courtesy Lake Geneva Public Library)

It is believed that the flrst school in
Lake Geneva opened around 1837·1838
above Andrew Ferguson's Grocery Store
on the NE corner of Main and Center
Streets (Mr. Ferguson was also postmaster at that time). Mrs. Rebecca A
Vail is said to have been the only teacher.
Unfortunately, the frame building
burned in 1845.
The f'll'St recorded schoolhouse was
built (circa 1839) on Sage Street at the
SW corner of what is now Eastview
School's Dunn Athletic Field. This house
was owned by Mary McGhye and her son,
George. Classes were taught in their
living room.
1n 1848 a school building was erected
at 643 Main Street at a cost of $1,000. 1n
1868, Central School on WisconsinStreat
was built. In 1889, the Third Ward School
opened on Henry Street (now the
American Legion Post 24). The Third
Ward School only had grades kinder·
ga.»ten through third. After that, the
students were moved to Central for
continued education. The last class to
"graduate• from the Third Ward School
was in 195R

Unfortunately an intensive ·fl.re, on
Christmas night in 1903, destroyed most
of Central Elementery. Classes were held
at various churches until the new
strocture opened in 1904. In 1951, Lake
Geneva needed another elementary
school snd thus opened Eastview School
located on Sage Street near town.
According to James Simmons (AN·
NALS of LAKE GENEVA), high school
classes began as early as 1865, but records are very contradictory as to excactly
where these were held.
However, it is known that in 1895, the
city purchased the former Young Wom·
an's Seminary and this served as the
high school until the new building was
opened just west of Central School in
1902.
It wes not until 1958 that the present
Badger High School, located on South
Road and Wells Street, became a reality.
It appears there were some difficulties
in 1931 at Lake Geneva High School
involving the Board of Education and the
Asssistant Principal, R.S. Rhodes. For
reasons unknown to most people, Rho~
des' contract was not renewed for the
following year.
The students, adamant about this decision~ decided to "go on strike" to express
their unhappiness and show their allea
giance to Mr. Rhodes.
The s1rike continued for over a week.
However the students• efforts were in
vain as Mr. Rhodes did not return in
1932.
Sources maintain that the Board's
reasons for not renewing the Assistant
Principal's contract were their concerns
about his "closeness and familiarity with
the students". End of subject!

Lake Geneva High School Class of 1905. (Photo courtesy Nettie Snudden Minshall)

High School Gymnasium Club 1914°1915. (Photo courtesy Alice Hackett, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin)

37

SCHOOLS

SCHOOLS

Lake CleDeva HiP, School Drama Club pnxluctionl915: "Sbe Stoops t.> Conquer". (Photo courtesy
Lake CleDeva Public Library)

Assietant PriDcipal, R.S. Rhodes (1931) Lake
CleDeva HiP, School. He waa the eentor of
attention(ortendaya, when the atudente went
011 otrike, inalsting his =tract be l"Oll<!Wed.
(Photo courtesy CleDeva Lake Area Museum)

~-~
Lake CleDeva Hish School Band in 1923. Holen MacDonald (rear left) wao the mueic teacher.

Pictured fiaa' bearers: Hallie and Halene Van Slyck. (Photo courtesy CleDeva Lake Area Muaeum)

Hish school etudenta parade arouJld Mom Street protesting the Board of Educaticm'o feelinp
toward R.S. Rhodes; ouch allegianee ••• and in 1931! (Photo courtesy CleDeva Lake Area Mu.eum)

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38

249-5900

39

SCHOOLS

.ake Geneva High School Junior Class 1927. (Photo courtesy Alice Hackett)

SCHOOLS

This large sunburst with the initials LGHS (Lake Geneva High School) is the only plaster of paris
sculpture from the former high school gymnasium that is now left in the Denison Middle School
gym and auditorium.

Mr. Edmund Decatur Denison, after whom
Denison Middle School is named. (Photo
courtesy Alice Hackett, daughter)

Senior Class Play, "Duley", given in 1950 at Lake Geneva High School. Seated: Vince Danca, Mary
Jane McElroy, Nancy Bakkom, Virginia Frei. Standing: Don Batchelder, Ed Friedericks, Larry
Brenton, Roger Schinke, Larry Huml and J:ohn Grosspietsch. (Photo courtesy Vince Danca,
Rockford, Illinois)

Eastview Elementary School, opened in 1951 on Sage Street.

41

SCHOOLS

SCHOOLS

lodger High School located on South Road at the corner ofWella St. Opened in 1968.

Harry Van Dyke, Su~ of Schoolo
aince 1986.

Central School, due of 1906. (Photo courtesy Helen and Fnnk Neeslar)

Mr. Leo Baker, cunent Principal of Central
Elementa>y School on W'lBCOIUiin Street.

Central School u it appe.,.. in 1993.

42

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Pat's Places II Travel

43

PARKS

PARKS

Library Park

One can see the expBIUiive area available for visiting and enjoying library Park.

When Mary D. Sturges gifted the
Sturges Family cottage and the ad·
joining property to the city of Lake
Geneva in 1894 for the sole purpose of
using it for a public library, this also
included enough land (three blocks on
Main Street) to create what is now called
Library Park.
The park area is said to have been
called Ebn Park at one tbne, but after the
battle with Dutch Ebn Disease, most all
of the ebn trees were destroyed and the
name Library Park has remained.
The park has many benches available

Appears that these dueks are being well-fed ,., and nutritioW!Jy eo!

for quiet repose and during the wtumer
months, Library Park is full of blankets,
lawn chairsJ picnic baskets and families
enjoying the lazy, crazy days of summer.

1n addition, in August, the Geneva Lake
Art Association holds its annual Library
in the Park Art Show attended by hun·
dreda of local and out of state art buffs.

The State Capitol is in Madison, which has
been Wisconsin's capital since 1848. Territorial
capitals were Belmont (1836); Burlington, now
in Iowa (1837-1838); aod Madison (1838-1848).

Looks like a nice rela:cing afternoon to park on a bench and enjoy the lake and it& wildlife.

44

This Page Sponsored by Mercy Lake Geneva Medical Center
Part of the Mercy Health System

Thialarge marble and granite patriotic marker in rnetnoriam of Lake Geneva veterans is located

Ellis Sawy.-.r, FPG

in a well~landscaped area of Library Park.

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45

PARKS

PARKS

Library Park
When Mary D. Sturges gifted the
Sturges Family cottage and the adjoining property to the city of Lake
Geneva in 1894 for the sole purpose of
using it for a public library, this also
included enough land (three blocks on
Main Street) to create what is now called
Library Park.
The park area is said to have been
called Elm Park at one time, but after the
battle with Dutch Elm Disease, most all
of the elm trees were destroyed and the
name Library Park has remained.
One ean see the expf:ln.Bive area available for visiting and enjoying Library Park.

Appears that these ducks are being well·fed ... and nutritiously so!

The park has many benches available
for quiet repose and during the warmer
months, Library Park is full of blankets,

lawn chairs, picnic baskets and families
enjoying the lazy, crazy days of summer.

In addition, in August, the Geneva Lake
Art Aasociation holds its annual Library
in the Park Art Show attended by hun·
dreds of local and out of state art buffs.

The State Capitol is in Madison, whieh has
been Wisconsin's capital since 1848. Tenitorial
capitals were Belmont (1836); Burlington, now
in Iowa (1837·1838); and Madison (1838-1848).

Looks like a nice relaxing afternoon to park on a bench and enjoy the lake and its wildlife.

This large marble and granite patriotic marker in memoriam of Lake Geneva veterans is located

Ellie Sawyer, FPG

in a well·land.scaped area of Library Park.

44

This Page Sponsored by Mercy Lake Geneva Medical Center
Part of the Mercy Health System

This Page Sponsored by Woodhill Farms Nursery

45

PARKS

PARKS

Library Park

One can ... the - i v e uea available far vieitiDa IIJJd ~.,;...Library Park.

When Mary D. Sturges gifted the
Sturges Family cottage and the adjoining property to the city of Lake
Geneva in 1894 for the sole purpose of
using it for a public library, this also
included enough land (three blooks on
Main Street) to create what is now c:alled
Library Park.
The park area is said to have been
c:alled Elm Perk at one time, but after the
battle with Dutch Elm Disease, most all
of the elm trees were destroyed end the
neme Library Perk has remained.
The perk has many benches available
for quiet repose end during the warmer
months, Library Park is full of blankets,
lawn chairs, picnic baskets end families
enjoying the lazy, crazy days of aummer.
In addition, in August, the Geneva Lake
Art Aasociation holda its annual Library
in the Park Art Show attended by hun·
dreds of loeal end out of state art buffs.

Appears that these ducks are being well-fed ... IIJJd nutritiouoly oo!

The Stale Capitol ie in Madison, whieh has

been Wisconsin's capital since 1848. Territorial
capitals were Belmont (1886); BurJinston. now
in Iowa (1837-1888); and Madiecm (1838-1848).
Looks like a !lice reluiDa' aftemoon to park on a bench IIJJd el!joy the lake IIJJd its wildlife.

'!his large marble and granite patriotic marker in memoriam of Lake Geneva veterans is located

Blli118aw)rer,FPG

m a WeU·landscaped area of Library Park.

44

This Page Sponsored by Mercy Lake Geneva Medical Center
Part of the Mercy Health System

This Page Sponsored by Woodhill Farms Nursery

45

PARKS

PARKS

Maple Park
Maple Park is also a one square block
of open area originally platted by Thomas
McKaig in 1837. Because the land backs
up to Central School, people often fondly
refer to it as "Central Park". However,
City Council officially named the space
Maple Park in 1886. (Location: Geneva
Street, directly acroes from the Methodist Church).

OakPark
Oak Park consists of open public
grounds for picnics, sports or just relax·
ing. It is located in a block of land at the
corner of Willow and Baker Streets. This
land was in the original city plat laid out
by Thomas McKaig in 1837. In 1864, The
Young Ladies' Seminary was built here.
The Seminary was razed in 1906 and this
land once again became a public park in
about 1916.
Maple Park, located on Geneva Street acroaa from tbe Methodiat Church, ia a free and_., piece
ofland with tenniacourta andlotaofroomforcbildrentoplay. TheporkbackauptoCeDD-al School.

"Good Frieods" Monument located in Flat Iron Park. O'hoto courtesy, J=Y Glasa)
Sydney Smith, cartoonist for the Chicago
Tribune, who invented the wonderful and
humorous Andy Gump as the first daily cartoon for the newspaper. (Photo courtesy Geneva Lake Area Museum of History)

Flat Iron Park
Flat Iron Park (originally known as
Willow Park) is located on Wrigley Drive
across from the lake and near the
Chamber of Commerce building. The
park got its name because it is shaped
like a flat iron.
Besides the openness and dslightful
surroundings of the lake and the trees,
there are three distinguishable points of
interest in Flat Iron Park:
1. "The Three Graces Statue" (some·
times called "The Good Friends Statue"
or even "The Three Sisters Statuej
2. The Andy Gump bronze statue
3. The whits octagonal-shaped gazebo

In 1916, Mrs. Reinette M. McCrea of
the Lake Geneva area willed $5,000 to
the city to acquire the Three Graces
Statue. As can be seen in the following
photos, there are three distinct women
carved on the top of the granite column.
Water comes out of the three faces on the
sides of the statue and at the bottom of
the fountain, there are three granite
bowls at ground level where the water
serves to help the needs of the animals
during the heat of the summer.
Scene from Willow Park (now called Flat Iron Pork) in 1912. (Photo courtaay J=Y Glsaa, Lake
Geoeva)

Cloae·up ofmonument,;ven totbe city by Mrs.

Mccn.a.

The bronze Andy Gump Statue (al·
most adjoining the Chamber of Com·
merce) has an interesting story behind it.
A gentleman named Sydney Smith, a
summer resident of Lake Geneva, "ere·

ated"' Andy Gump as the firat daily
cartoon strip while working for The
Chicago Tribune newspaper in 1917.
Smith became an internationally famous
cartoonist and The Trubune presented
46

Nota tbe waterfall on the aide of thia granite
boulder statue.

him with the tell bronze statue to adorn
his lawn at his lakefront home in 1924.
Sydney Smith was killed in an automobile accident in 1935 at the age of 58.
The new owner who purchased Smith's
home after his death, gave the Andy
Gump work of art to the city of Lake
Geneva. "Andy" is noted for having one
foot placed on top of the world ... depicted
with a bronze globe.

Andy Gump bronze statue which stende so
elegantly in Flat Iron Park.

47

PARKS

PARKS

Across the road from this acreage is a
very narrow beaeh, about 2200 feet long,
but only 900 feet of the beach are used for
swimming.

l'he other interesting structure in Flat
>n Park is the octagonal white wooden
zebo whieh was a gift to the city for the
centennial Celebration in 1976. The
zebo was the idee of students from
mison Middle School under the guid.ce of Sam Gonzales, social studies
•cher. These students held a WalkThon, got sponsors and raised the
meyfor the gazebo. The two gentlemen
10 built the structure were Merrill
>ttington and Halver Petersen. The
:>.bitious Denison students did all the
.inting. What Zeal!

White wooden •azebo located in Flat Iron ParlL Given to the city in 1976 by the DeJUaon Middle
School students.

Arched foot bri~ located in Big Foot Beaeh State Park where visitors can walk ........ the
man-madelqoon. Thelaaoon was developed by Fred~andia areplicaofGenevaLake, with
the foot, ankle and heel deaigo.

Big Foot Beach State Park

otrance to Big Foot Beaeh State Park, the only stat& park in Wioeonsin which is located within
" city limits. Formerly this property bslonpd to E.H Ma~, washing II18.Cbin.. mapste and
.. part of theM~ Estate.

The beech used to be known as Sand
Beach, although it has always been mostly rocks with little or no sand to speak
of (as can be seen in the photos). GinnY
Hall reports in her book, Meandering
Through Walworth County VoL II, that
in the early 1900's, following the departure of the Potawatomi Indians, this
beech was often a stopping off place for
bands of gypsies.
Another fascinating feature about Big
Foot Beach State Park is the ldallo
Building which used to be located in the
park area. Many stories have been told
about the "unusual" circumstances surrounding this building. Therefore to the
beet of my research time, this is how it
appears to have happened:
Celia Wallace, a wealthy Chicago
widow who had summered at the Whiting House as early as 1880, decided she
wanted to build a place of her own and
when she heard swampland was available at Sand Beach (Big Foot Beach), she
purchased The ldallo Building from the
Columbian Exposition around 1893.
This building had stood vacant for over
two years and when Wallace bought it
she intended to use it for a summer retreat for orphaned boys.

Big Foot Beach State Park, named
after the Potawatomi Indian Chief Big
Foot or Maun-suck, lies on the eestern
shore of Geneva Lake on Hwy. 120. It is
the only state park in Wisconsin with its
boundaries inside the city limits. The
park includes a large lagoon and approximately 276 acres with gorgeous
oak, maple and hickory trees. Botanists
maintain there are over 129 different
species of wildflowers to be found in the
grasses.
Originally much of the park belonged
to washing machine magnate, E.H.
Maytag and Chicago banker, John J.
Mitehell. Maytag's son, Fred, built and
developed the lagoon as a man-made
replica of Geneva Lake when the land
was part of the Maytag Estate. The lagoon is in the shape of a heel, ankle and
foot. When the younger Maytsg began hia
work, this area was very much swam·
pland, but he drained it in the developing
process. Although eroeion over the yeers
has altered the original form, the lagoon
remains fairly mueh as designed. The
State of Wisconsin purchased the land in
the mid-1940's and then named it in Big
Foot's memory.
The lifesuard will be on duty ooon. The nanow
beach of Big Foot Beach, once called "Sand
Beach", is located llCl"OII8 the road from the
park itself.

The famous Idaho Buil~ OWDed. by Celia Wallace was once located in Big FootBeaeh Stat& ParlL
The home wu diamantledin 1911 and it is bsliaved the enormous lop from the mucture were used
to build the city pier by the Riviera. (Fhoto courtesy Websler House Museum, Elkhorn, Wiac:onsiD)

49

PARKS

BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS

In 1896, the log chalet (with massive
logs and Idaho lava boulders) was completed. Story has it that during a bad
thunderstorm in the Lake Geneva area,
lightning struck the building and Celia
never returned to this area again.
Celia Wallace's nickname was "The
Diamond Queen" as she had a passionate
desire and fascination with large baubles
and jewels. Records say Wallace sold her
"retreat" to a :Mr. George Thurman for
one large blue-black pearl. Rumors tell of
gypsies taking over the building for many
years, a reclusive Chicago artist giving
painting lessons there ... and of course,
ghosts and haunted spirits abound!
In 1911, The Idaho Building was dismantled. It is believed that the large logs
which made up the structure were used to
build the existing city pier located by the
Riviera.

~---

-· ----- -·---- -LGJ ~ ;~;;--o& -,

Economy is Wealth!!

l
l

There is Economy and Health as well as

~

Wealth in using

~

Price's Celery Food
Always Ready

:

Pure and Clean

i
~

Gold Medal Flour
Every Sack a Prize

FR.ANK JOHNSON
The Grocer.

i
'
'

M-~-~~---~----MM-----~

Foot Beach

~~10¢
H

A

STOREI

Main Street, looking east from Y.M.C.A. Building. (Photo courtesy Lake Geneva Public Library)

i~~e>ro:e:!: !:7~ 1: ::~:~ ~::u:a~

name given to such store~, and ask the public to help me chase one. To th~ one who chooses
the names I like best. I will give the choke of one
of the following artides·

Large Parlor lamp. Heavy Gold Omaroented Cracker
Jar or Heavy Ookl Ornamented Jap,anese Va~e
You do not have to purchase one cents worth of
goods. Just send in the name youehOOBe and )'O!lr
own name and address. A visit to the store perhaps, WO!lld enable ynu to choose a name. The articles to be given for the most acceptable name will
be on exhibition in the store window from

Friday April Jrd until May Jfd
!It wh.ich date the prize wi\1 be awarded

!TAM E.S

LEONARD

Matson's Bakery, corner of Broad and Dodge Streets about 1908. Pictured Corby Giese and Bob
Voss. (Photo courtesy Geneva Lake Area Museum)

No swimmers here at Big Foot Beach today. (Photo taken in the winter of 1993)

South side of Main Street 1918. (Photo cour~
tesy C.Teneva Lake Area Museum.)

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Serving the Lakes Area Since 1959- 248-3653

51

BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS

BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS

(\vhen you

l

I Cough and Cough I

Charles Berndt ahown in front of Traver &
Parshall, which opened in 1903, first as a
grocery store, but later moved into hardware
_ , paints, coal, roofing ohest metalo,
and even china. Traver& Parshall alaoran the
DiamondiDock Supply H<>uoe. (Photo courteoy
Mrs. Charles Berndt)

and can't
stop
View of Center Street in 1904, from the bolcoay of Ford'• Opera H<>uoe. (Courtesy Geneva Lake
Area Museum)

In 188'7, John E. Burton built hie piat mill, Burton F!OIIl'iq Millo, at the eomerof Mill and Main
Streeto where the dam is located. The WiscoDoinPower and Light Company now occupiea this oite.
(Courtesy Geneva Lake Area Muaeum)

Coughing
use

(Photo courteoy Mrs. Charlea Berndt)

T. J. HANNA & SON

~~~~]
OFPC:.':J TE ;"':~:;T NAT10NAL Blt.NK.

Main Street, Lake Geneva, Wiaccmain 1907.
(Photo courteoy Lake Geneva Public Library)
DIAMOND BLOCT>: "I

HAMMERSLEY'S

l'~~!te Pi~:gh Syrup

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Mesae and fiiDiily. The
Meaoe family built the oriaina1 ot.ouctun>
whore the Geneva Lake Area Muoeum otondo
today. They ......, olao ...,..... of Pantorium
Cl......,.. & Dyero. (Photo courteoy of Geneva
Lake Area Mueeum)

The lint Mr. Hammeroley cams to Lake Ge·

Hardware and Plumbing
WIIN y011 meN SOM neW PY•binror tbe old
repaired a:ive 111 a trial alld wrt= will frY to please
,_. Wca!n')'allkildsof

(Photo courteoy Geneva Lake Area Muoeum)

PLC:MBING GOODS AND UO.\'t' SIJJ:>PLIES,

Ia tiie tt.nlwarc Depulmc:al you -.II' fiad everythilg
oeedrdr.rcar,e.tersand Builllen~alldallk-olllousc
furllishlnr pod&. We sdl Paints. Oil, Olass and Rope. aad
~•~et~tslottllcnllk•wa

IOQIS SJEEI. RAN6ES ud SHEA~6A~~u:lzou

Hammersley'• Drup opened in 1865 and
served the community well for 115 years,
clooiDB in 1980. The soda fountain wao the
bineot attraction (at leaot far the youth).
Speciality: fronm fudge over mint ice c:n>am.
When the drug ~ closed at 741 Main
Street, coffee wu still1()e a cup.

DeVa in 1863 (he wao born in Enaland). Four
generationa ofHammenley pharmacista were
involved in the buoineso. Oulyone of tho fiiDiily
remaino alive today: Mr. William S. Hammersley, Jr. who residea in Lake Geneva.

C. LA~EN.

(Photo courteay Geneva Lake Area Museum)
(Photo courteoy Geneva Lake Area Museum)

This Page Sponsored by Le Cookery
52

Don Todd (Owner) -Caroline Zador (Manager)

53

BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS

The Steffen Collection, an elegant store with antiques and b-aditional funiliobiup, is now located
in the former Rich KOilllel building at Main and Mill Streeta.

BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS

Owners of the Steffen Collection are Robert
and Pam Steffen. Mra. Steffen prefers to have
her feet photographed, as she just purchased
these new and fancy jeweled "sneakers" from
Neiman-Marcua in Texas. The shoea are
beautiful, but eo is Pam Steffan. Stop into this
fascinating interior deaign establishmem and
you will see for youraelfl

The Paint Spot in conetruction in 1947. (Photo courtesy Charles Bowmen, Jr., Lake Gm>ova)

Main s-t. Lake Geneva in the late 1940's.
(Photc courtesy Lake Ganeva Public Library)

This Bite, the earner of Walworth and Sage
Streets wu alwaya home to some kind of
pocery store. At one time called Liebhardt's
Grocery. Their TbalJksaiving tradition was to
put a turkey on the roof and the people in town
would oome with brooms and sticks, teyine to
"tease" the bird down. If it came down with
your thrust, the turkey wae yourel In 1951,
this location became The Clovar Farm Store
owned by the Triglofffamily. The Clovar Farm
II'OC8'Y wae eold in 1979 and the building is
vaeanttodey.

In the early 1900's, this building was in the
businesa of Veterinary Medicine, serving
mostly large farm animals and horses, although bne can see by the sign, they also
boarded pets. (Courtesy Lake Gm>ova Public
Library)

Railton's Town Crier Furniture was the
original location of Murphy's Mill Run Hotel in
the mid-1800"s. Railtons's offers a fine selec·
tion of home furnishings. Owned and operated
by the Railton brvthers: Dennis and Joe, Jr.

54

O...tav Hecht, father ofMyrtle Hecht Trigloff,
cuttinjr meat at the Clovar Farm Store in the
1960'e. (Photo courtesy the late Myrtle 'J'ri.
sloff, Lake Geneva)

The Paint Spot, 706 Madison 8u-eet is owned and operated by Charles Bowman, Jr. It ..,.;,;naiiy
was owned by hie father, Charles, who has sinoe retired.

SideviewofRailton's Town Crier Jives one another aspect ofwhat the former Mill Run Hotel looked
like. Location 123 Center Su-eet.

This Page Sponsored by The Steffen Collection

55

BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS

BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS

The Landmark Center, built in 1873-74 by
W .L. Jenney, was originally called The Met·
ropolitan Block. Located at the corner of Main
and Broad Streets, the center ia home to many
unique speciality shoppes.

Kristine Lund Jolmaon, owner of one of Lake
Geneva's newest busineaees: The Book Buffet,
located at 125 Center Street.

Main Street Lake Geneva, 1993.

Yumyum ••. ah, theaweettoothcenteroftown!
Tlilio chocolate shop is located in the Landmark
Center.

The Dwm family ofDwm Lumber True Value
Hardware Company located at 826 North
Street. 1'ictured L to R: Edward F. Dwm, Jr.,
Mike, Terry and Tim Dunn. The lumber
company was eterted almoet 100 yeers ago by
Edward's father, and was at one time was
called IJoujrlU8 & Dwm Lumber.

,

~
~

~

.

Tlilio sian advertising Gold Medal Flour still
remains on the old atone mill building that
was once part of Burton, Denison and
Davidson Feed Mill, opened in 1903 on North
Street in Lake Geneva. The atnwture is now a
warehouse for Dwm Lumber.

56

Photographed after extensive remodeling to
Dwm Lumber in 1993.

Location: Main Street, Lake Geneva.

Location: Main Street, Lake Geneva.

Meeullouah Pharmacy 269 Broad Street. Still
the frieDdly drug atora that evan makee deliverisel The otora, including the pharmacy
oecti<lll, is a real shOPPing treat: ehina, cryatal
(included Waterford), jewelry, and the finest
in men's and women's cosmetics. Owned by
the McCullough family, fathar Edward, and
his two ...... Bob and Jim. 1'ictured two McCullough employees: L to &, Jane Payne and

Lina Caligiuri.

Often referred to as "Frick and Frack_H, these two friendly pharmacists are always available to
lll1SWer queations and fill yow medicine needs ••• and always with a amile. Pictured L to R: Lisa
Kosteeki and Tom White.

This Page Sponsored by Book Buffet Children's Bookstore

57

BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS

BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS
Restaurants

lie Ben Franklin Store and the Comerstome Shoppe, 214 Broad Street. Owned and operated by
II and Peggy Rode, this eetablishment is the moat recent updated busin888 in town. (At ODe time,
AJbb Hardware was on this corner; late 1890's).

THE LITI'LE DANISH TEA ROOM
was opened by Marie Klindt Houlberg
and Martin Nels Houlberg in 1933. The
Houlberga originally came to the United
States from Denmark. The tea room was
formerly their summer residence called
"Blue Bird Cottage". (Location: 422
Wells Street)
The restaurant opened serving cmlytea
and sandwiches, but in the years to follow
the menu was greatly expanded. (Reports
say lunches cost 50·75e and dinners 85e
and up!)
With the increase in business, the
Houlherg son, Victor, joined the family in
serving up many Danish specialities:
Frikadeller (Danish meatballs), apple
cakes and apricot and rum puddings ...
all with a Danish flavor, of course.
Mrs. Houlberg died in 1958 at the age
of 93 and Victor ran the tea room. A new
kitchen was added and the name was
shortened to "The Danish Tea Room".
Marvine (Houlberg) Corley, who still
resides in Lake Geneva, remembers
helping har father at the restam·ant with
chores as varied as peeling potatoes to
assisting with payroll!
The Danish Tea Room was sold and the
fl1'8t name change was to The Great Dane
Restaurant. After that, it became Fazio's,
The Excalibur, and today is called Cele·
brations on Wells Street, owned by
Charlie Lorenso.
If one talks with any older folks in Lake
Geneva about the wonderful restaurants
of yore, one of the first mentioned is The
Danish Tea Room.

you'll enjoy Old World Atmosphere at

Tti~ f3AI:?f3().,L~
PRIVATE DINING
ROOMS

~

!'

PHONE
CHestnut 8-2455

ON BROAD 3 BLOCKS NORTH OP LAKE IN

Celebration on Welle St>eetl!eataurantwas at
onetime the loeation of"l'be Little Danish Tea
Room". Celebration on Wells iB owned and
operated by Charlie Lorenzo, Lake Ganeva.

THE GARGOYLE was one of Lake
Geneva's most popular restaurants for
many years. Located at 430 Broad Street,
it was opened by Paul Junker in 1921.
During prohibition, The Gargoyle was
"the place to be". Junker opened a rathskeller on the lower level which included
a speakeasy. Patrons often had to use a
special esrd to enter. During the 1930's
Mr. Junker had regular radio broadcasts
from The Gargoyle. There were many
Tiffany windows in the rathskeller ceiling that had come from the John Burton
home. Fragments of the Burton home
wrought iron fencing still surround the
restaurant.
After The Gargoyle, it was Dana's for a
short time, then Augie's, and today The
Cactus Club Restaurant occupies the
former Gargoyle.

LAKE GENEVA, WIS. ,

(Photo courtesy Geneva Lake AreaMuasum of
History)

The Olympic Restaurant has beeo in businesa
for over 50 years. It was cuiginally owned by
Anthony Condoo. in 1974, AnthODY sold the
restaurant to his nephew, Bill. Bill Condos
and hi8 wife, Maria, are current owners and

operatore of The Olympic. Location: 748 Main
Street.

The c...tua Club,loeatedon Broad St..et,..,..
housed the Gargoyle Restaurant. This reata:urant ie now owned and operated by Richard
Bush and speoializea in Mexican food. (Photo
courtesy, Richard Bush)

HANNY'S RESTAURANT, a wonder·
fu1 stopping off place for a filling breakfast, was opened by Jim and Doris Hanny
in October of 1939. The Hanny family
operated the restaurant until they sold it
in 1983 to Ken and Joyce Bouhl, current
owners. Location: 501 Broad Street.

Gargoyle Restaurant :run by Paul Junker was
an exciting plaoe to "visit" during pzobibition
Yes, the mystery question: How many busi!le&ses have occupied this corner: Main and
Broad S1>'eeta? What was the first building
llere and what store is now located in this red
orick structure? And finally, who are these
Oeautiful, smiling young women who are a
part of the cummt businesa? ADswero will be
pven in the second edition of YESTERDAY,

l'ODAY &FOREVER.

Annette Lock, of the Breaclloaf Book Shop, a
unique haven for all reading buHs. The store is
aurrounded with literature, music and art
posters givin« off an ambience of intellectual
:refmemenL Owned by Richard Stroes, former

Chicago book dietributor, the Breadloaf
opened in 1971. Mr. Stroes' .,.andfatber bad
lived in Lake Geneva and be often visited with
him. He fell in low with this orea and sub·
.......,.tly moved h..., and this book store has

"l'be Little Danish Tea Room" was opened in

1983 by Mr. and Mrs. Martin Nels Houlberg at
422 Wells St. It was sold in 1968. (Photo
courtesy Marvine Corley, Lake Geneva,
daughter of the Houlbsrga)

days. Location: 430 Broad Street. (Photo
courtesy Jerry GI..., Lake Geneva)

Hanoy's lieotaurant, apeeializing in "down
home cooking" was opened in 1939 by Mr. and
Mrs. James H1111DY.It was sold in 1983 to Ken
and Joyee Boubl who are the cummt OW!W"B.
Location: 501 Brvad Street.

Lake Aire Restaurant, located at the corner of
Broad and Main Stzeeto, has beeo operating
for 35-40 yean. The United States Foot Office
Buildina' was once on tb.is corner. Current
owners, George and Helen Condos.

become his life.

58

59

BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS

BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS

Emily Baker died in 1894 and her heirs
sold the property to Celinda Walkup (in
about 1896) and it operated in conjunction with the Dr. Oscar King's Lakeside
and Oakwood sanitariums and was
known as the Lakeside Cottage. In 1926,
the building became the Lakeside Hotel.
In the 1940's, under new ownership, the
name was changed to the St. Moritz.
This Queen Anne style structure, now
a restaurant, offers fme aristocratic di·
ning with a special kind of historical

atmosphere. The exterior of the St.
peedo's Harbor Side Cafe (corner of Broad
:reet and Wrigley Drive) is located directly
:ross from Geneva Lake and is a busy, busy
rmm.er eatery. Speedo's has been owned by
;:tyro and Patricia Condos for ilfteen years,
?yro Condos was a fanner mayor of Lake

THE ST. MORITZ, located at 327
>rigley Drive, was built in 1885 by
obert Hall Baker for his wife, Emily, as
summer residence. It was originally
tlled Redwood Cottage. The Baker
mily settled here in Lake Geneva as
,me of the earliest residents in the
.id-1830's. Robert Baker's father,
harles Minton Baker, was a judge and
te first District Attorney in Walworth
ounty in 1839.

Moritz consists of seven different pate
terns of intricately cut redwood shingles.
There is a three-story round tower with a
steep witch's cap roof, representing 19th
century elegance. The interior still contains twelve hand carved frreplaces, with
four of the original chimneys. An open
staircase gives a view from the f:trat to the
third floor.
The St. Moritz Restaurant has its own
private docking facilities, and pride
themselves in the preparation of elegant
picnic baskets for your summer enterc
taining. Owned by Peter N. Pappas, the
St. Moritz is the only remaining building
that was once involved with the Laka

Sweet Jemma Rae's (221 Broad Street) is one
of Lake Geneva's newest attractions. Follow~
in.g the passion for gourmet coffees and fme
chocolates, owners Carole and Gary Paxson
have added a delightful new ..flavor'' to the
city. Pictured: Janis Hartley and Linda Ott.

Chicago Pizza Authority (150 Center Street)
located directly across the street from the post
office, was once Kohn'a Saloon. This was the
first saloon in town. Note inscribed "P.H.
Kohn" on this granite building. Kohn'a opened
in 1910 and was the true "watering hole" for
the town folks. The Chicago Pizza Authority is
owned by John and Linda Regester and they
have left the interior, including the bar, as it
was in 1910.

Hog & Kisses (149 Broad Street) is a local spot
for the young and old. On the weekends during
the summer, ''Hogs" is literally SRO (standing
room. only).

Note golf bags as legs for the tables. Other
attractions include indoor basketball net/toss
and scores of athletic memorabilia. Champs
Sports Bar and Grill is owned by Greg Bush,
Richard Bush, and Chuck Loth.

Geneva Sanitariums.

Popeye's Restaurant was opened by Nick
Anagnos in 1959 at which time he named it,
"Popeye's Galley & Grog". With a strictly
nautical atmosphere and a large area of
window seating, one had best get to Popeye's
early. It's a busy place, especially during the
tourist season.

Champs Sports Bar and Grill (747 Main
Street) has been in existence since 1986. At
one time, the First National Bank was located
at this site and the place where the "famoua"
bank robbery took place in 1956. This spot is
indeed a sports center and THE place to be to
view all sports events on one of the many
large-screened televisions.

Annie's Ice Cr-eam Parlor (712 Main Street) is
the place for good, old~fashioned ice cream.
Housed in the building that was originally The
First Bank of Lake Geneva (1884), the restaurant has kept the old bank's interior much
as it was then. Annie's has been a popular
eating spot for thirteen years. Previous owner:
Mary Paterson. Current owners: Roger and
Myriam Behm.. (Photo courtesy Lake Geneva

Regional News).

Scuttlebutt's, directly overlooking Geneva
Lake, is located at 831 Wrigley Drive. Excellent food is always served in a very ..outdoor~
ish.. atmosphere.

SCUTI'LEBUITS, located on Wrigley
Drive, was once a residence, Swned by a
well-known ''Madame" from Chicago.
Local residents believe that this was her
home and not a business, and she did not
"work" here as such, although it was
common knowledge that she ran various
houses of ill-repute in Chicago.
St. Moritz Restaurant, once a private residence and later on, a "dormitory" for Dr.
Oakwood and Lakeside Sanitariums. Located at 327 Wrigley Drive.
St. Moritz is owned and operated by Peter N. Pappas.

le fabulous

ICar King's patients from hie

le

RED GERANIUM RESTAURANT
(Hwy 50) is not just a favorite spot for a

ladies' luncheon, but women love the
warm and relaxing atmosphere, not to

The Red Geranium (Hwy 50) at one time was
a private residence and later on an antique
shoppe. Owned and operated by the Swatek
family, the restaurant is a delightful place for
lunch or dinner.

mention the decor and style shows that
are held on a regular basis.
This restaurant has a most friendly
ambience for those with a desire to sit,

Entrance to the Red Geranium Restaurant
which opened in 1985.

chat, and enjoy gourmet food. Easily
accessible from downtown Lake Geneva,
the Red Geranium is owned and operated
by the Swatek family.

61

THE RIVIERA

THE RIVIERA

~fore

the Riviera was built (circa
0, there had been a dance pavilion in
tt the same location at the water's
~. It was a fairly crude, wooden
oture but was a popular place during
~uromer months. This pavilion was
vn as the Northport Ballroom. Also
Us area were lBl"ge wooden water
<S, merry-go-rounds, and the special
;, hydro-plane rides over the lake.
te Riviera has always been the focal
t of Lake Geneva: a center for
vone to congregate for walldng the
e trails, enjoyjng the beach, boat
rsion rides, and shopping in the
1 boutiques on the lower level ... not
ention the numerous eateries that
mnd the building.
_is Italian Renaissance Revival
ture (with its graceful arches, 32
: columns, parquet dance floor and
nirror-faceted ball chandelier) was
during the Great Depression by
. (Works Public Administration)

Ray Applegate's hydroplane in 1927. He "gave" rides for $5.00 a spin. (Photo courtesy Robert
Chase, Lake Genea)

Water slides that once were part of the sum·
mer fun around the Northport Ballroom
(Photo courtesy Alice Hackett and Geneva
Lake Area Museum)

courtesy Jerry Glass, Lake Geneva)

$55,000 bond issue. The concourse

The opening night celebration of the

,..igned by James &y Allen and is
1:ed by 280 piles driven into bedm a man~made peninsula. The
lll is surrounded by docks, piers
•ats of all sizes and descriptions.
Riviera, both a marina and reclal facility, was so named in 1932
'· Hobart Smith. The city of Lake
a held a contest to find the "pernne for this edifice and Mrs. Smith
e proud winner of $25.00 for her

Riviera in May of 1932 was a gala affair
featuring Wayne King and his Orchestra.
During the 1930's and 1940's and the Big
Band Era, Tommy Dorsey, Paul Whiteman and Louis Armstrong were fre~
quent entertainers. (There were also slot
machines available during these days for
a little "added spice" to the evening!)
By the 1960's, The Riviera had fallen
into disrepair and neglect. Fortunately a
number of interested citizens and organizations fought for its renovation to

''The Riviera".

restore the building to its original gran·
deur. In the mid~l980's the Riviera was
renovated at a cost of $350,000. Total
restoration was completed in 1993.
This exquisite building, listed in The
National Register of Historic Places,
holds fond memories for many people
and even today, it is the center of at~
traction in Lake Geneva, especially

Lower level eateries in the Riviera building.

"A little bit of New Orleans" located in the
lower level of the Riviera,

during the hot, summer months. The
upstairs ballroom can still be rented for
large parties, proms, wedding receptions
and other important social events.
Lake Geneva is proud of her ''Riviera,.
on the water.

This Page Sponsored by Potter's Signs & Art Supplies

63

THE RIVIERA
~fore

THE RIVIERA

the Riviera was built (circa
had been a dance pavilion in

~).there

Lt the same location at the water's
~.

It was a fairly crude, wooden
oture but was a popular place during
summer months. This pavilion was
vn as the Northport Ballroom. Also
lis area were large wooden water
,s, merry~go-rounds, and the special
;, hydro-plane rides over tbe lake.
te Riviera has always been the focal
t of Lake Geneva: a center for
vone to congregate for walking the
e trails, enjoying the beach, boat
rsion rides, and shopping in the
1 boutiques on the lower level ... not
ention the numerous eateries that
>und tbe building.
is Italian Renaissance Revival
ture (with its graceful arches, 32
: columns, parquet dance floor and
nittor-faceted ball chandelier) was
during the Great Depression by
. (Works Public Administration)

Ray Applegate's hydroplane in 1927. He "gave" rides for $5.00 a spin. (Photo courtesy Robert
Chaae, Lake Genea)

Water slides that once were part of the sum·
mer fun around the Northport Ballroom
(Photo courtesy Alice Hackett and Geneva
Lake Area Museum)

courtesy Jerry Glass, Lake Geneva)

$55,000 bond issue. The concourse
'signed by James Roy Allen and is
oted by 280 piles driven into bedm a man-made peninsula. The
1g is surrounded by docks, piers
•ats of all sizes and descriptions.
Riviera, both a marina and reclal facility, was so named in 1932
l. Hobart Smith. The city of Lake
a held a contest to find tbe "perune for this edifice and Mrs. Smith
,e proud winner of $25.00 for her
''The Riviera".

The opening night celebration of the
Riviera in May of 1932 was a gala affalr
featuring Wayne King and his Orchestra.
During the 1930's and 1940's and tbe Big
Band Era, Tommy Dorsey, Paul Whiteman and Louis Armatrong were frequent entertainers. (There were also slot
machines available during these days for
a little "added spice" to the evening!)
By the 1960's, The Riviera had fallen
into ilisrepalr and neglect. Fortunately a
number of interested citizens and organizations fought for its renovation to

Lower level eateries in the Riviera building.

restore the building to its original gran~
deur. In the mid-1980's the Riviera was
renovated at a cost of $350,()(X). Total
restoration was completed in 1993.
This exquisite building, listed in The

National Register of Historic Places,
holds fond memories for many people
and even today, it is the center of atu
traction in Lake Geneva, especially
during the hot, summer months. The
upstairs ballroom can still be rented for
large parties, proms, wedding receptions
and other important social events.
Lake Geneva is proud of her "Riviera"
on the water.

"A little bit of New Orleans" located in the
lower level of the Riviera.

This Page Sponsored by Potter's Signs & Art Supplies

63

THE RIVIERA

THE RIVIERA

~fore

the Riviera was built (circa
there had been a dance pavilion in
tt the same location at the water's
l, It was a fairly crude, wooden
::ture but was a popular place during
summer months. This pavilion was
m as the Northport Ballroom. Also
:lis area were large wooden water
.a, merry-go-rounds, and the special
;, hydro-plane rides over the lake.
te Riviera has always been the focal
t of Lake Geneva: a center for
vone to congregate for walking the
e trails, enjoying the beach, boat
rsion rides, and shopping in the
I boutiques on the lower level ... not
ention the numerous eateries that
>und the bullding .
.is Italian Renaissance Revival
ture (with its graceful arches, 32
: columns, parquet dance :floor and
nirror-faceted ball chandelier) was
during the Great Depression by
. (Works Public Administration)
~).

Ray Applegate's hydroplane in 1927. He "gave" rides for $5.00 a spin. (Photo courtesy Robert

Chase, Lake Genes)

Water slide& that once were part of the aum·
mer fun around the Northport Ballroom
(Photo courtesy Alice Hackett and Geneva
Lake Area Museum)

courtesy Jerry Glass, Lake Geneva)

$55,000 bond issue. The concourse
lBigned by James Roy Allen and is
cted by 280 piles driven into bedm a man-made peninsula. The
1g is surrounded by docks, piers
1ats of all sizes and descriptions.
Riviera, both a marina and rec>al facility, was so named in 1932
'· Hobart Smith. The city of Lake
a held a conteat to imd the "perune for this edifice and Mrs. Smith
•e proud winner of $25.00 for her
''The Riviera".

The opening night celebration of the
Riviera in May of 1932 was a gala affair
featuring Wayne King and his Orchestra.
During the 1930's and 1940's and the Big
Band Era, Tommy Dorsey, Paul Whiteman and Louis Armstrong were frequent entertainers. (There were also slot
machines available during these days for
a little "added spice" to the eveulng!)
By the 1960's, The Riviera had fallen
into disrepair and neglect. Fortunately a
number of interested citizens and organizations fought for its renovation to

restore the building to its original gran·
deur. In the mid-1980's the Riviera was
renovated at a cost of $350,{X)(). Total
restoration was completed in 1993.
This exquisite building, listed in The
National Register of Historic Places,
holds fond memories for many people
and even today, it is the center of attraction in Lake Geneva, especially
during the hot, summer months. The
upstairs ballroom can still be rented for
large parties, proms, wedding receptiona
and other important social events .
Lake Geneva is proud of her "Riviera"
on the water.

Lower level eateries in the Riviera building.

..A little bit of New Orleans" located in the
1ower level of the Riviera.

This Page Sponsored by Potter's Signs & Art Supplies

63

THE RIVIERA
~fore the Riviera
~), there had been a

THE RIVIERA

was built (circa
dance pavilion in

1t the same location at the water's
l. It was a fairly crude, wooden

cture but was a popular place during
summer months. This pavilion was
vn as the Northport Ballroom. Also
J.is area were large wooden water
,s, merry-go~rounds, and the special
;, hydro-plane rides over the lake.
te Riviera has always been the focal
t of Lake Geneva: a center for
vone to congregate for walking the
e trails, enjoying the beach, boat
rsion rides, and shopping in the
l boutiques on the lower level .. , not
ention the numerous eateries that
mnd the building.
is Italian Renaissance Revival
ture (with its graceful arches, 32
: columns, parquet dance floor and
nirror-faceted ball chandelier) was
during the Great Depression by
(Works Public Administration)

Ray Applegate's hydroplane in 1927. He "'gave.. rides for $5.00 a spin. (Photo co'I.U'tesy Robert
Chase, Lake Genea)

Water slides that once were part of the sum·
mer fun B.l"ound the Northport Ballroom
(Photo courtesy Alice Hackett and Geneva
Lake Area Museum)

courtesy Jerry Glasa, Lake Geneva)

$55,000 bond issue. The concourse
•signed by James Roy Allen and is
cted by 280 piles driven into bedm a man-made peninsula. The
1g is sUITOunded by docks, piers
~ats of all sizes and descriptions.
Riviera, both a marina and reelS! facility, was so named in 1932
1. Hobart Smith. The city of Lake
a held a contest to fmd the "perfor this edifice and Mrs. Smith
e proud winner of $25.00 for her
''The Riviera".

=•

The opening night celebration of the
Riviera in May of 1932 was a gala affair
featuring Wayne King and his Orcheatra.
During the 1930's and 1940's and the Big
Band Era, Tommy Dorsey, Paul Whiteman and Louis Annstrong were fre.
quent entertainers. (There were also slot
machines available during these days for
a little "added spice" to the evening!)
By the 1960's, The Riviera had fallen
into disrepair and neglect. Fortunately a
number of interested citizens and orga~
nizationa fought for its renovation to

restore the building to its original gran·
deur. ln the mid-1980's the Riviera was
renovated at a cost of $350,000. Total
restoration was completed in 1993.
This exquisite building, listed in The
National Register of Historic Places,
holds fond memories for many people
and even today, it is the center of attraction in Lake Geneva, especially
during the hot, summer months. The
upstairs ballroom can still be rented for
large parties, proms, wedding receptions
and other important social events.
Lake Geneva is proud of her "Riviera"
on the water.

Lower level eateries in the Riviera building.

"A little bit of New Orleans" located in the
lower level of the Riviera.

This Page Sponsored by Potter's Signs & Art Supplies

63

HORTICULTURAL HALL

e former T .J. Hanna home once locau.! on Broad Stroot where the Horticultural Hall now
onda. (Ph.OO courtesy Geneva Lake Area Museum)

.e arand and glorious Horticultural Hall bunt in 1915.

>rticultural Hall, the exquisite old and
mous landmark building located at 330
'Oad Street, was once the home ofT.J.
mna who was a cabinetmaker and
tdertaker here in Lake Geneva.

In 1911, Simeon B. Chapin" purchased
this land and gave the property to the
Lake Geneva Horticultural Society
which he helped organize. The hall was
erected in 1915 at a coat of $3600.00. The

LAKE GENEVA PUBLIC LIBRARY

money was raised by the sale of 200
shares of stock ... at $100 per share.
Robert Ma1sch and two of his sons were
the contractore.
Many benefit flower and garden shows
have been held at the hall during the last
sixty years by the Lake Geneva Garden
Club which began under the guidance of
Mrs. Charles L Hutchinson in 1915 (one
of the oldest garden clube in the country).
The Garden Club helped immensely in
supporting the Horticultural Hall in the
early years. Another active group associated with the hall was the Gardeners' &
Foremen's Association which began in
the early 1900's. They also had flower
and garden exhibitions. During the
Great Depression, when these estate
gardeners were not making any money,
Chapin allowed them to take care of the
landscaping at the Horticultural Hall.
In 1948, The Geneva Area Foundation
was formed as a non-profit group man·
aged by a Board of Directors appointed
from within the community. During the
1980's exteneive interior and exterior
work was done to restore the hall.
The Horticultural Hall remains today
the center of numerous social and civic
affairs. With its ivy-covered wall that
encompasses the grassy courtyard, it is a
delightful setting for wedding receptions,
banquets, special family parties and
numerous cultural and community
events.
The Horticultural Hall is indaed a
"monument" of beauty and charm.
"Chapin was also the millionairs phi·
lanthropist who founded the Lake Geneva Water Safety Patrol. His pbilos·
ophy of life was so stated: "' would have
no right to the things I have if I did not
share them with others.• (Chapin died in
1945 at the age of 80.)

The present Lake Geneva Library, daaiJined by
James P. Dluoer, a pupil of Frank Lloyd
Wright.

The IIUinJJler home ef the George Sturp. family which was willed to the city of Lake Geneva by
Mory D. Sturps, apecifieallyforthe oite of a public library and pork (1894). (Ph.OO courtesy Robert
Weheter, Sr., Lake Geneva)

Note the prajrie-atyle erchitectural deaisn, with sloping roof and unusual window ...._.m,
The new library was opened and dedication ceremonies held in December 1954. Coat: $157,000.

65

HORTICULTURAL HALL

LAKE GENEVA PUBLIC LIBRARY

money was raised by the sale of 200
shares of stock ... at $100 per share.
Robert Maisch and two of his sons were

_e former T.J. Hanna home once located on Broad Street where the Horticultural Hall now
mds. (Photo courtesy Geneva Lake Area Museum)

the contractors.
Many benefit flower and garden shows
have been held at the hall during the last
sixty years by the Lake Geneva Garden
Club which began under the guidance of
Mrs. Charles L. Hutchinson in 1915 (one
of the oldest garden clubs in the country).
The Garden Club helped immensely in
supporting the Horticultural Hall in the

The present Lake Geneva Library, designed by
James P. Dresser, a pupil of Frank Lloyd
Wright.

The summer home of the George Sturges family which was willed to the city of Lake Geneva by
Mary D. Sturges, specifically for the site of a public library and park (1894). (Photo courtesy Robert
Webster, Sr., Lake Geneva)

early years. Another active group associated with the hall wae the Gardeners' &
Foremen's Association which began in

the early 1900's. They aleo had flower
and garden exhibitions. During the
Great Depression, when these estate
gardeners were not making any money,
Chapin allowed them to take care of the
landscaping at the Horticultural Hall.
In 1948, The Geneva Area Foundation
was formed as a non~profit group managed by a Board of Directors appointed
from within the community. During the
1980's extensive interior and exterior
work was done to restore the hall.
The Horticultural Hall remaine today
the center of numerous social and civic
affairs. With its ivy-covered wall that
encompasses the grassy courtyard, it is a
delightful setting for wedding receptiom,
banquets, special family parties and
numerous cultural and community

events.
The Horticultural Hall is indeed a
"monument" of beauty and charm.
.e grand and glorious Horticultural Hall built in 1915.

lrticultural Hall, the exquisite old and
mous landmark building located at 330
'Oad Street, was once the home ofT.J.
mna who was a cabinetmaker and
tdertaker here in Lake Geneva.

In 1911, Simeon B. Chapin • purchased
this land and gave the property to the
Lake Geneva Horticultural Society
which he helped organize. The hall was
erected in 1915 at a cost of $3500.00. The

•chapin was also the millionaire philanthropist who founded the Lake Geneva Water Safety Patrol. His philosophy of life was so stated: "! would have
no right to the things I have if I did not
share them with others." (Chapin died in
1945 at the age of 80.)

Note the prairie-style architectural design, with sloping roof and unusual window arrangement.
The new library was opened and dedication ceremonies held in December 1954. Cost: $157,000.

HORTICULTURAL HALL

e former T.J. Hanna home once located on Broad Street where the Horticultural Hall now
mds. (Photo courtesy Geneva Lake Area Museum)

e grand and glorious Horlicultural Hall built in 1915,

>rticultural Hall, the exquisite old and
IDOUS landmark building located at 330
'Oad Street, was once the home of T.J.
mna who was a cabinetmaker and
tdertaker here in Lake Geneva.

In 1911, Simeon B. Chapin • purchased
this land and gave the property to the
Lake Geneva Horticultural Society
which he helped organize. The hall was
erecl:ed in 1915 at a cost of $3500.00. The

LAKE GENEVA PUBLIC LIDRARY

money was raised by the sale of 200
shares of stock ... at $100 per share.
Robert Maisch and two of his sons were
the contractors.
Many benefit flower and garden shows
have been held at the hall during the last
sixty years by the Lake Geneva Garden
Club which began under the guidance of
Mrs. Charles L. Hutohinson in 1915 (one
of the oldest garden clubs in the country).
The Garden Club helped immensely in
supporting the Horticultural Hall in the
early years. Another active group asso·
ciated with the hall was the Gardeners' &
Foremen's Association which began in
the early 1900's. They alao had flower
and garden exhibitions. During the
Great Depression, when these estate
gardeners were not making any money,
Chapin allowed them to take care of the
landscaping at the Horticultural Hall.
1n 1948, The Geneva Area Foundation
was formed as a non-profit group managed by a Board or Directors appointed
from within the community. During the
1980's extensive interior and exterior
work was done to restore the hall.
The Horticultural Hall remains today
the center of numerous social and civic
affairs. With its ivy-covared wall that
encompasses the grassy courtyard. it is a
delightful setting for wedding receptions,
banquets, special family parties and
numerous cultural and community
events.
The Horticultural Hall is indeed a
"monument" of beauty and charm.
"'Chapin was also the millionaire philanthropist who rounded the Lake Geneva Water Safety Patrol. His philosophy of life was so stated: '1 would have
no right to the things I have if I did not
share them with others." (Chapin died in
1945 at the age of 80.)

The present Lake Geneva Library, designed by
James P. Dresser, a pupil of Frank Uoyd
Wright.

The summer home of the George Sturges family which was willed to the city of Lake Geneva by
Ma:ry D. Sturges, specifically for the site of a public library and park (1894). (Photo courtesy Robert
Webster, Sr., Lake Geneva)

Note the prairie-style architectura..l design, with sloping roof and unusual window arrangement.
The new library was opened and dedication ceremonies held in December 1954. Cost: $157,000.

HORTICULTURAL HAIL
.....) .. ·~\-._'..,_

~-~'-'-~,...

?e~- 'L ;~·

LUffiGE~VAPUBUCUBWffiY

~:"""\"-:t:c~ ..~..&

·.l..__~-(..--.......v:-hl--v •

~~ it;.: t</

;;. {/.7;; ill
'

j·

.e former T.J. Hanna home once located on Broad Street where the Horticultural Hall now
onds. (Photo courtesy Geneva Lake Area Muaeum)

.e grand and glorious Horticultural Hall built in 1915.

>rticultural Hall, the exquisite old and
mous landmark building located at 330

'Oad Street, was once the home of T.J.

mna who was a cabinetmaker and
.dertaker here in Lake Geneva.

In 1911, Simeon B. Chapin• purchased
this land and gave the property to the
Lake Geneva Horticultural Society
which he helped organize. The hall was
erected in 1915 at a cost of $3500.00. The

money was raised by the sale of 200
shares of etock ... at $100 per share.
Robert Maisch and two of his sons were
thecont.l'actors.
Many benefit flower and garden shows
have been held at the hall during the last
sixty years by the Lake Geneva Garden
Club which began under the guidance of
Mrs. Charles L. Hutchinaon in 1915 (one
of the oldest garden clubs in the country).
'Ihe Garden Club helped immensely in
supporting the Horticultural Hall in the
early years. Another active group asso·
ciated with the hall was the Gardeners' &
Foremen's Association which began in
the early 1900's. They also had flower
and garden exhibitions. During the
Great Depression, when these estate
gardeners wers not making any money,
Chapin allowed them to take care of the
landscaping at the Horticultural Hall.
In 1948, The Geneva Area Foundation
was formed as a non-profit group man·
aged by a Board of Directors appointed
from within the community. During the
1980's extensive interior and exterior
work was done to restore the hall.
The Horticultural Hall remains today
the center of numerous social and civic
affairs. With its ivy-covered wall that
encompasses the grssay courtyard, it is a
delightful setting for wedding receptions,
banquets, special family parties and
numerous cultural and community
events.
The Horticultural Hall is indeed a
"monument" of beauty and charm.
•chapin was also the millionaire phi·
lanthropist who founded the Lake Ge·
neve Water Safety Patrol. His philos·
ophy of life was so stated: "I would have
no right to the things I have if I did not
shers them with others. • (Chapin died in
1945 at the age of 80.)

The present Lake Geneva Library, deoi,ned by
James P. Dzesser, a pupil of Fnmk Lloyd
Wright.

The aummer home of tbe George Sturges family which was willed oo the city of Lake Geneva by
Mary D. Sturgea, opecifieally for the oite of a public library and park (1894). (Phooo courtesy Robert
Weboter, Sr., Lake Geneva)

~~

Note tbe prairie-style architectural design, witb sloping roof and unueual window arrangement.
The new library was opened and dedication ceremonies bald in Deoember 1954. Coat: $157,000.

66

LAKE GENEVA PUBLIC LIBRARY

LAKE GENEVA PUBLIC LIBRARY

Rememberwhen110inatothelibrffeymeant taking out books and whlspering at all times? Appeara
thinp have changed se one catches a glimpse of these yoUDJ' children worl<ing on the computers
.•• emilee plorel L toR: Sarah Counihan and Abbey U - , beth aixth ltl'1lde otudenta at Denison

· interior orcb.iteetural beauty of Jlsht and
a.neas of the Lake Geneva Public Library
ling area can be seen as one enters the
Je Barber Sherman Room with its spacious
dows directly overlookintr the lake. 'lb;s
n wse donated to the library in 1970 by Dr.
ber'e deugbter, Caroline Bari>er Ford.

Middle School.

Seated, Barbara Dam, Director of the Lake Geneva Librffey. Standing: June Malaeb Eytebeson
and ireDe Brown SculleY, Librffey Auistanta.

.944, Mary GridleY Bell bequeathed to the
ffrY, $100,000forthe solepwpoee of having
wding .....mere citizens may have the optunity of enjoying a &uitable library.''
oto OOill'tesy Lake Geneva Public LibrffrY)

In 1894, Mary D. Sturges deeded to the
city of Lake Geneva the Sturges family
summer cottage and three blocks of Main
Street to be expressly used for a public
library and the adjoining land, a park.
Her lettar to the Mayor and Common
Council, dated June 6, 1894 read ae euch:
"I hereby purpoee and agree to convey
to the City of Lake Geneva, my property
situated in Block 32 of said city ... but
lands shall be forever devoted to the uses
of a public park and a public library.•
The Sturgee home had been built in
1859 by A. W. Farr, but after the Chicago
Fire, the Sturges family built a three
story home, called Snug Harbor, west of
the h'brary site.
Previous to the opening of the library,
citizens in town had purchaeed approx-

imately 300 books from a traveling
salesman and had placed them in the
reading room of the local YMCA. When
the "new" library opened in 1894-1896,
these books were given to Ms. Florence
DeMain (the first appointed librarian) to
begin her circulation. Ms. DeMain had a
salary of $2.50 a week and she could be
seen walking to work in the winter
months carrying kindling to heat the
building. To measure how many bibliophiles used the library, she would pass
pink pills from one jar to another on a
daily basis!
The public library continued to grow
and by the 1930's, it was obvious thst a
new structure was needed. The planning
of anew building became a reality in 1945
with a bequest of $100,000 from the es-

Gall Pachucki, Children's Librarian, is wall-known for her initiatino of librffrY "'"-·oven". For
the pest 6-6 years, Mrs. Pachucki has continued a program of C>V4!l'~Ught reading aet-toeethere for
•PPI'Oldmately 75 children aroda• (2-6). 1n fact, author Stella Pevaner wrote a book about theee
Parties entitled The Night the Whole Class Slept Over. Of course, the librarian in the book is named
"Mrs. Gayle" ... spelled differently for ~ty. Seated to the ritrht of Gall Pachucki is Sally

tate of Mary Gridley Bell (born 1851; died
1944). Additional funds came from gifts
of the estates of General Henry Strong,
Mrs. Jennie Buckbee and John R. Simmons. City Council donated $30,000;
public donations $12,000 - a total
building fund of $167,000!
The present Lake Geneva Public Library was de~~"!i by James P. Dresser
who was a student of Frank Lloyd
Wright. The library operations were
moved to Horticultural Hall while the old
building was being razed and construction began. The prairie-style architecture
(a style which has led to the ranch house
today) includes horizontalliruis with gently
sloping roof, and windows arranged in
stripa. The building consists of Roman
brick and red oak to blend in with the
setting of Geneva Lake. Dedication of the
new Lake Geneva Public Library was in
1964.
In 1963, a room was added at the east
end of the library for meetings, film
showings, children's programs and adult
education classes. The addition was built
at no cost to the city, but rather from
funds from the estate of Mrs. Jennie
Buckbee. This area, named the Margaret
S. Smith Room, is in honor of Mrs. Hiram
Smith who had served as a h'brary trustee
from 1931-1963.
In 1970, The Alice Barher Shennan
Room, which overlooks the lake, was
added as a gift from Mrs. Caroline Barber
Ford, in memory of her mother. Dr.
Berber had been a pioneer among women
dentists in Wisconsin, having opened a
dental practice here in Lake Geneva in
1890 and continued to serve the community for 35 years.
Aleo in 1970, The Ethel Brann wing,
located at the west end of the library was
added. This area houses periodicals and
adult fiction. Mrs. Brann had served as
head librarisn for 32 years during which
time the library grew in regional importance (1936-1968).
The Lake Geneva Public Library, in
addition to its being one of the area's
leading cultural centers, has one unique
and envisble possession thst other libraries cannot equal: the magnificent
view of Geneva Lake, which is enjoyed by
library patrons today ae I am sure it was
back in 1894 after the benevolence of
Mary D. Sturges.
Barbara Davis is the current Library
Director and has held thst position since
1984.

Dic:uw., Auistant Youth Services Coordinator.

67

LAKE GENEVA PUBLIC LIBRARY

LAKE GENEVA PUBLIC LIBRARY

Remember when soiDa'tctha library meant taking out books and whispering at all timea? Appears
tbiDgs have changed aa one catches a glimpse of tb.... YDllDI< children working on tbe computer.

· interior arclrltectural beauty of light and
oneos of tha Lake Geneva Public Library
:ling area can be seen as one enters the
:e Buber Sherman Room with its spacious
dow& directly overlookins tbe lake. This
n was donated to the library in 1970 by Dr.
ber's daughter, CIU'Oline Barber Ford.

... smiles plore! L tc R: Sarah Counihan and Abbey U - . botb sinh (Ol'&cla stodenta at Denison
Middle School.

Seated, Barbara Davis, Directcr of tha Lake Geneva Library. Stan<lin8: June Malach Eytcheacn
and Irene Brown Sculley, Library Aosiatanta.

.944, Mary Gridley Bell bequeathed tc tbe
ary,$100,000forthaeclep\U]>OOOofhaving
Llilding "where citizens may have tbe opo
tunity of enjoying a suitable library."
otc ccurteey Lake Geneva Public Library)

In 1894, Mary D. Sturges deeded to the
city of Lake Geneva the sturges family
summer cottage snd three blocks of Main
Street to be expresBly used for a public
library and the acljoinmg lsnd, a park.
Her letter to the Mayor snd Common
Council, dated June 6, 1894 read as such:
"I hereby purpose snd agree to convey
to the City of Lake Geneva, my property
situated in Block 32 of said city ... but
lands shall be forsver devoted to the uses
of a public park and a public library."
The sturges home had been built in
1869 by A.W. Farr, but after the Chicago
Fire, the Sturges family built a three
etory home, called Snug Harbor, west of
the library site.
Previous to the opening of the library,
citizens in town had purchased approx-

imately 300 books from a traveling
salesman and had placed them in the
reading room of the local YMCA. When
the ''new" library opened in 1894-1895,
these books were given to Ms. Florence
DeMsin (the fU'et appointed librarian) to
begin her circulation. Ms. DeMsin had a
salary of $2.50 a week and she could be
seen walking to work in the winter
months carrying kindling to heat the
building. To measure how many bibliophiles ueed the library, she would paas
pink pills from one jar to another on a
daily basis!
The public library continued to grow
snd by the 1930's, it was obvious that a
new structure was needed. The planning
of a new building became a reality in 1945
with a bequeet of $100,000 from the ea-

Gail Pacbucki, Children's Librarian, is well-known for her initiation of library "oleep-overo•, For
tbe past 6-6 years, Mrs. Pacbucki hae contioued a pn>gram of overnight reading get-tcgetbere for
._.-...ately 75 children gredes (2.5). In fact, autbor Stella Pevsner wrote a book about tb...,
Parties entitled The Night lhe Whole Class Slept Over. Of couree, tha librarian in tha book is named
"Mno. Gayte• ... spelled differently for anoeymity, Seated tc tha right of Gail Pacbucki is Sally
Dicmaa, Auistant Youtb Services Coardinetcr.

tateofMaryGridleyBell(bornl851;died
1944). Additional funds came from gUts
of the estates of General Henry Strong,
Mrs. Jennie Buckbee and John R. Simmons. City Council donated $30,000;
public donations $12,000 - a total
building fund of $157,000!
The present Lake Geneva Public Library was d011ilr!>Ofl by James P. Dresser
who was a student of Frank Lloyd
Wright. The library operations were
moved to Horticultural Hall while the old
building was being razed and construction began. The prairie-style architecture
(a style which has led to the ranch house
today)includes horizontelline8 with gently
sloping roof, and windows arranged in
strips. The building consists of Roman
brick and red oak to blend in with the
setting of Geneva Lake. Dedication of the
new Lake Geneva Public Library was in
1964.
In 1963, a room was added at the east
end of the library for meetings, fllm
showings, children's programs snd adult
education claaaes. The addition was built
at no cost to the city, but rather from
funds from the estete of Mrs. Jennie
Buckbee. This area, named the Margaret
S. Smith Room, is in honor of Mrs. Hiram
Smith who had served as a library trustee
from 1931-1963.
In 1970, The Alice Barber Sherman
Room, which overlooks the lake, was
added as a gift from Mrs. Caroline Barber
Ford, in memory of her mother. Dr.
Barber had been a pioneer among women
dentiets in Wisconsin, having opened a
dental practice here in Lake Geneva in
1890 and continued to serve the community for 35 years.
Also in 1970, The Ethel Brann wing,
located at the weet end of the library was
added. This area houses periodicals and
adult fiction. Mrs. Brann had served as
head librarian for 32 years during which
time the library grew in regional importance (1936-1963).
The Lake Geneva Public Library, in
addition to its being one of the area's
leading cultural centers, has one unique
and enviable possession that other libraries cannot equal: the magnificent
view of Geneva Lake, which is enjoyed by
library patrons today as I am sure it was
back in 1894 after the benevolence of
Mary D. Sturges.
Barbara Davis is the current Library
Director and has held that position since
1984.

67

LAKE GENEVA PUBLIC LIBRARY

LAKE GENEVA PUBLIC LIBRARY

tate of Mary Gridley Bell (born 1851; died
1944). Additional funds came from gifts
of the estates of General Henry Strong,

Remember when IIOiniltothe h'brarymeant taking out books and whisperjns at all times? Appean
tbmp have c:hanaed aa ooe catches a ..limpse of theoe young children working on the computers
... smilea ralorel L toR: Sarah Coumhan and Abbey U~, both sixth l'l"'de students at Deoison
Middle Scbool.

, Interior arcbitectural beauty of light and
mesa of the Lake Geneva Public Library
tins' area can be seen as one enters the
:e Barber Sherman Room with its spacious
dows dinoctly overlooking the lake. This
n waa donated to the library in 1970 by Dr.
ber's daushter, Caroline Borber Ford.

Seated, Barbara Davis, Director of the Lake Geneva Library. Standing: June Maisch Eytcheson
and Irene Brown Sculley, Library Auistants,

.944, Mary Gridley Bell bequeathed to the
ary, $100,000forthesole pu1'])CHIO of having
oilding "where citizens may have the optun.ity of enjoying a suitable library."

oto courtesy Lake Geneva Public Library)

In 1894, Mary D. Sturges deeded to the
city of Lake Geneva the Sturges family
summer cottage and three blocks of Main
Street to be expressly used for a public
library and the adjoining land, a park.
Her letter to the Mayor and Common
Council, dated June 6, 1894 read as such:
"I hereby purpose and agree to convey
to the City of Lake Geneva, my property
situated in Block 32 of said city ... but
Ianda shall be forever devoted to the uses
of a public park and a public library. •
The Sturges home had been built in
1859by A.W. FBlT, but after the Chicago
Fire, the Sturges family built a three
story home, called Snug Harbor, west of
the library site.
Previous to the opening of the library,
citizens in town had purchased approx-

imately 300 books from a traveling
salesman and had placed them in the
reading room of the local YMCA. When
the ''new" library opened in 1394-1895,
these books were given to Ms. Florenoe
DeMain (the first appointed librarian) to
begin her circulation. Ms. DeMain bed a
salary of $2.50 a week and she could be
seen walking to work in the winter
months carrying kindling to heat the
building. To measure how many hibli·
ophiles used the library, she would pass
pink pills from one jar to another on a
daily basis!
The public library continued to grow
and by the 1930's, it was obvious that a
new structure was needed. The planning
of a new building became a reality in 1945
with a bequest of $100,000 from the es·

Gail Pachucki, Children's Librarian, is well-known for her initiation of library "sleep-oven". For
the past 5-6 yean, Mrs. Pachucki has continued a program of <>Vel'ldghtreading get.togetbero for
•PPI'Ozimately 75 children ll'•deo (2-5). in fact, author Stalla Pevoner wrote a book about tbeae
P&rties aotitled The Night the WholeCta.. Slept Over. Of couree, the librariaoin the bookia named
"Mn. Gayle" ... spelled diHerently for anonymity, Seated to the right of Gail Pechucki is Sally

Mrs. Jennie Buckbee and John R. Simmons. City Council donated $30,000;
public donations $12,000 - a total
building fund of $157,000!
The present Lake Geneva Public Li·
brary was dej!igpe[i by James P. Dresser
who was a student of Frank Lloyd
Wright. The library operations were
moved to Horticultural Hall while the old
building was being razed and construction began. The prairie-style architecture
(a style which has led to the ranch house
today) includes horizontal linea with gently
sloping roof, and windows 8lTanged in
strips. The building consists of Roman
brick and red oak to blend in with the
setting of Geneva Lake. Dedication of the
new Lake Geneva Public Library was in
1964.
In 1963, a room was added at the east
end of the library for meetings, film
showings, children's programs and adult
education classes. The addition was built
at no cost to the city, but rather from
funds from the estate of Mrs. Jennie
Buckbee. This area, named the Margaret
S. Smith Room, is in honor of Mrs. Hiram
Smith who had aerved as a library trustee
from 1981-1963,
In 1970, The Alice Barber Shermen
Room, which overlooks the lake, was
added as a gift from Mrs. Caroline Barber
Ford, in memory of her mother. Dr.
Barber had been a pioneer among women
dentists in Wisconsin, having opened a
dental practice here in Lake Geneva in
1890 and continued to serve the community for 35 years.
Also in 1970, The Ethel Brann wing,
locsted at the west end of the library was
added. This area houses periodicals and
adult fiction. Mrs. Brann had aerved as
head librarian for 32 yeara during which
time the library grew in regional im·
portance (1936-1968).
The Lake Geneva Public Library, in
addition to its being one of the area's
leading cultural centers, has one unique
and envisble possession that other li·
brarieo cannot equal: the magnificent
view of Geneva Lake, which is enjoyed by
library patrons today as I am sure it was
back in 1394 after the benevolence of
Mary D. Sturges.
Barbara Davis is the current Library
Director and has held that poeition since
1984.

Dicmao, Assiotaot Youth Serricea Coordinator.

67

LAKE GENEVA PUBUC UBRARY

LAKE GENEVA PUBUC LIDRARY

tate of Mary Gridley Bell (horn 1851; died
1944). Additional funds came from gifts
of the estates of General Henry Stroug,
Mrs. Jennie Buckbee and John R. Simmons. City Council donated $30,000;
public donations $12,000 - a total
building fund of $167,000!
The present Lake Geneva Public Library was de~igpe!i by James P. Dresser
who was a student of Frank Lloyd
Wright. The library operations were
moved to Horticultural Hall while the old
building was being razed and construction began. The prairie-style architecture
(a style which has led to the ranch house
today) includes horizontal
with gently
sloping roof, and windows arranged in
strips. The building consists of Roman
brick and red oak to blend in with the
aetting of Geneva Lake. Dedication of the
new Lake Geneva Public L!"brary was in
1964.
In 1963, a room was added at the eaet
end of the library for meetings, film
showings, children's programs and adult
education claases. The addition was built
at no cost to the city, but rather from
funds from the estate of Mrs. Jennie
Buckbee. This area, named the Margaret
S. Smith Room, is in honor of Mrs. Hiram
Smith who had served as a h"brarytrustee
from 1931-1963.
In 1970, The Alice Barber Sherman
Room, which overlooks the lake, was
added as a gift from Mrs. Caroline Barber
Ford, in memory of her mother. Dr.
Barber had been a pioneer among women
dentists in Wisconsin, having opened a
dents! practice here in Lake Geneva in
1890 and continued to serve the community for 35 years.
Also in 1970, The Ethel Brann wing,
located at the west end of the library was
added. This area houses periodicals and
adult fiction. Mrs. Brann had served as
head librarian for 32 years during which
time the library grew in regional im·
portance (1936-1968).
The Lake Geneva Public Library, in
addition to its being one of the area's
leading cultural centers, has one unique
and enviable possession that other li·
braries cannot equal: the magnificent
view of Geneva Lake, which is enjoyed by
library patrons today as I am sure it was
back in 1894 after the benevolence of
Mary D. Sturges.
Barbera Davis is the current Library
Director and has held that position sinoe
1984.

lines

Remember when BOing to the h"hrarymeant taking out books and whieperins at all times? Appelll"ll
thinp heve chansed as one catches a glimpae of these }'OUliB children working on the computers
••• amiles Balorel L toR: Sarah Counihan and Abbey Unpr, both sixth lll""da students at Denison

· interior architectural beauty of JiPt and
on... of the Lake Geneva Public Library
:ling area can be aeen as one enters the
:e Barber Sherman Room with its spacious
dows directly overlooking the lake. This
n wu donated to the library in 1970 by Dr.
ber's daU3hter, Caroline Borber Ford.

Middle School.

Seeted, Berblll'll Davis, Director of the Lake Geneva Library. Stlu>ding: June Malach Eytcheoon
and Irene Brown Sculley, Library Aosiatants.

.944, Mary Gridley Bell bequeathed to the
u:y,$100,000fortheeolepurposeofheving
oildina "where citizens may have the apl;unity of enjoying a euitable library."
oto courtesy Lake Geneva Public Library)

In 1894, Mary D. Sturges deeded to the
city of Lake Geneva the Sturgea family
summer cottage and three blocks of Main
Street to be expressly used for a public
library and the adjoining land, a park.
Her letter to the Mayor and Common
Council, datedJune6,1894readas sucb:
"I hereby purpose and agree to convey
to the City of Lake Geneva, my property
situated in Block 32 of said city ... but
lands shell be forever devoted to the uses
of a public park and a public library. •
The Sturges home had been built in
1859 by A.W. Farr, but after the Chicago
Fire, the Sturges family built a three
etory home, called Snug Harbor, west of
the library site.
Previous to the opening of the library,
citizens in town had purchased approx·

imately 300 books from a traveling
salesman and had placed them in the
reading room of the local YMCA. When
the "new" library opened in 1894-1895,
these books were given to Ms. Florence
DeMain (the !"mot appointed librarian) to
begin her circulation. Ma. DeMain had a
salary of $2.50 a week and she could be
seen walking to work in the winter
months carrying kindling to heat the
building. To measure how many bibliophiles used the library, she would pass
pink pills from one jar to another on a
daily basis!
The public library continued to grew
and by the 1930's, it was obvious that a
new structure was needad. The planning
of a new building became a reality in 1945
with a bequest of $100,000 from the es·

Gail Pachucki, Children's Librarian, is well·koown for her initiation of library "sleep-overs". For
the past 6-6 yean, Mrs. Pachucki has eontinued a pt'OBramof ovemit<ht readina _.t-toBStbere far
aPPl"OZimately 76 children Br&das (2-6). in fact, author Stella Pevaner wrote a hook abeut these
Parties sntitled The Night the WholeClaaB Slept Over. Of course, the h"hrsrian in the bookie named
"Mrs. Gayle" ••. apelled differently far ...._,.nty. Seated to the riBJ>t of Gail Pachucki is Sally
Dicmae, Aosiatant Youth Servioas Coorctinator.

67

LAKE GENEVA PUBLIC LIBRARY

GENEVA LAKE AREA MUSEUM OF HISTORY

Shown at the left, Alice Hackett, who w~ born
and raised in Lake Geneva but now resides in
Door County, Wisconsin, was along-time and
active member of the Museum. Right: Helen
Brandt, Curator of Museum.

Ah, the wonderful Geneva Lake Area Museum. With ita red tile roof, one can seUBe the
Mediterranean Villa style •.. but one must
visit the Museum to truly appreciate!

The woman who keeps it all going ... articuJate
and personable Helen Brandt, Curator of the
Museum since 1984. If she doesn't have the
answers, you can be 8\ll"e she will imd them for
you<

ory crew busy at work, but they took a minute off for a pictorial smile. L to R.: June Mikrut,
!mith (almost hidden) and Genie Lehn.

1927 Western Electric washing
(Museum display)

Ah, the wonderful Lake Geneva Public Library outdoor book sale. The event, held during the month
of AUgust, is a much waited-for occasion. Books are donated to the library throughout the year and
then sorted and sold in an outdoor tent-style setting. This event, which has been going on for 18
years, is sponsored by The Friends of the library and organized by librarian, Loui&e Brugger.
(Photo courtesy Lake Geneva Regional News 1982).

maehin~.

Bridal party attire worn by Lake Geneva
:residents late 1800's to early 1900's. (Museum
display

"Sunday~Go-- Meeting" clothes donated by
Florence Horne to the Geneva Lake Area
Museum. The beaver fur wrap was donated by
Florence Kerwer. (Museum display)

In the early 1940's, R.W. Miller & Sons
sponsored a softball team in Lake Geneva,
called The Pet Milk Team. Mrs. Rose Miller
donated one of the uniforms to the museum.
(On display at Museum)

The Geneva Lake Area Museum of
History was once a private home built in
1940 by Mr. and Mrs. Peter Messe, styled
after a Sicilian Mediterranean villa in~
eluding the red tile roof. This is one of the
highlights of Lake Geneva and should be
on everyone's list of"places to visit".
After Mr. and Mrs. Messe sold this
home, it passed on to other owners and at
one time was an administrative office for
the local school system (until 1970).
In 1984 the Museum opened under the
direction and guidance of Christopher
Brown (who now owns and runs The
Oaks on Baker Street). Mr. Brown fought
hard to get the Museum going and

deserves a great deal of credit for its
success today.
Helen Brandt. the present Curator,
came to Lake Geneva 27 years ago and
worked at the Lake Geneva Public Library (in all departments) but from
1971-1975 she did specific research for
the book, Newport of the West. She has
been Curator since the Museum opened.
There are three floors in the Geneva
Lake Area Museum and they contain
exhibits and chronicles of the city from
the 1870's until 1940 with a wide range
collection of artifacts and memorabilia
from local early Indian periods until the
present.

69

TRAINS

TRAINS

!'rains played an important role in
inging Chicagoans to Lake Geneva .

.e Chicago Fire in 1871 destroyed most
~hat city and wealthy executives would
J.d their families to Lake Geneva while
dcago was being rebuilt. The weeks
med into months, Summer to Fall, and
entually these people became year~
md residents.
On July 6, 1871, the first train on the
w Chicago Northwestern tracks ar•ed in Lake Geneva. By 1874, there
~re four trains a day, and in 1879, as
my as ten a day.
Research has it that a gentleman
med George Murdock became the flrst
gineer on the Lake Geneva line and
roughout strikes and disputes, George
ver missed a day!
There was an engineer who "drove" the
rin, a f:rreman who shovelled coal into
e pit, and a coal car directly behind the
~am engine. The train was a beautiful
a de of yellow, with interior seats of red
I vet ... what a sight to behold, indeed!
Lrlor cars, also referred to as "Buffet" or
lub" Cars were available for greater
rury and service (the additional charge
~these features was added to the price
the regular season ticket).
People in town often were amazed that
e C&NW train arrived so promply
ery Friday evening (5:18 P.M.) and
rim they would set their watches when
e train whistle could be hesrd.
In addition to fancy automobiles (in the
rly 1900's), often horsedrawn carri·
·es • with colorful garb and flags (driven
coachmen, flamboyantly dressed
emselves) would meet the lakeshore
•idents at the depot as they stepped off
e popular three hour "Millionaire's
.ecial'' from Chicago. Then, the fami~
'S were either driven home along the
ore path or escorted to the Geneva
L.ke docks where their boats "delivered..
em to their palatial estates resting on
e serenity of the water and the sloping
llsides.
Trains continued to be a thriving
lBiness and a grand means of transrtstion until the tracks fell into dispair, the train depot became rundown
e automobile became the popular way
travel and commute. The last Chicago
ld Northwestern train ran on August
, 1975. What a sad day that was!
Although many citizens of Lake Ge~va and various clubs, organizations
,d historical buffs did everything in
eir power to restore the train depot. it
lS torn down in the 1980's. The Geneva
unily Practice Building was opened on
e former depot site in 1986.

Chicago & Northwestern Railroad memorabilia Ct.UTeD.tly on display at the Geneva Lake
Area Museum of History. (Courtesy, The
Museum)

The Chicago & Northwestern Train Station (as it appeared in 1910) was located where the Geneva
Family Practice Building now stands on Broad Street nea:r Dunn Lumber and B:nmo's.

Chauffeurs in horsedrawn caniages are seen here picking up the lakeshore residents as they
debark from the "Millionaire's Special" . , . the Friday night train that brought Chicago families to
the lakes area to enjoy the luxuries of boating and entert.aini.ng (circa 1913) (Courtesy Lake Geneva

Public Library)

Chicago & Northwestern Railroad memora~
bilia. (Geneva Lake Area Museum display)

The entrance to the C&NW Train Depot may
look bleak here in November of 1937, but in the
bustling summer months, the depot was
landscaped with red geraniums and cannas.
The depot has a men's waiting room and a
women's waiting room with separate doors
leading to the platform! (Photo courtesy Louis
Berndt, Geneva, Illinois)

Located near the train depot on Broad Street, The Northern Mist Drive-Up Restaurant was a
favorite stopping off place for people ar.riving and departing on the C&NW line. (Photo courtesy
Louis Berndt, Geneva, Ill.)

Chicago & Northwestern Railroad memora·
bilia. (Geneva Lake Area Museum display)

"'Lore has it that many owners insisted
the horses wear diapers.

71

THE TROlLEY

HOTELS

/ ~----

Dutifully protecting Lake Geneva, Police Chief of long ago, Ezra
Butt= (Byrd) stands in front of tbe old Lake House Hotel making
certain everything is peaceful and under control, (Photo courtesy
Geneva Lake Area Museum)

mg, Clang, Clang Goes the Trolley"; a
1derful way to travel around Lake Geneva
ucing and in fme style, (Courtesy Keefe
J Estate, LAKE & COUNTRY)

The old Northwestern. Hotel when it was situated on Broad and North
Streets, adjacent to the Chicago and Northwestern train depot. (Photo
courtesy Geneva Lake Area Museum of History)

The trolley waits in front of the Poet Office for passengers ready to take a ride,

'here are three trolleys buzzing
und Lake Geneva during the months
~ay to September. The brlrinstorm of
rk Swatek, of Swatek Sales Corpoon, these colorful vehicles not only
vide transportation to and from var~
1 shopping areas and grocery stores
those without any other means of
rei, but they serve as a perfect way to
someone else do the driving and the
!ZO can sightsee to his heart's content.
he trolleys cost approximately $90,
to build. The chassis are made by

Oshkosh Motor Company, Oshkosh,
Wisconsin. The main units, made of
heavy duty fiberglass, are manufactured
in Caliiornia. Each trolley seats 31 passengers. The seats are made of California
oak and there is solid brass tubing for
added decor. These bright red and green
"fun cars" are used specifically to acv
commodate tourists, but are a popular
item for wedding parties, proms, golf
trips, and school field trips. Phoebe
Swatek, former southem belle, but now a
Lake Geneva buff, helps narrate and

makes a point of letting visitors in on all
the "fact and fiction" about the Lake
Geneva area.
So when you are in town and see a
passenger on the trolley pull the oldfashioned rope meaning "this is where I
plan to get off", and hear tbe bell, you
certainly will be reminded of tbe music
from the MGM movie, ''Meet Me in St.
Louis" ... "Clang, Clang, Clang Went the
Trolley" .. .

The Whiting House, located at the foot of Broad Street on the shore,
was built in 1873 by David T. Whiting. (Photo courtesy Geneva Lake
Area Museum of History)

THE WHITING HOUSE was opened in 1873, having been
built by David T. Whiting. First opened as a summer hotel
only, it was situated at the foot of Broad Street on the shore of
Geneva Lake. Its outstanding three-story wooden structure
included a mansard roof and a double verandah. Construction
cost: $30,000. There was a sky parlor on the upper floor for
moonlight dancing. The Whiting House was the first large
"resort" hotel with sixty guest rooms, a dining room, a billiard
room and barber shop. What amenities for 1873!

This Page Sponsored by Sheldon Landscape, Inc.
Landscape Architects/Contractors/Nursery- Fontana, WI

Northwestern Hotel, date unknown. (Photo courtesy Charlotte
Peterson, Lake Geneva)

Unfortunately, the hotel burned to the ground in 1894-1895
and tbe property was vacant until1912 when tbe Hotel Geneva, a wonderful Fr.ank Lloyd Wright designed accommo~
dation, was built. The Hotel Geneva was owned by Hobart
Hermansen. This hotel was truly the center of tourism for
many years, but was fmally torn down in 1969-1970.

73

HOTELS

HOTELS

NORTHWESTERN HOTEL was originally located in
block of Main Street (1861) but in the late 1800's, it
oved to the comer of Broad and North Streets to be more
ible to the train station directly adjacent to the hotel
lroad Street). In the 1930's, The Northwestern waa run
l Northburg and included the Northwestern Pharmacy
lso the well-known Knotty Pine Saloon. The building
din the 1960's. Presently Bruno's Liquors occupies this
ill'Bt owned by Walter Sharkus and currently operated
son, Walter, and his wife Pat.

I()

Hotel Lone was located where Popeye's Restaurant parking lot ie
today. (Photo courtesy Jerry Glass, Lake Geneva)

Originally called the Union House Hotel built in 1870. The building
was enlarged in 1892 and renamed the Garrison House, then became
known as Hotel Denison, and fmally The Traver Hotel, In 1970, the
hotel became the headquarters for the Metropolitan Church Association and remains as such in 1994.

J Liquor Store, formerly the

location of the Northwestern Hotel,
of Broad and North Street.

Hotel Lone in 1916. J.W. Lone, Manager. Located on what is now
Wrigley Drive directly across from the lake. (Photo courtesy Robert L
Webster, Lake Geneva)

At one period in time this building was owned by the Laz·
zaroni family and housed the famous La.zzaroni Ice Cream
Parlor. Area residents also tell of activities available in the
building, including a roller rink and bowling alley. Loestion:
corner of Main and Broad Streets. Many small speciality
shoppes now occupy the area where the Hotel Clair once stood"

time called Lake Street, this was the area of many hotels and
homes. Now called Wrigley Drive, this is mainly a strip of
ful restaurants and eateries. (Photo courtesy Lake Geneva
Library)

:'EL CLAIR waa built in 1874 in what was then called
etropolitan Block (now the Landmark Center). This
1te structure was designed by Chicago architect
n LeBaron Jenney and the contractor was O.T. LaSalle,
Chicago.

Ray Applegate used to give plane rides on the lake in the early 1920's.
Cost: $5.00 a spin! (Photo courtesy Jerry Glass, Lake Geneva)

The Hotel Geneva was built in 1912 on the former grounds of the old
Whiting House. This Frank lloyd Wright structure was THE place for
tourists to spend the weekend. (1917 photo courtesy Robert L.
Webster, Sr.)

HOTEL LUZERN: Built tn the 1860's with 42 rooms, a
private pool and included an 18 hole miniature golf course!
Loested at 307 S. Center Street, the Luzem was once uaed as
a dormitory for the Young Woman's Seminary students and in
later years, annexed by Dr. Oscar King for his Oakwood
Sanitarium patients.
MURPHY'S MILLRACE HOTEL, built by R Wells Warren
in 1837, was the first structure completed tn the city of Lake
Geneva on the historic site by the mill race where the fli"St
white settlers arrived. It was here that Christopher Payne
had built the flrst log cebin in town, adjoined by the f=t log
house, also built by Mr. Warren.
Since the 1960's, Rsilton's Town Crier Furniture has oc·
cupied the old Mill Race Hotel. Location: 123 Center Street.

"'Earl and Vera"' enjoying a stay at the Hotel Geneva 1929 ... that's all
the postcard said, no further names given. (Photo courtesy Geneva
Lake Area Museum)
Hotel Geneva in 1919. This grand building was torn down in 1969·
1970. (Photo courtesy Robert L. Webster)

75

HOTELS

HOTELS

.e time this edifice was used for the sanitarium patients from Dr.

r King's Oakwood complex. In 1926, it became the Lakeside
l. (Photo courtesy Lake Geneva Public Library)

Geneva Tower Condominiums (101 Broad Street) were built on part
of the old Hotel Geneva property in 1972. Along with these lakeview
apartments, the building houses offices and bUBinesses.

Artiet's etching of The Oaks Inn as it appeared in 1859-1875 when Dr.
Maxwell's widow, Jerusha, was residing here. (Photo courtesy
Christopher Brown, Lake Geneva)

Oaks Inn, 1930. (Photo courtesy Christopher Brown)

1

courtesy Jerry Glass, Lake Geneva)

The Hilton Inn was erected on the former grounds of the old Hotel
Geneva. Date: 1975. Location: 300 Wrigley Drive.

Many Generals visited The Lake House: General Sherman
in 1878; General Sheridan in 1879; and Ulysses S. Grant in
1881.
The hotel consisted of three stories and could accommodate

about sixty guests. The Lake House was renamed The Stafford
Hotel in 1892 and subsequently The Florence Hotel. This
building was razed in 1928-29 when the Wisconsin Power &
Light Company took over the oorner property.

rl Hotel (on Wrigley Drive) was also owned and operated by
one who ran the Lone Hotel. (Photo courtesy Jerry Glass)

; LAKE HOUSE was built in 1837 by Greenleaf S.
n and is believed to have been one of the earliest hotels
:e Geneva. Located on the corner of Main and Broad
j, it was sometimes called, Lake House Square.

The OAKS INN (421 Baker Street) ia a magnjficent ltalianate structure, built around 1856 as a private residence for
Dr. Phillip Maxwell of Chicago. Dr. Maxwell waa a military
surgeon and the person for whom Maxwell Street in Chicago
was named. The building ia surrounded by hundreda of oak
trees, with beautiful gerdens and ornate statues.
Nancy Reagan (nee Davis), while a student in Chicago,
stayed at The Oaks as a guest of the Sangston Hettler family
who had leased it as a summer home. Recently, owners of this
palatial hotel, received a letter from the fonner First Lady's

The stately Oaks Inn located at 421 BakerS~ Originally built by Dr.
Phillip MBIWell as his own residence. (Photo courtesy Ruth Bl-own,
Lake Geneva)

secretary verifying that Mrs. Reagan had been a visitor here
several times.
Dr. Phillip Maxwell died in 1859, only three years after hia
home had been completed. Following his wife"s death, there
were several owners including Mr. John L. Chaney (owner of
Chaney lnstrumente and designer of the world"slargest glass
thermometer).
The Oaks was purchased in 1977 by Ruth Brown and her
aon, Christopher. In 1986 a great deal of restoration was done
and it remains today a monument of excellency.

Note the large pill8.l'8 at the entrance to The Oaks. In some way, they
give the hotel a southern look. (Photo courtesy Ruth Brown, Lake
Geneva)

77

BED & BREAKFASTS

BED & BREAKFASTS
THE LAWRENCE HOUSE (403 South
Lake Shore Drive) was built in 1885. The
interior of this romantic get-away is very
much Victorian and while it has been
remodeled with luxury whirlpools and
private baths, the creature comforts do
not take away from its historical and
authentic decor. This 19th century inn is
owned and operated by Penny and Larry
Joseph.

Kimberly House, part of the Elizabethian Inn,
formerly a large horse stable was :remodeled in
1986 and opened for guests to enjoy its country

decor.

guest rooms, it has an elegant and spa~
cious ambience with massive brass and
crystal chandeliers. Often the home was
referred to as ..The Cobb House.., since
charming and historic Elizabethian Inn located at 463 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva.

3mith Home when it was built as a private
ence in 1845. (Photo oourtesy Lake Ge~
Public Library)

ior to WWI, the city was having some
1cial problems. A few local busi·

men met to try to find a way to lure
' tourista to the area to help ease
~economic conditions.
•sidents were encouraged to open
· homes for weekend guests. It was
rising how many citizens coopersThis included large mansions and
I cottage-like facilities. It is believed
was the beginning of what were
d "rooming houses". By the 1940's
rooming house concept had faded
rhaps that movement was a fore-

er of the Bed & Breakfast concept
in Lake Geneva. However in the late
's and early 1970's the idea of stayn a charming old home with his-

T.C. Smith Red and Breakfast aa it appears
today at the corner of Main and Cook Streets.

torical surroundtngs became "the thlng
to do'" for many people traveling all over
the country. And Lake Geneva was no
exception.
TheT.C. SMITH BED &BREAKFAST,
located at the corner of Main and Cook
Streeta, was originally built in 1845 as a
private home for Mr. T.C. Smith who at
one time was the Village Postmaster
(1853-1861). Reports say it partially
burned in 1879 and was then remodeled.
The home is a large Victorian style
house with exterior blending of Greek
Revival and Italianate. There are masu
sive carved wooden doors recapturing
the 19th century atmosphere with surrounding wrought iron fences.
The T.C. Smith residence became a
Bed & Breakfast in 1984 and with eight

one of the Smith daughters married into
the Cobb family.
This guest house is listed in the Na~
tiona! Register of Historical Landmark
Buildings. The present owner is Maureen Marks, the only one other than the
family to ever have possession.
THE ELIZABETHIAN INN: At one
time, two parcels of property stretchlng
to the lake were owned by Fred Shermer,
who made and repaired harnesses, In
1894, he built a barn and stable and in
1903, Shermer built the Queen Anne
style house on the grounds on Wrigley St.
The interior, even today, contains authentic turn-of-the-century decor.
A gentleman named Fred Millner
purchased this property in 1937, removed the porch surrounding the three
sides, renovated the inside, making two
parlors into one huge room Mr. Millner
resided in the home for over forty years.
In 1984 the Queen Anne style structure
was purchased by Elizabeth Farrell who
opened the Millner home as the Elizabethlan Bed & Breakfast. The Elizabethian is a comfortable lake front house,
furnished with many English antiques
and one of the dining room tables is a
twelve foot work table Fred Shermer
used for making his harnessea. In 1986,
Mrs. Farrell remodeled the iarge stable
behind the Inn and named it Kimberly
House, after her granddaughter. This
referbished stable has an enormous
fireplace and lefi:ds itself toward a
country decor. The Elizabethlan Inn is
located at 463 Wrigley Drive directly
across from Geneva Lake.

This Page Sponsored by the Elizabethian Inn
Paul & Elizabeth Farrell Alford

The Lawrence House Bed & Breakfast located at 403 South Lake Shore Drive.
Roses Bed & Breakfast 429 South Lake Shore
Drive.

Two Akers of England Bed & BreakfBBt at the
corner of Geneva and Centex Streets,

The Red House Inn on Wells Street near the
"'Motel Row" strip.

Williams Bed & Breakfast located on Williams
Street, Lake Geneva.

This Page Sponsored by Lawrence House Bed & Breakfast Inn
403 S. Lake Shore Dr., Lake Geneva, WI
(414) 248-4684

79

MOTEL ROW: LODGING ON WELLS STREET

:ter World War II, there was a
tage of places for tourists to stay in
rrea and thus, small motels on Wells
·et sprung up, calling themselves
tel Row". These motels are on a two
' strip that heads directly south from
downtown area, but are still conent to local restaurants and the
lities around the lake.

MOTEL ROW: LODGING ON WELLS STREET

RECREATION: SUMMER

RECREATION: SUMMER

>ks like the day is warm and the sun is shining. A perfect day for
1bathing. The Riviera can be seen in the background, (Photo late
>O's, courtesy Louis Berndt, Geneva, lllinois)
The pier is ready for the fishermen ... come one and all, the fish are
biting!

Hthe smile ie any indication of this young boy's pleasure, I think he's
content with his catch of the morning. (Photo Courtesy Lake Geneva
Regional News, June 1980)

~..
It's not quite a «thong" bathing suit like one sees on the beach today,
so at least the Water Safety Patrol can keep their eyes on the lake and
the boats, right? Pictured here, Alice Alfred and two of her friends
appear to be enjoying an afternoon of sun (sun .. in thoee clothes?)
Geneva Lake beach 1906. (Photo col.ll"te8y Geneva Lake Area Museum)

(Photo courtesy Lake Geneva Public Library, date unknown)

0

laterskiing at its fmest on the waters of Geneva Lake. Pictured, Lisa

nd Kent Yunker< (Photo courtesy Lake Geneva Regional News,
une 1980)

2

Geneva Lake is a fisherman's paradise. AB early as the
1870's, when Chicago milliorurires took up residence in the
region, the lake was the subject of many piscatorial experiments. Trout and salmon were fed into the waters, but most
of the salmon had disappeared by the tum of the century.
An aura of mystery has always surrounded Geneva Lake
because it is one of the deepest bodies of water in the State of
Wisconsin: 135 feet plus!
While ice fishing is an active sport during the winter
months, the summer is truly the time when fishermen are
driven to the Jake in hopes of "catching the big one". The lake
is home to walleyes, northern trout, brown trout, black bass,
perch, bluegills, and of course, the famous cisco fish.
Summer fishermen can be seen trying their luck near the
shore in the weed beds or out in the deeper waters, always
searching for the catch of the day.

Cisco fishermen with their "beaded" lines, waiting patiently for that
"nibble". In the early 1900's cisco fish were sold for 25e a dozen, 5()e
a dozen, if boned. (Photo courtesy Lske Geneva Public Library)

Emil Baumbach, III, of Oak Park, lliinois and Williams Bay, Wis·
oonsin, had a wonderful day of cisco fishing. What a catch, Emil!
(Photo courtesy Emil Baumbach and The Lake Geneva Regional
News, October 1993)

83

RECREATION: SUMMER

RECREATION: SUMMER
<(

:."1!.,

;2•
t

"Bent pin fish-ook on a string

CJSCOES.

Seemin' quite the proper thing-How it sets me wishin'
For the good old dreamin' days
And the simple country ways
Say! I'm goin' fishin'!''

Then from the placid waters everywhere
The supple ciscoes, rising, flashed in air,
With open muzzles seized the floating flies,

(Outckx;r Recreation, January 1925)

Then somersaulted backward with their prize,

Again on a like errand to arise.
Far off and near, small circling ripples broke
1 captiononlowerrightofthis postcard (dated 1916). Some things
r change: the men are "cruising for girls..... in their canoes. (Photo
tesy Robert L. Webster, Sr., Lake Geneva)

Some took to their automobiles to enjoy the view of the lake. (1930)
(Photo courtesy Robert L. Webster)

From upward thrust and down incisive stroke
Of leaping fishes, rising still again

Ah, the lore of the fickle cisco fish! Fishermen pride
themselves that Geneva Lake possesses a fish of unique
character, superlative flavor, and often, erratic habits. The
cisco will fight with the vigor of a trout. It is a bottom riser and

To pluck winged manna from the liquid plain
And spring white arches o'er the crystal main.

an exceptionally colored fish with a metallic sheen of mingled
green, rose and blue tints above the lateral line .and silver sides
that are glowing and full of luster.

It was as if contending armies strove
Beneath the waters, and their bright blades clove

The flavor of the cisco fish is creamy and sweet, often
compared to the pompano. However. the true oddity of the
prized catch is that the cisco is caught on a No. 8 hook, baited
with nothing more than a colored bead. Fishermen report that

Above the surface,-like the srescent sweep
Of polished cimeters, the upward leap

they merely slip the bead over the point of the hook and drop

Of silver sabres flashing from the deep.

their line into invisible depths of 40-80 feet. Fickle fish, yes:
some days they like a red bead, some days a green or blue one,
and often, even a spotted or striped bead. A strange fish, in~

Proclaims you fitting denizens to bide

deed!

In the one· matchless lake where you reside,
The angler's joy, the epicurean's pride.

Dsummer buggy ride around Geneva Lake. (Photo courtesy Robert
i!ebeter, Lake Geneva)

And now it's evening and Geneva Lake is still a gorgeous site in the
moonlight hours. (Photo courtesy Lake Geneva Public Library)

Long years ago, I recollect a day
When idly floating in a skiff I lay
Watching, communing with the sweet profound
Pulsings of nature throbbing all around,

Summer is the greatest season of all in Lake Geneva,
Wisconsin. Every possible recreation imaginable is enjoyed

here by residents and tourists alike.
This fun includes picnics in the park, hiking, biking, lei·
surely walks around the 26 mile lake path, swimming and
sunning at the public beach, and of course, all the nautical
activities involved with the lake itself.
Most of the frivolity and excitement is centered around the
Ri ~era and the Gage Marine boat cruises. Fishing remains a
popular pasttime as well as waterskiing or just plain "cruis~
ing" in one's boat, be it a yacht, a power boat or even a canoe!
You have to be around Geneva Lake in the summer months

In scene of beauty, and in shoreward sound.

"Sunbeams playin' hide and seek
With the shadows 1ong the creek

The evening came; the breeze sank into sleep, ,
The lake calmed down to one unwrinkled sweep

''

Of glassy smoothness, and from either shore

1

~Iyriads of long-winged 'flies aarne fluttering o'er

Set a fellow wishin'
Every little breeze that brings
Spicy smells o' woodsy things
Whispers: Let's go flshin'."

By Marian Phelps 1925

The limpid plain, 'lighting to rise no more.
--

------

to understand the hustle and bustle ., . but also, the relaxing
atmosphere of this community.

<Poem courtesy, American Angler, year unknown)

~ old wooden path around the lake. Dated early 1900's, (Photo
.:rtesy Robert L Webster, Lake Geneva)

This Page Sponsored by Wuttke Photographic

85

RECREATION: WINTER

RECREATION: WINTER

Summer is good, but for many,
Winter is grea~ ... and the
colder, the better when it
comes to outdoor ice sports.

Everyone ready?" (Photo courtesy Betty McNally Hartnett, Lake Geneva)
Toboggan Heaven. It all happened here- "'let
the games begin". Campbell Sb'eet and Wri~
gley Drive ... the favorite winter spot for the
daring and young. (Photo courtesy Betty

McNally Harnett)

way we go! Hold on, friends ... Anyone look familiar? Sure you don't want to change your mind?
!!t's go for a ride ... swoosh and spin! (Photo courtesy Betty McNally Hartnett)

Summer is not the only season of re·eational activity in Lake Geneva.
uring the late 1920's and early 1930's,
•bogganing down Campbell Street onto
rrigley Drive was one of the highlights of
•e winter season. A lighted path direc·
d the titillating "'swoosh" down the
eep incline and eventually, the gleeful
ll'ticipants would end up sliding onto
Le slick snow and ice of Geneva Lake.
'hat a thrill that must have been!
And then there was ice horseracing.
eboating and ice fishing. Most resi>nts looked forward to winter in Lake
eneva ... indeed, a place for all seasons.

Ice Fishing
Every winter after the ice forms, numerous "colonies" of fishing shanties
appear on Geneva Lake. An avid fisher~
man can fish in 90' of water leaving his
cares behind and his sights on catching
thebigone.
At one time Lake Geneva was divided
into three wards (sections for voting,
schools, etc.) and the ice shanties were
referred to as the "Fourth Ward". If any
specific winter brings great ice fishing
and the ice population is large, the fishm
ermen have been known to place their
shanties in rows and each row has its
own name. They elect a Mayor, Chief of

Lake Geneva children still seem to enjoy the WiBconsin winters. Looks like there was more than
one "Frosty" formed on this February day in 1982. (Photo courtesy Lake Geneva Regional News)

Police and City Council. With much
conviviality, they brave the cold, awaiting that special keeper. In 1872, it ;,
reported that 40 tons of fish were caught
and shipped to nearby cities. The in·
credible amount of flsh obtained was due
to the fact that there were no fishing law
restrictions in those days. (Book of Lake
Geneva, Paul B. Jenkins)
A legend frequently heard around
Lake Geneva is that one of the local
ministers, giving his sermon to a congregation almost solely filled with
women and children, threatened to hold
his church services on the Geneva Lake
ice unless the women could get his ..good
male brethren" back in their respective
pews , .. Amen!
The ice shanties are often taken by
trailer hitches on the rear of autos as the
fishermen drive out on the ice to their
"special site". The huts are equipped
with radios, televisions, kerosene stoves,
and of course, the finest in winter fishing
gear. Many women and children have
joined the men these days, making this
winter sport a family affair.
Late for work? This Lake Geneva resident certainly hae a legitimate excuse. What a winter. 1982!
(Photo courtesy Lake Geneva Regional News)

Iceboating
Iceboating is the fastest (speed-wise)
winter aport and one of Lake Geneva's

most popular ones. Iceboating originated
in Holland during the late 1800's and the
sport was brought to upstete New York
(Hudson Bay Area) and eventually the
iceboat "pilots" anived in the Midwest
and onto the frozen waters of Geneva
Lake.

(Photo rourtesy Lake Geneva Regional News)

This Page Sponsored by Ted Horton Chevrolet/Oldsmobile
Lake Geneva

87

RECREATION: WINTER

GENEVA LAKE BOATS

The original "Lady of the Lake" was fll"8t launched in 1873. This
double-decked paddle wheel steamer was built by John W. French,
and owned by Edward Quigley. (Photo courtesy Alice Hackett)

b., the excitement of ice horse:raeing. One source reports th~t the citizens of town would toss their
bristmas trees on the frozen lake after the holidays were over and the ice horseracingwould take
ace 8l"'und the trees. The daily "purse" was supposedly $200. Not bad for the year 1920. (Photo
.urteay Geneva Lake Area Museum)

·---·-~-----~-=::..-~

Glidie Gerber and Johny Powers "hiking" in
their Class "A"'boat ("'.Hikint(means being on
only one runner). (Photo courtesy of Vern and
Alice Hackett, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin)
Winter 1954.

"Hats Off to Summer". Perky Amanda Ryan, a college student at Ohio
University, Athens, Ohio, and a frequent visitor to Lake Geneva,
opens the summer tourist season by tipping her hat and giving the city
her "yachting" smile. The boats are in the water. The beach is ready
for sunning. Take it away boys! Hello, SUlllDler!

e shanties for winter ice fishing on Geneva Lake. This special kind of activity is deimitely for the
lOci sports ... ones who can brave the cold winds and plow through the snow. Winter, 1993.

Oh, the wonderful world of boating! The Geneva Lake
Cruise Line has it all. Something for everyone. A special cruise
to fit one's mood. These boat trips are a must whether in the
Spring, Swnmer or Fall.
The original "Lady of the Lake" was first lallnched in May
of 1873. The 82' paddle wheeler was built by John W. French
and owned by Edward Quigley. It served as an excursion boat
until 1889 when it was scuttled.
The newer ..Lady of the Lake" was launched in 1963 and is
a stem paddle wheel boat 108 feet long. The Lady has many
daily and weekend cruises and during the busy summer
:months, the 200 plus seats are almost always filled. What a
grand way to see the sights of Geneva Lake.

This Lady of the Lake, a wonderful excursion boat of ill"8t-class style,
was launched in 1963.

89

GENEVA LAKE BOATS

GENEVA LAKE BOATS
Mailboats
''The Walworth" was the first mailboat in the Geneva Lake
area. It was launched in 1916. The mail carriers wre called
"mail jumpers", but probably should have been named "male"

jumpers as it was not until197 4 that the first female was hired
as a "mailgirl". That lucky gal was Elaine Kanelos.
In 1967, "Walworth II" replaced the former mailboat. This
boat is 85' long and continues a seven day home delivery
(newspapers on Sundays) to those who liVe-around the shores
of Geneva Lake.
The Boat That Never Stops: Yes, it's a mailboat that may
slow down, but it never stops. The Walworth II delivers U.S.

The Belle of the Lake after it was enclosed for comfort and weather
protection for nightly cruises.

ner visitors get briefed about their afternoon luncheon and
-ic guided tour around Geneva Lake aboard the luxurious Lady

Mail to about fifty residents on its 26 mile trip around Geneva
Lake. Tbe mail carrier must possess athletic ability, including
jumping and swimming, The mailperson leaps from the bow
of the boat, pute the daily mail in the box, picks up any
outgoing mail (holding it in one's teeth) and then runs back up
the pier onto the stern of Walworth II.

Lake. (Courtesy L<1.k£ Geneva Regional News,July 1981)

Boat landing, Lake Geneva. Note the Whiting HoU&e Hotel in the
background. Dated 1909. (Photo courtesy Lake C'-n3neva Public Li·
brary)

3elle of the Lake, the sister ship to The Lady of the Lake, was
~bed in Geneva Lake in 1963. (Photo courtesy Jerry Glass, Lake
va)

The original mailboat, The Walworth, launched in 1916. (Photo
courtesy Jerry Glass)

he Belle of the Lake" is the sister ship to "The Lady of the
,". The Belle joined the Geneva Lake Cruise Line fleet in
:. This 85' steamer is a spacious replica of the old~fash­
d Mississippi River steamboats, double-decked with
ing capacity of 225.
teeial cruises are available including the Dixieland Band
~er

Cruise and The Ice Cream Social Tour. Gage Marine

10ration, owned by William Gage, bought the Geneva Lake

se Lines in 1958.
though there are no photographs available about the fll'St
rsion boat, the story goes as follows:

1ptain Phillip D. Marshall came to Lake Geneva in July of
~ and brought with him, the excursion schooner, "The
al", which had been built in Michigan. ''The Aerial" carthirty passengers. In 1851, there was a tremendous break
.e mill race and the rushing waters rapidly carried the boat
o. into the White River where it was never retrieved and
left there to decay. (Information, courtesy of the late Max
man, Lake Geneva)

(Courtesy Geneva Lake Area Museum)

Lone's Boat Livery (1909). (Photo courtesy Robert L. Webster)

1951 Veterans' picnic held aboard The Walworth. (Courtesy Geneva
Lake Area Museum)

91

GENEVA LAKE BOATS

GENEVA LAKE BOATS

While there are still about a dozen such mailboats remaining in the country, it is believed that this mailboat is the
only one left that canies both passengers and mail at the same
time.
Tourists are always welcome to buy a ticket, cruise Geneva
Lake and watch the excursion excitement, while enjoying the
panoramic view of the mansions that dot the shoreline .

.e current mailboat, Walworth II, began service in 1967. (Courtesy

rry Glass, Lake Geneva)

);

AI

~Se·up

view of the Walworth II, (1994)
Tourists and residents alike line up for the daily mailboat ride aboard
The Walworth II. (Photo courtesy Lake Geneua Regional News,
July 1981)

Despite ite usual serenity and peacefulness, Geneva Lake can become
quite tense, producing violent, almost sea·like waves at the onslaught
of a storm. Above, one can see the pounding of the waves at the
municipal pier. Spring 1956. (Photo courtesy Alice Hackett, Sturgeon
Bay, Wisconsin)

"Polaris", one of the smaller cruise boats owned by Gage Marina
usually rented for private parties or dinner celebrations. (1994)

93

ICE CUITING INDUSTRY

WATER SAFETY PATROL

The Water Safety Patrol spend their time
warning boaters of forthcoming atorms, aiding
boats with mechanical problema, giving
"reminders" to those with overloaded craft,
and often flagging down speeding boats. (1993

photo)
e Geneva Water Safety Patrol 1936. Gentleman pictured in center of photo is Simeon B.
pin, the founder of WSP. The Chapin Foundation continues t<> support this program with
llarly provided funding. (Courtesy Geneva Lake Area Museum)

\J.8l'dondutyinthelate 1930's. (Courtesy

McNally Harnett)
e Lake Geneva Water Safety Patrol
ram was founded by millionaire
nthropist, Simeon B. Chapin, in
for the purpose of promoting water
y and to keep Geneva Lake enjoybut safe for all.
~ssence, the city of Lake Geneva has
mprivate "coast guard" to patrol the
Les as well as the water. This patrol

Wholesale ice cutting, storage, and
shipment of Geneva Lake ice was once
big business in this area.
The first large commercial icehouse
was built in January 1874 by Daniel
Gross and his partner, Elymas Brooks.
However, the real "Ice King" of .Lake
Geneva was Jolm Vose Seymour. Seymour called his business, simply, THE
LAKE GENEVA ICE COMPANY. He
employed more than three hundred men,
who often would cut up to 35,000 tons of
ice in one winter. In 1917, the ice did not
totally freeze until March 1st. That was a
slow year, indeed.
Of course the f"JrSt task at hand for the
workers was to plow the snow off the ice.
When the ice was about 14" thick, the
crews would begin cutting, using pike
poles, tamping bars and two-handled
saws as instruments. (These tools are
currently on display at the Geneva Lake
Area Museum). Following this cutting, a
team of horses with plows would cut deep
grooves in the ice, sectioning it off into
rectangular blocks. The horses, and in
later years, steam engines, were hooked
up to the blocks of ice with a jack. The ice
was then pulled up the skid (or wooden
rails) where the ice went into storage in
block forms between layers of marsh hay
and sawdust. If not stored in the icehouse, the ice went directly onto the
wooden rails to the depot where it was
loaded into the train cars for delivery to
Chicago or Milwaukee to fill restaurant
and hotel orders. Milwaukee breweries

frequently required more than three
million tons of ice a year for their famous
beer productions.
In 1908, Seymour sold his ice business
to Martin Kelley and Kelley's brotherin~law, Peter Russell. Martin Kelley's
daughter, Alice Brady, was at one time
Treasurer of Lake Geneva and she still
resides in town.
In addition to the cutting industry, the
LAKE GENEVA ICE COMPANY also
made home deliveries. Customers would
put a cardboard placard in their windows
reading ICE and would designate the
number of pounds needed: 25-50-75-100.
The price: 50~ a pound.
Martin Kelley died in 1937. His widow
and a gentleman by the name of Basil
Rafter ran the business for several years
before selling the icehouse and 99 feet of
Jake frontage to the City of Lake Geneva
to expand Library Park.
In the 1940's, the ice industry began a
downhill trend due to the coming of the
refrigerator. However, a few smaller
firmB, like Otto Jacob's LAKE SHORE
TEAMING COMPANY, still found
business profitable (as can be seen in the
photos). Lake Geneva ice was in great
demand because the lake was deep,
selfDcontained, and springmfed with
plenty of water movement to eliminate
a:ir bubbles. The Otto Jacobs Company
continues to thrive today in Lake Geneva
as a large fu-m serving the area in ex~
cavation and contracting, grading and
landscaping.

"HOW TO MAKE A CHEAP ICE
CHEST: For People who Cannot Afford to
Buy a Refrigerator that May Cost from
$25.00 to $50.00" (Early "recipe" submitted by Alice Hackett)
"Get a common store box as large as you
want your ice chest to be. Get another box
from two to three inches larger each way.
Sprinkle a layer of sawdust on the bottom
of the larger wx; this shou!d be thick
enough to lift the top of the small box
flush with that of the larger box when put
inside of it. Pack the spaces around the
four sides of the box with sawdust to
within two inches of the top edges. Drive
small strips of board over the top of the
sawdust to hold it in place. No an outlet
for melted ice, bore a hole and insert a
piece of lead pipe through the bottom of
both boxes. Make a good solid lid that will
cover both boxes. Nail stout cloth on the
lid's inside rather loosely so that it can be
:filled with sawdust before the last side is
tacked down. Put a handle made of strap
leather in the enter. Now, if your cellar
has rats in it, set four lengths of old stove
pipe into the ground for the chest to rest
on. Put a pan beneath it to collect the
water. If this ice chest is kept properly
cleaned, you should have a good box that
will preserve ice far longer than patented
or expensive refrigerators".

Every Geneva Lake pier, whether private or public, has its own assigned number so the Water
Safety Pab'ol can be dispatched in an emergency without confusion. Pictured here, Pete King,
1981. (Photo courtesy Lake Geneva Regional News)

unit consists of five boats and three life~
guards (these three are just for the
beach by the Riviera) and one lifeguard
for Big Foot State Park Beach. In ali, the
lifeguards and boat ataff total 70 people.
The three main areas of concern of the
Water Safety Patrol are as follows: Lifeguarding the beaches; Boat patrol;
Educational programs.

H.C. Paterson was Director of the
Water Safety Patrol in the 1930's. Ted
Pankau has been Operations Director
here for the last five years. He is assisted
by Bob Cummings and Brigid Cooper.

95

ICE CUTTING INDUSTRY

Shore Teaming Company in the early
~s. Two men, including Otto Jacobs, are
tred here cutting' and stacking the ice for
wal from the lake.
!

YMCA

Bill Eggert watches as the ice begins ita ascent
up the ramp for storage in the nearest icehouse
or delivery to the train station where the ice
will be shipped to fill orders. (All photos
courtesy of Tom and Clara Jacobs, Lake
Geneva, Wisconsin)

H. F. POHLEY,
The first YMCA stood on the N .E. corner of Main and Center Streets (at one time Arden Peck's Standard Oil station and recently Main Standard).
(Photo courtesy Geneva Lake Area Museum)

Pure Lake Geneva Ice
Office: 449 West Huron Street,
•~a.,•••rtu~ai<TO.,.,O<O•a<•a

::utters are surveying the work ahead of

L to R: Art Thayer, Mike Crotton, Otto
'ba, and Bob Staxdy. Lake Shore Teaming
ipany.

Photo of scoop shovel used to gather up the
chunks of ice during the ice cutting days in the
early 1900's. (On display, Geneva Lake Area
Museum of History)

,,CHICAGO.

Photo of business card belonging to Herman F.
Pohley who spent his summers aa a Lake
Geneva resident (born 1858, died 1903).
(Courtesy of Harold Trautsch, Stuart, F1orida
and grand~nephew of Mr. Pohley)

:t.

Covi's Deli, previous site of the YMCA.

cottage (which in 1894 was deeded over
to the city for a public library). In 1889,
George Britt, a Boston businessman,
came to Lake Geneva as the fJ.rSt paid
A whole crew of gentlemen, unidentified but
very hard at work, are finishing up the last ice
cutting and sawing of the aeaaon ... the ice
appears to be melting until another winter of
freezing temperatures. (Photo courtesy
Geneva Lake Area Museum)
Thayer (standing) operating the ice cut~
saw, Otto Jacobs is seen on the cutting

hine.

These were the shoes that the horses wore
while pulling the carts of ice out of Geneva
Lake during the booming ice cutting days. (On
display, Geneva Lake Area Museum of His·
tory)

'I'hia YMCA building was erected here in 1906 at the corner of Main Street and Wrigley Drive.
cPboto courtesy of Geneva Lake Area Museum of History)

In 1881, a Young Men's Committee in
the Village of Geneva was founded under
the direction of Reverend Charles A.
Williams "solely far religious purposes".
In 1882, a group met to consider organizing a YMCA under the auspices of the

Young Meii's Committee. In 1883, the
men's group was dissolved and the 'T'

was officially begun.
The group met in private homes, and
churches, but in 1890, they began to meet
regularly in the George Sturges family

secretary of the YMCA: $10.00 a week!
In 1902, Mrs. Sarah M. Reed be·
queathed $10,000 to the YMCA for a new
building, and with the f'mancial assistance of other citizens, including the
philanthropist, Simeon Chapin, the
YMCA structure was becoming more
than a dream.
The YMCA was built in 1905 at the
comer of Main Street and Wrigley Drive.
The red brick building was designed by
Pond & Pond, Chicago architects, who
also created the famous Jane Addams
Hull House.

97

YMCA

YMCA
In the 1920's, the famous YMCA caf.
eteria opened (see photos) and in 1985,
Mrs. McNally introduced girls into theY
program at which time she opened a
Thrift Shop. There were many difficult
timee during the Dep<ression, but with
the continued support of Mr. Chapin, the
organization survived.

he first Secretary of the new YMCA
anization was Ralph W. Wolf
J5-1907). The fll"llt President was F.L.
tpman. There were numerous YMCA
'etaries until 1919, when Robert
<rett McNally came from Connecticut
served in this position until 1949.
ler his direction, and the assistsru:e of
wife, Myra, the YMCA became the
Ltllunity center for nearly all activi·
: lectures, musicals, family nights,
Lees, banquets and all types of
·sical endeavors. McNally and his
' truly united the community with
ir spirit and energy to make the
CA a success.

Tenth Annual New Year's Day Dinners
12J.J0-2 ,00 P.M.
/'131
5. 30-'7 ,30 p. ~!.
MENU
Cream :>f l!iushroem Soup

Pies

Mr. Robert Everett McNally came to Lab
Geneva from Connectieut and wu Director of
the YMCA from 1919-1949. Under his .Wd·
.....,, the YMCA became the ~oenlerin
town. (Photo courteoy Betty Hamett)

YMCA Cefeteria :EntnD.e. This cafeteria wa.o
opeoed durina' the Depreuion aod waa met
with instant favor by the community in aen·
eral and bueineBB people and teachers in
particular. The cafeteria opeoed on election
night 1920 -the night w....,. G. Harding
became Preaident of the UDited States. What
a celebration: for the YMCA aod Republi""""
alike! (Photo courtesy Betty Harnett)

The waitmg )ina to dine at the YMCA Cafe·
terta leada one to believe thet the food aerved
must have been a sourmet spread! It wu not
uncommon during the 8UDlDl8J' aeaaon to aee
the line a block lana, waitmg far the doors of
the cafeterta to open. (Photo courteay Betty
Harnett)

>h R. Wolf, Director of the YMCA 19067. Mr. Wolf Jl'&duated from George
iams Collep Claaa of 1904. (Photo courJoe !'eyer, eummt Director of Lab Get YMCA)

Roast Turkev
Rutabagas "cauliflower
Orange Bread
Cranberr~' Salad
Ice Cream ··Cake
Coffee
One Dollar a Plate

Potatoes
Rolls

Advertisement found in one of Chicago's newspapers (1931). There was a bus trip planned to Lab
Geneva for New Year"a Day with dinner at the YMCA. Perhaps for one dollar a plate, it was well
worth the trip North. (Courtesy, Geneva Lab Area Museum ofHietory)
Looks like beef is on the menu tonight! (Photo
courtesy Betty Hamett)

How's this far a cboiee of cleuerto? (Photo
courtesy Betty Hamett)

Cefeteria workers at the YMCA in 1937. Front row: L toR: Mrs. Elsie Stephan, Adslaida Moorhouse, Mrs. Gertrude Pynn, Mrs. Louise Matteson (Cefeteria Supervisor), Betty McNally, Mrs.
Katberinelloeo aodMrs. Bob Voas. Back row. LtoR: YMCA Director, Robert McNally, Pedro, Gene
Harrison, Ethel Chase, Robert McNally, Jr., Audrey Chapman, Bob Chue, Mabel Wilcox, Hem-y
Myers aod Steve McNally. (Photo courtesy Bob Chase, Lake Geneva)

Mr. aodMre. RobertNcNallyon their wedding
dey in 1915. (Pbotocourtesyoftheirdeughter,
Betty Harnett, Lab Geneva)

99

YMCA

YMCA

Lake Geneva YMCA Directors 1881·
1994

And of couree, what would the YMCA be if it weren't entertaining the young ... looks like they are
entertaining themselves ... and girls dancing with girls , .. what a fun evening! (Photo courtesy
Betty Harnett, Lake Geneva)

rts at the YMCA. (Photo courtesy Betty
nett)

There were thirteen dormitory rooms at the YMCA, available for rent. (Photo court.esy Betty

Harnett)

1881 Charles A. Williams (who foun·
ded the YMCA)
1883 Frank Johnson (let Board Pres·
ident)
1889 George Britt (1st paid Director)
1891 Lane Anderson
1892 Isaac Bussin
1893 Will House
1895 No record of any Director
1905 Ralph Wolf
1907 Gary Tathburn
1908 C.T. McCulley
1909 Carl Odgen
1913 Edward Pike
1914 Charles Atltinson
1917 YMCA closed (WWJ)
1919 Robert McNally
1949 Leonard Eb!e
1951 Homer Whitford
1963 Tom McSpadden
1988 Gary Unruh
1971llichard Morris
1975 Gary Ahnert
1981 Bill Mitchell
1985 John Jorgensen
1990 Joe Peyer

The YMCA moved into this building (formerly
the Piggly Wiggly grocery store) in 1965.

The YMCA moved to its present loca·
tion in 1965. The current Director is
Joe Peyer. Location: 203 Wells St.
The YMCA continues to serve and unite

the Lake Geneva community today,

Joe Peyer is the current Director of the Lake
Geneva YMCA and has held this position since

1990.

.y YMCA volleyball team. Names available: 1) Charles Fleming 2) Art Burdick 3) Fred
>t 4) Claude Foster 5) L.H. Taggart 7) H.L. Burdick B) Harry Bell 9) Rev, Wilson.
Royee Brown seen holding the ball (Photo courtesy Lake Geneva Public Library)

101

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

YMCA

"Snow Frolic'" staged by Lake Geneva Girl Scout
Geneva Regional News, March 1987)
1,

Troop in January 1924. (Photo courtesy Lake

L to R: Nora Smith (Mrs. J.,..) and Lillian
Kimball (Mrs. Louis) are shown here at a
Senior Girl Scout outing in the late 1940's.
Both Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Kimball were ex·
tremely active for many, many yean assisting
the girla and obviously enjoying it themselves!
(Photo courteoy of Lillian Kimball)

the wonderful world of aerobics! Class in session with Judy Effenheim as i:natructor.

and Lula Cole, but it was not long before
many other girls were drawn together to

form a "solid" troop! The girls learned the
motto, pledge, promises and laws and
utilized the outdoor ideals of scouting
with many nature hikes and picnics
under the guidance and support of Mr.
and Mrs. E.D. Denison. Their hnprovised
uniforms consisted of black bloomers and

First Brownie Scout Day Camp started by Lillian Kimball of Lake Geneva. The camp was located
on the outskirts of town near Lake Como. (1947 Photo Courtesy of Lillian Kimball)

Girl Scouts

years, but then disbanded.
There was no Girl Scout organization

The flrst Girl Scout Troop in Lake
Geneva was organized in 1922 by Mrs.

This playground area, at the entrance of the YMCA and called Rotary Park, was donated to the
Y by the Lake Geneva Rotary Club over ten years ago.

E.D. Deniaon and her daughter, Alice,
(now Alice Hackett of Sturgeon Bay,
Wisconsin). Mrs. Denison had been a
Tenderfoot Scout herself in Michigan,
and was anxious to get a group together
in thiB area. They met in the kindergarten classroom here in town for several

here until1942 when the Lone Girl Scout
Troop was formed by the following: Mrs.
Jess (Nora) Smith; Mrs. George
Sherman; Dr. Hazel Denig; Mrs. Orton
FiBh. The troop leader was Mrs. Stanley
Matz, wife of the local MethodiBt Ininister.
This group originated with three
members: Louise Dale, Alice Denison,

white blouses with the Girl Scout emblem
embroidered on the front. Meetings were
held at the YMCA.
In 1947, the Lake Geneva Girl Scout
Council was formed with Mrs. Louis
Kimball (Lillian) as the f"ll'St president.
The leader of the Senior Girl Scout Troop
was Mrs. Jess (Nora) Smith. Girls in the
original troop were: Joan Hum!; Mary
Sandberg; Bernadine FiBh; Carol Denig;
Rosemary Jonas; Mary Margaret
Sherman.
Another woman who spent most of her
life as a continuous troop organizer was

Kathryn Danielson. She spent over 53
years as an active member in all Girl
Scout functions and was instrumental in
setting up the Badger Council which

consiBted of 300 girls and 70 adulta Crom
the Lake Geneva area. Kathryn has rem
tired from scouting and has moved to
Elgin, Illinois. A large reception was
recently held for her in recognition for
her years of service to many organiza~
tions, but specifically, the Girl Scout..
103

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

Post 24 is named after Frank Kresen,
Lake Geneva resident who was killed in
the line of duty in France during WWI.
The group moved into this building with
dedication ceremonies in December
1961. The current Commander is Len
Jergeski. Jerry Glass serves as Adjutant.
The bronze honor roll plate in the hall
indicates the following veterans who
gave their lives for their country. While I
am not certain this is entirely accurate,
the plaque reads as follows:
WWI - 11 Lake Geneva men died.
WWII -16 men from this area lost their
lives.
Vietnam - one serviceman died.

Boy Scouts
be flrst Boy Scout Troop was started
:,ke Geneva in the 1920's. In March
:4, Boy Scout Troop #1 was chartered
;he National Boy Scout Council. Seven
s joined the troop. The Troop Comtee consisted of E.D. Denison, Edgar
lam and Arthur Sneesby. Leo Lankie
~ the frrst scoutmaster assisted by
lane Gray.
'roop #1 was sponsored by E.D.
rison and organized under the auspices
he city schools. Meetings were held at
1tral School.
'his group went defunct and it wasn't
oil 1938-1940 that the Boy Scouts
rted up again. At this time, they bele Troop #35 and remain active today
tll areas of the community.

Frank Kresen American Legion Post 24, located at 736 Henry Street. The group moved into this

1994 American ~gion members at a meeting. 1st Row, L to R: Bob Meeaina, Clarence Cammers,
Keith &uhl, Bob Melvan, Ray Mellien. 2nd Row L toR: Mel Petersen, LenJegerski (Commander),
Wellington (Gabby) Merritt.

building in 1961.

Tombstone of Frank Kreaen, after whom the
American Legion Poet 24 was named, Mr.
Kresen was killed in action in France during
World War I. This granite marker is in Oak
Hill Cemetery.

:e Geneva Boy Scout Troop #1, chartered in
rch 1924. (Photo courtesy of Don Bartelson,
:eGeneva)

American Legion
'he Frank Kresen American Legion
1t 24 is located at 735 Henry Street in
building that once housed the old
ird Ward School (elementary K-3).
;! Legion acquired the old school from
Lake Geneva School Board for $1.00,
. later on decided to pay $5,000 for
ir headquarters as other organiza·
18 were fervently trying to purchase

Jerry Glass, present Adjutant of the American
Legion Post 24, Lake Geneva,

Einar Anderson, the only living Lake Geneva
veteran from WWI, is shown with his grand~
son, Rex Anderson, at the Memorial Day Pa~
rade in 1993. Einar was born in Sweden but
came to the U.S. in 1895. He owned and op~
erated Anderson's Grocery on Main Street and
married Florence Maisch of Lake Geneva. Mr.
Anderson ia 98 years old. (Photo courtesy, Rex
Anderson)

This American Legion canteen looks deserted
now, but during the summer months, this
eatery is a popular place for the hungry and
thirsty .. , young and old. The Legion leases out
this concession and is proud to have built it
directJ.y on the lake to further their role in
community support and involvement.

American Legion members 1946-1947: 1st row L toR: George Hudson, Al Glass, Ernie Niles,
unidentified, Bill Trinke, Web Smith, Walt McNamee, Arthur Laurie. 2nd row L toR: Gabby
Merritt, Glen Green, Ben Fink, Chum Nish, unidentified. (Photo courtesy Robert Meylan)

105

CLUBS & ORGM>JIZATIONS

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

Town and Country Garden Club
The Town and Country Garden Club
was organized in 1934 under the lead~
ership of Helen Seymour MacDonald.
Mrs. MacDonald had taught in the Lake
Geneva schools for over 23 years and
always had a keen interest in civic im~
provement. Under her inspiration local
parks were increased in size and beauty.
This garden club continues to be an
extremely active part of the community.

"and Country Garden Club in the early 1950's, Top row: L toR: Hazel Keefe, Kate Pendergast,

Town and Country Garden Club :members in 1994. Front row: L toR:. Dora Halsey, Marge Bischof,
Georgia Barry. Back row: L toR: Elizabeth Farrell, Dottie Ostrander (Past President), Barbara
Beetow (Current President), Florence Netzel, Elaine Schiess and Shirley Shute,

Altha Trinke, Alberta Radke, Hazel Gaskell. Bottom row: L toR:
Miller, Marge Taggert, Jenny Witherspoon, Angela Karow. (Photo courtesy Angel Karow and
Hackett Studio)

9 O'Leary, Olive Longla.nd,

Lake Geneva Woman's Club
The Lake Geneva Woman's Club first
met in 1917 at the suggestion of Mrs.
P.H. Moore who felt a need for such an
organization "to engage in civic matters,

betterment of the community with loyalty and intellect to promote good fel·
lowship among all aspects of the country." (Lake Geneva Regional News)
Because the club was formed during
WWI. the women rendered service
through the Red Cross and purchased
numerous liberty bonds. In addition, The
Lake Geneva Woman's Club assisted the

'"""'""'
lloblo

American Legion in obtaitring the old
Third Ward School as a memorial to all
Lake Geneva veterans.
Lake Geneva Woman'a Club in 1956. Firat row: L toR: Helen Kull Bagnall, Irene Tanking, Bonnie
Denison, Florence Brown. 2nd row: L toR: Florence Patton, Fanny Am.old, Marian Kull, Genevieve
Jeffers, Elizabeth Thompson, and Una Naffer, (Photo courtesy Geneva Lake Area Museum of
History)

Town & Country Garden Club 1994: Front row: Bev Caufield, Angela Karow, Pat Heintzelman,
Millie Behlig, and Dee Bark. Back row: Eleanor Rusk and Lynda Trester,

This Page Sponsored by Railton's Town Crier Furniture
"Since 1959"
(414) 248-3780

107

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

-

Lake Geneva Opera Festival

eva Lake Art Association rnmunerpicnic in 1975. First row (seated) Lto R: Bonnie Denison, Rose Gasey, Ellen Malloy, Marian Schlicher, Florence
rei, Flonmce Baumbach, B.H. Van Dyke, Hiram Smith, Margaret Smith, Frederick Malloy. Standing, L toR: Fanny Arnold, Arthur Crawford,
olph Schlicher, Belle Jenks Lund, Irene Tanking, Fronk Gordon, Mildred Gordon, Doug Elliott, JobnMalseh, Ellen Maisch, Marion Elliott, Arnt>
1pel, Gerda Hempel, Jessie Field, Wm. Holmes, Dorothy Holmes, Suzanne Holmes. (Photo courtesy Bernice Gerstein, Lake Geneva)

Geneva Lake Art Association

the last thirteen years, the Geneva Lake Art Association hoe held a "Library in the Park Art
w" during the month of Ausust. Members ezhibit their artietic endeaVW8, but many artists
G. all over the coun1ry are in attendance. This is ajuried ahow and a very difficult one to enter.
>to courtesy Lake Geneoa Regional News, doted Au,uet 1982)

Near the end of WWII, the Geneva
Lake Art Association was founded under
the guidance and devotion of Lou
Matthews Bedore (Mrs. Sidney), a
well~known artist who had won the ac~
claim of art lovers in this country as well
as in Paris and London.
Mrs. Bedore felt very strongly that
Lake Geneva should have an art association, and with one of her students, Mrs.
Hiram (Margaret) Smith, she began to
solicit members in the community.
Within weeks, the GLAA was a reality
with Frank Gordon as the first president.
other energetic organizers of the club
were Jesse Field and Belle Lund.
The First Annual GLAA Exhibit wss
held in 1947 at the Horticultural Hall
and two succeeding shows were held
there in 1948 and 1949. After that time,
the art shows moved into the YMCA until
1955 when the new Lake Geneva Public
Library wss built. The art association
members continue to exlu'bit at the library even today (1994).
In 1957, there were 35 members of the
Geneva Lake Art Association. Today the
membership roll is approximately 200.

The Lake Geneva Opera Festival is a
non-profit organization dedicated to the
promotion of cultural arts in the lakes
region. They sponsor student and public
performances of individuals from the
Lyric Opera in Chicago and The Florentine Educstional Group in Milwaukee.
For sixteen years, this group has hosted
a floating opera celebration aboard the
Geneva Lake cruise boats (usually, The
Lady of the Lake).
The Opera Festival was formed in 1977
by five ares people of which two are still
existing charter members: Kathryn
Reimann and Dorothy Avedisian. Current
Board Members include: Dorothy
Avectisian (Artistic Director), R. Eustice
Klein (President), David B. Williams
(Vice President), Kathryn Reimann
(Secretary) and Marilynn H. D'Lugosz
(Treasurer).

Golf Club
The first golf course in Lake Geneva
wss opened in 1917 called Hillcrest Club
and was situated on Devil's Hill on Hwy
H. When this course became inadequate
for the golf needs of the townspeople, a
group of local businessmen got together
(in 1923) and sold shares of stock and
formed Hillmoor Golf Club.
Approximately 80 acres of land were
purchased from the James Quinn farm
on the esat side of Lake Geneva. This
acreage included what had been the
James &John Haskin's mill pond (which
in 1842 had been a linseed oil mill, saw
mill and power plant). In addition to that
land, 50 acres were lessed from the city.
Although Hillmoor Golf Club, also
called Hillmoor Country Club, began
with a nine hole course in 1923, the following year the second nine holes were
added. There was a small clubhouse and
aoda fountain there in 1924-1925, but in
the years to come, a dining room was
added and today the restaurant is a
popular eatery for residents and tourists
alike.
The philosophy of Hillmoor Country
Club, semi-private in nature, has never
been to be a large money maker, but
rather to provide a satisfactory and
pleasurable place to enjoy the game of
golf and the conviviality of those who
play.

I
I

Opera &ingers ready to perform aboard the
"Lady of the Lake". L to R: Richard r-h,
Gwendolyn Jones, Patryk Wrowblewaki, and

Joan Gibbons. Cocktails and dinner are
served first, in a very fashionable state, and
then comes the melodious moment everyone
has been waiting for ... the opera itself.
Tickets are sold out weeks in advance. Approximately 200people are uBUB.lly aboard the

boat for this gala affair. (Photo courtesy
Dorothy Avedisian)

Hillmoor Country Club, a semi-private or1a~
nization with an excellent 18 bole golf course,
was opened in 1923 and today ie the popular
place for thoae :recreational golf afficionados.

Hilhnoor is located on Hwy. 50 in Lake Geneva.

Junior hostesses pictu>ed here in the 1970's,
ta.Jti:ng a moment off fQl" a smile for the pho·

Jim Gaugert, Jr. ia Vice-Pruident and PGA
golf pro at Hilhnoor. He hae been in this position for six years and says he pl8D8 to be

tographer, before they perform their "duties"

there fOl'eVer.

in making certain all those attending the Lake
Geneva Opera Feetival are comfortable aod
content. L to R: Leah LagicB and Donna Avedisian. (Pboto courtesy Dorothy Avedisian)

109

PEOPLE, PLACES & EVENTS

<WOOd Sanitarium built (circa 1884) waalocated on what wu then called Catholic Hill on Rt.
>eadlns out of tcwn. (Photo courteBy of Robert Webster, Sr. Lake Geneva)

te Geneva Medical Center and adjoining Havenwood Complex, where the Oakwood Sanitorium
estood.

Around 1884-1885, Dr. Oscar A. King
opened a "retreat therapy center" here in
Lake Geneva, specializing in nervous
diaorders. The center, called the Oakwood Sanitarium, was located on the
north side of Catholic Hill where Ravenwood Complex and the Lake Geneva
Medical Center stand today.
Dr. King was a neurologist who practioed in Chicago and in the early 1900's,
he was Vice Dean of Physicians and
Surgeons at the College of Medicine,
University of lllinois.
Oakwood Sanitarium was a f'IVe-story,
fifty room structure built at a cost of
$80,000. The main stairs were marble
with mosaic tiles; imported marble fire.
places added elegance. Steam electricity
came out of the floors. There were separate parlors and dining rooms which
accommodated five to seven patients.
Oakwood was an exclusive place for the
mentally ill, especially eervingfamilies of
great wealth. Numerous famous people,
including Lillian Russell, are ssid to have
been patients here. The facilities
included a specialized Hydropathic Department giving mineral hetha and intense water exercise. In later years,
neurological surgery was performed,
msin1y by Dr. King. However, the doors
of the sanitarium were open to all licensed and reputable physicians and
their patients were allowed to bring their
own nurses with them. In 1906, one
month's stay coet $1500; if nursing care
was needed, there was an additional cost
of $10.00 a weak.
In 1896, King, with the assistance of
his two brothers, Albert and Reiley, established another facility, called Lakeside and Lakeside Cottage. This facility
stood on Wrigley Drive where the St.
Moritz is located today. Lakeside was
available for less violent patients and
included an extensive program for alcoholics.
In 1901, the King brothers consolidated their centers and all three became
known as Lake Geneva Sanitariums.
However by the time of the Great De·
pression, the facilities had deteriorated
greatly and Oakwood closed sometime in
the 1930's, The building remained vacant
for so long and was often vandalized. The
lead underflooring was even stolen during the war, as the market price for resale
of metal was extremely profitable. In the
1950's, there were two f'1res at Oakwood
and the edifice became very dangerous.

PEOPLE, PLACES & EVENTS
LAKESIDE
SANATARIUM
DR. WM. 0. STEARNS, S11pl.
CJftCAOOOf'FICI!.~~

STATI!ST.

tMur•••otoo.T-a)'11oiMfFrlU,.o

Oakwood • for"' Mental • Diseases
Acule<U<sreoolvodlotd""""'t•..xl!tutm.,.t C>~~valosctnrcaoe•
••·•d,.atod. Ra1uulow a•Ut• ll!OStefllclonttreatment. :tnd tbe
be31tnlnednurolnl*'lllpcrmll.

eo

J:}

ACRES OF OAK WOODS

-Q-

LAKESIDE

--·

forO~IIIndNervous

T•nH ..... •llb..,lllplotooollululll

•q•tp ..... t.

The old Oakwood Sanitarium u it appeared in 1946. Windows were broken out and underllooring
waa gone. Reported to be the only "authentic" haunted house in the city. (Photo courtesy Vince
D8DC8, Rockford, ill.)

Baths, Manage, Swedl1h Movements
Elo.:trlc.alllldolllerk""lm•nt•lltv..,tonDrl..ruldonto.

Training • School
F"orNur$45.

T*'OJ""'""course.

Spedal training in MI9Sage
andHydrolberaplly.

Advettiaement for Lakeside Sanitarium that
appeared in Chicqo brochure in early 1900's.
(Courte.y Geneva Lake Area MuNUm of
Hiotcuy)

The neighborhood children did not sea
the building as hazardous and for them,
it was an exciting play area. Because of
the previous purpose of the place, the
youth felt the atmosphere to be eerie end
named their playground, 'The Haunted
House". This become the center of attraction at Halloween time , .. and many
a good spooky party was held in the old
Oakwood Retreat Center!
The remains of Oakwood were razed in
the 1970's.
.
(Regardleas of how much time I spent
researching these sanitariums, continued diacrepancies remain as to the exact
location of the buildings and to the dates
of their openings and closing).

Oakwood Senitorium as it appeared after it burned in the 1950's. (Photocourteoy Robert Webster)

111

PEOPLE, PLACES & EVENTS

PEOPLE, PLACES & EVENTS

Julia A. Warner, originator of the Cenotaph
Ceremony that is held every year on~ 'i_emorial
Day in Lake Geneva. (Photo courtes.• Lake
Geneva Public Library)

eside Sanitarium opened in 1898 as part of the complex under the directionofDr. Oscar King.
.eside accommodated those with milder nervous disorders. Lcx:ated where St. Moritz Res~
:"Bnt is today. (Photo courtesy Robert Webster)

John E. Burton, Lake Geneva millionaire, who
was prominent in mining, railroads, the
newspaper business and owned Burton's
Flouring Mills (Main and Mill Street..). (Photo
by John Bullock, courtesy Geneva Lake Area
Museum)

Mr. White, the local milkman, seen in the right hand corner, pf:U'ked his milkwagon Oower right)
ne;rt totheJohnE. Burton home at the N.W. corner of Madison and Wisconsin Streets (1880). Milk
was said to have coat 5~ a quart in those days. (Photo courtesy Alice Hackett, Sturgeon Bay,
Wisconsin)

Julia A Warner, the originator of the
Cenotaph Ceremony, was bam in 1819
and died at the age of 94. She had served
as the principle of The Young Lady's

Seminary here in Lake Geneva and was
an educator of the mind, body and soul

he Cenotaph Ceremony was begun by
;. Julia A. Warner in 1874 and is still
:! every Memorial Day in Lake Gea. Young girls, dressed in their fmest,
ry fresh flowers to be put on the
.erans Memorial Stone Marker in
raryPark.
Vhile the girls are in the processional,
Treble Clef group from Lake Geneva's
lger High School sing the stirring
g, "We Deck Their Graves Alike
lay". The words of this well-known
gwere written by Samuel N. Mitchell
l the music composition by H.P. Danke
.873. The Treble Clef group cBITies a
te wreath and when the ceremony has
.ed, the wreath of flowers is tossed into
ieva Lake in memory of those who
•ed in the U.S. Navy.

WE

DECK ' TlfEIR GRAVES ALIKE

Samuel N. Mitchell

J* ; r r "'8 rr
1

s

1

TODAY

r cJ J

H. P. Danks

1

JJ

dav -with blos-soms freJb

~uJ;t$~
fer-

~

1J

hon - ored dead shall

rrrr 1r·

nev - er

rr

be

e -

~

rased~

Lucretia Burton, wife of John Burton. Photo
taken in 1884 by John Bullock, Lake Geneva
artist. (Courtesy Geneva Lake Area Museum)

The song which is sung during the Cenotaph Ceremony, commemorating the veterans who loat
their lives serving their country. The words were written by Samuel N. Mitchell and the music
composition by H.P. Danke. (Courtesy Lake Geneva Public Library)

Wedding photo of Bonnie Eloise Burton, daughter of John and Lucretia Burton. Miss Burton
married Edmund Decatur Denison, after whom Denison Middle School was named, Wedding date:
June 6, 1904, (Photo courtesy Geneva Lake Area Museum)

113

PEOPLE, PLACES & EVENTS

PEOPLE, PLACES & EVENTS

Venetian festival
JULY

30-31,
I

Mr. John Chaney always made certain hie employees were treated in the best of style; a special
social room for their coffee or coke breaks •.. with music and all the current popular phonographic
equipment. (Photo courtesy, John L. Chaney)

old Burton Pony Farm built in 1865, lod on LaSalle Street, but still within the
limits. The home, well·hidden on a hill, is

owned by John and Virginia Jedda,
:on's great granddaughter. The house was
'by Robert Clark Cobb and stands as firm
austere as it must have in the 1860's.

Exciting . - - - Thrilling
Sporty
Featuring the exotic annual
m

The world's largest glaea thermometer, built by the John L. Chaney Instrument Company in the
early 1950's. The thennometeria shown in front of the Chaney Company (858 Main Street). where
the present Fancy Fair Mall stands. (Photo courtesy, John L. Chaney, Lake Geneva)

-

•

Parade of Brilliantly Lighted Boats,
Grand Display of Fireworks
The world's largest glass thermometer

was built by John L. Chaney Instruments
Corp<~ration in the early 1950's. (34 feet
tall!) Mr. Chaney had been commissioned by the city of Bemidji, Minnesota

R: John L. Chaney, president of Chaney
ruroents, and Roger Meyers, looking
.d as this enormous 34' thermometer
lica.ted to World Peace" is put into place on
1 Street in Lake Geneva. (Photo courtesy
<L. Chaney)

-

to build this ..piece of art" at a cost of
$5,000. The thermometer was over two
years in the making and when it was
completed, Bemidji had had a change of
city officials, and the new aldermen decided they didn't want the glass tube.
Already having spent over $10,000 on
the thermometer, Chaney offered to give
it to the City of Lake Geneva. However,
the city planned to put it in Maple Park
near the playground area, and this did
not go along with Chaney's wishes.
Therefore, he decided to keep it himself
and had the 34' glass tube erected in front
of his building on Main Street in 1956.
This thermometer was so marked:
DEDICATED TO WORLD PEACE. John
Chaney sold his instrument company in
the late 1970's and the tube was teken
down at that time. Presently, it is in

private storage .

Mr. John L. Chaney is a very interesting gentleman, now aged 91. He grew
up in Pulse, Ohio and worked for Ohio
Thermometer Company. Chaney devel·
oped the oven thermometer, the candy
thermometer and also, that Thanksgiving necessity, the turkey baster. John
Chaney owns 50 U.S. Patents and is
listed in the 1990 edition of WHO'S WHO
IN AMERICAN INVENTORS.
The VENETIAN FESTIVAL began
during the lakeshore's golden days in the
late 1800's when owners of the private
estates would choose a specific summer
evening to "parade.. their decorated and
lighted yachts around Geneva Lake. For
some reason, this gala affair faded into
oblivion for many years.
Sometime during 1938-1940, the name
"Venetian" became attached to these
events, but no one is sure who decided to
compare the celebration to the ones held
in Venice, Italy. However. the Venetian
Festival today is one of the major entertainment highlights of the summer. It

and

GAY COSTUME BALL
at

lAKE GENEVA, WIS.
Venetian Festival Program, 1953. (Courtesy
Geneva Lake Area MU&eum)

is sponsored by the Lake Geneva Jaycees
every year, without fail, to provide fun
and excitement and raise monies for local
orgarllzations.
This summer spectacular includes
waterskiing shows, music and live en~
tertainment. The lighted boat parade,
held after dark of course. is a sight to see;
and then, the grand finale, fireworks!
Hundreds of people spread their blankets and set up their lawn chairs in Library Park to view the lighting of the
skies.

I guess the question here is, "which twin has the Toni?". Pictured is the all female assembly line
of workers who made the world's largest glass thermometer a reality. Note there are TWO sets of
identical twins hard at work. (Photo courtesy John L. Chaney)

115

PEOPLE, PLACES & EVENTS

PEOPLE, PLACES & EVENTS

Elmer Nelson, Lake Geneva's very own climatologist, has been in the weather business
for over 65 years . .. and with a 65 percent
accuracy rate! (Photo courtesy Janesville
Gazette, Janua:ry 30, 1993)

~tian Festival Boat Parade, 1949. This boat, owned by the Peter Mease family, named after-

company. The Pantorium appears to be deco-rated in grandeur for the special summer event.
.to courtesy Geneva Lake Area Museum)

t

Mr. Robert Keefe began his business in 1943 u
a Farm Auction Service, but in 1962, he moved
into the present Keefe Building and became
involved in real estate sales. Currently, Mr.
Keefe's son, Michael, ia president of the com~
pany.

ELMER NELSON'S name is almost
like a household world to the residents
of Lake Geneva. Nelson is a clima~
tologist who claims about 65 percent accuracy with this weather reports, but most
most people say he is "'right on the button".
Elmer started his own weather station
in 1945 and has been forecasting r;vecy
day since then. However, as early as 1937
he was known for his interest and occupation in the weather industry. Mr.
Nelson works with weather stations in
Milwaukee, Madison, Rockford and Dubuque, Iowa. He reports on the local radio
ststion, (WMIR) and has a weekly column in The Lake Geneva Regional News.
Statistics told to Lake Geneva recently:
Hottest day: July 14, 1936 112 deg-

First National Bank of Lake Geneva, where the inCl."edible bank robbery took place in 1955. It was
located at 7 47 Main Street, now Champs Sport Bar & Grill. (Photo courtesy Lake Geneva Public
l.ibra:ry)

rees.
Coldest day: January 1982 27 degbelow zero (not windchill!)
Most rain: September, 1990 12. 2 5
inches in the month

1'€e8

Colleen Ale1::ander, present City Clerk for
Lake Geneva.

Keefe Building, S.W. corner of Main and Center Streets was the original site of the Bank of
leva, the first interior bank in the State of Wisconsin (in 1848). The bank merged with the First
ional Bank in 1891. Currently, this building houses Keefe Real Estate, Inc.

A WOMAN FOR ALL SEASONS:
Colleen Alexander, a native of Lake
Geneva, was appointed city Clerk in
1961 and continues to fulfill this position
in 1994. Colleen, a warm and sensitive
person, with an exuberant personality,
runs the ship in a most efficient and or~
derly fashion. She is the mainstsy of City
Hall. Without her assistance, information, and patience, this book would never
have come to fruition. Thank you, Colleen.

When the FIRST NATIONAL BANK
was located on Main Street (presently,
Champs Sports Bar & Grill), a bank
robbery occurred which startled not only
the employees, but the entire town. The
story goes that when the employees came
to work on a December morning in 1955,
the robber, disguised in a flesh-colored
halloween mask, ..greeted.. them at the
door and took their car keys. He subsequently put many of these people in the
vault, but tied Mr. George Allen, Vice
President of the bank, to a stsel pole,
wrapped in piano wire.
The irony of the robbery is that Mrs.
George Allen was scheduled to have
lunch with her husband, but there had
been a change in her plans. She phoned
the bank to inform Mr. Allen that she

This is only one of HUNDREDS of trains which are on display at the home of Baggy (Donald)
Douglass on Madison Street. A train buff since childhood, Baggy helped contribute a great deal of
information to the book, Track$ Through Time, compiled by Badger High School students in May
1989.

would be unable to meet him, and the
kind robber answered the phone, po£
litely, and said he would have to relay this
message to :Mr. Allen as he was ''tied-up"
at the moment. And I guess he was!

The bank robber was never caught.
Supposedly he drove one of the employee's cars to the Chicago and Northwestem train for his escape on the railway.
$100,000 in bills were reported as stolen.
117

PEOPLE, PLACES & EVENTS

PEOPLE, PLACES & EVENTS
BAGGY (DONALD) DOUGLASS was
on in 1930 in the home where his father
td grandfather had been born. BaUY's
andfather, Horace, was Lake Geneva's
ayor in 1908-1912. His home, always
ll of local color and much verbosity, is
ten termed "Information Central". If
"' wants to know "what's what", just
~I into the alley by Douglass' home and
·u'll soon fmd the answers to all your
Lestions. And if Baggy can't be certain,
•'II direct you to the right source!

Ray Torcaso, brother of Paula ... no one is
really eertam who nms the ahow, but they
a-arto be a aood hrothsr-sistort.oam. Ray is
always with a tnD.ile and will even "fiz while
you wait'" ... unheard today in thi8 world of
"put- "" hold", risht?

ordinary place to bring itsme needing
stitching or sewing. This is a place to
visit, chat and see one's friends in a space
of about 5 feet by 7 feet •. . sh, the atmosphere is wonderful!
While To:rcaso's may have been a new
addition to the Lake Geneva community
fourteen years ago, the Torcaso family
has had a successful leather business in
Kenosha, Wisconsin (about 40 minutes
north of Lake Geneva) for over 65 years.
In fact, the Torcaao family was just reosntly mentioned in U.S. News & World
Report (Aprill994)

Dour!ass, 1949 p-acluate of Lake Geva High School. A friead to all, his home is

•lilY

1

Tbe construction of piers is a very
important and profitable business in the
Lake Geneva area. Because of the number of private homes around the lake
with their own boats and also the municipal piers where residents and tourist.o trailer their boats to Geneva Lake,
pier workmen are kept busy from April to
October. At thet time, the piers are dis·
mantled until the following season.
Tbe business itself involves construc·
tion of new piers, repairs of older ones,
and the installation end removal of piers
and various boat lifts and ramps.
Tbe Geneva Lake style pier is one of its
kind in the world as these piers were
designed and constructed here for steam
boats in the early 1800's. There are eight
pier companies on the lake and it is estimated to be about a two million dollar a
year enterprise.

Do ,ou oee your oboes mywhere? Don't pBDic:
the Torcaso t.oam lmowo exactly what is IIOh>g
on. One doesn't nsed arepairciiWn ticket, they
just plain remember. No faDcy m..._...,...t
ahoppinJ ba••· No frilla, but wonderful,
qualified work and llll incredibly "fuDky" atmoophore.

Pier Construction Business

nye open for an afternoon chat ... or per-

pea mOI'Ilina' cup of coffee. Bagyreeides on
ldieon Street in the home which was "'home•
his father Olld .,...,.Jfathor.

Early recipes submitted by Alice
Hackett, Sturgeon Bey, Wisconsin:
HOW TO MAKE FIRE KINDLERS:
Take a quart of tar and three pounds of
rozin. Melt them together. Bring to a cool
tamperature and then mix with sawdust,
with a little charcoal added. Spread on a
board while hot. When cold, break into
lumps the size of a walnut.
BLACKING FOR LEATHER, FURNITURE, SHOES, ETC: Beet well the
yolks of two eggs and the whits of another. Mix one tablespoon of gin and one
tsaapoon of sugar. Thicken with lamp
black. Add to the eggs end use as common
blacking. Seats or cushions should be left
a day or so to harden.

ula To:rcuo: if she can't fiX it, no one can.
ula has a real knowledge of leather and
or. She can match just about any shoe dye

eneeda ... andneveruaea a color chart ... it'a
inhor hsadl

l'ORCASO SHOE REPAIR was flrst
ened in 1973 on Hwy H outside the city
:tits, but in 1980, the shop moved to its
esent location at 433 Broad Street.
tis shoe repair business is just not your

8

iiDdDey Whetlow, seen hare, is owner and preoident of Whetlow Pier Servic:e. iiDdDey otarted hi•
oom.pmy in 1977 with 4 employees and one pier. By the end of the year, hs had 27 pioro and aD<
employees. Preeently hs baa built and oorviceo160 piero around ths lake, with25employees duriDB
the peak of the eeaaon.

This Page Sponsored by Whetlow Pier Service
Lake Geneva, WI

119

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The Sugar Bowl tonight, anyone?
While no photo of the SUGAR BOWL
Restaurant seems available, it is com~
mon knowledge among those in their
later years, that this wonderful youth
hangout did exist. Often called the
"passion pit'', the Sugar Bowl's speciality
was 'The Gedunk". Location believed to
have been(in the 1920's)nearthealleyin
the area where The Breadloef Book Shop

is today. Now just exactly what com·
prised a gedunk, no one seems to re·
member. Can you?

private ca:r:riage in the 600 block of Main Street, circa 1886. (Photo courtesy
Lake Area Muset.tm)

1 Tyler rides in his

~va

In the late 1800's, workmen are seen engaged in "lawn care". (Courtesy Geneva Lake Area Mu·
oeum)

John Bullock, Lake Geneva artist, appears
almost like Abe Lincoln in statu:re. (Photo
courtesy Geneva Lake Area Museum)

"JOHN BUlLOCK painted landscapes and portraits in Lake Geneva in the
last century. He was also a photographer
and had a "new" Solar camera.
He was born in England in 1835 and
went to Philadelphia in 1858, where he
was engaged in portraiture. This had
been a keen interest of his since early

childhood.
His career in Philadelphia was indeed
brief, and he soon found himself in Chicago, where he established a studio in
Crosby's Opera Block. Unfortunately, he
was burned out at the time of the Great
Fire of1871. He came to Lake Geneva the
following year to make sketches and liked
the beauty of the place so well, decided to

stay.
His wife, Lavina (1833-1898), was also

Charles Rogers was "an eccentric Lake Geneva resident who prophesized that some day
the ships would encircle the earth on one
scuttle of coal." Could he have been a psychic
who foresaw atomic power? (Information from
Geneva Lake Area Museum photo, circa 1880)

tesy Geneva Lake Area Museum)

a native of England. They had six children: Lucy, Rose, Anna, Will, Ida, and
Art. John Bullock died in Lake Geneva in
1912, at the age of 77. He is buried in Oak
H•.!~ Cemetery."
Photo taken at Lenon Ford Garage (McCullough's Pharmacy today). Looks like a good day of
hunting for these men, but a bad dayforthe Canadian geese. L toR: Burt Lenon, Hany Yakes, Harry
Newman, Fred Matson, Herman Yakes. (Photo courtesy Max Newman, Lake Geneva)

(Information courtesy of Vern and
Alice Hackett, Lake Geneva May 7,
1984.)

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f:§
·--- ' --! e::EE.
·J;E_=~~:~:
.._::?§er:·.Ff

LOVELY J..A.K.E GENEVA

-'

-·

_-:__ ---

'he Odell Typewriter Factory was
It in 1887 at the foot of Wells Street
I Hwy 50. In the 1930's, Bishop's Dry
:ht Club (meaning no alcohol served)
ned here as an active social gathering
ce, owned and operated by the Bishop
tily. Following the night club, the
perty was the Greyhound Bus stop,
n the Lake Geneva Winery, and today
\ather shop.

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"Lovely Lake Geneva", copyrighted in 1885 by
The National Music Company. This was the
song that thrilled the heart of Mrs. Sheldon
Doud, mother of Mamie Doud Eisenhower.
After hearing this melody, Mrs. Doud gave
Mamie the middle name "Geneva". (Courtesy
Lake Geneva Public Library)

Odell Typewriter which was manufactured in Lake Geneva in the late 1800's. (Photo courtesy
Geneva Lake Area Museum)

o-<>ell

,,P-I•

Mrs. John Sheldon Doud, mother of
Mamie Eisenhower, visited Lake Geneva
many, many years ago and became so
enamored with the song, "'Lovely Lake
Geneva", that she named Mamie,
"Mamie Geneva Doud". AB most know,
her daughter would become our First
Lady of the United States and wife of
President Dwight David Eisenhower,
The song, "Lovely Lake Geneva" (both

the words and the music) were written
and composed by Charles B. Holmes and
published by National Music Company of
Chicago in 1885.

Alice Hackett, szeen here in 1949, using the
Odell Typewriter. Alice's grandfather, John
Burton, owned the building where the
typewriters were manufactured. (Photo
courtesy Geneva Lake Area Museum)

Lake Geneva Merchants Town Team, 1931. Front :row: L toR: Paul Flemming, Herb Cole, Ernie
Johnson, Joe Payne, (Mascot), B. Heiden, Butts Inger, Lee Barrett and Lyle Lusignan. Middle row:
L toR: Bob Brugger, Joe Deignan, Ernie Host, Ernie Norrie, Harry Youell, Al Lusignan, Muggs
Traver and John Hooker. Back row: L toR: Roy Teabell, Rom Rylatt, Willard Alp, Ron Gibbs, Glen
Smith, Fred Wylie, John Featherstone, Floyd Smith and Landy Lusignan. (Photo courtesy Lake
Geneva Public Library and Geneva Lake Area Museum)

Odell Typeriter Company was located in this bnilding in 1885.

123

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•a Opera House. located on Broad Street,
>rigmally called Centemrlal Hall and wu
in 1876. (Photo courtesy Geneva Lake

Blackwood's GreeDhouaes, 1105 Madi.on Street, in the 1920's. Mr. Blackwood was the phi·
lanthropiat who donated maple and elm tree& lining a certain aeetion ofMadi.on Street in memory
of WWl vetenma. (Photo courtesy Betty Host, Lake Geneva)

Museum)

Many Lake Geneva residents travel
Madison Street on a daily basis and
probably have never noticed the two
granite pillars with the inscription
MEMORIAL AVENUE on them that
adorn the comers of Madison and Grant
Streets. H one has seen the pillars, he
probably surmises that Memorial Avenue
denotes that this street leads directly to Oak
Hill Cemetery. Hol"ever, this is not the
true picture.
1n the 1920's, a gentleman by the name
of Mr. Blackwood, who owned Blackwood
Greenhouses, planted about twelve elm
and maple trees lining this part of
Madison Street in memory of all veterans
who had served in WWI. The granita
pillars were eonstruetad by Floyd Maisch
with financial assistance from Mr.
William Trinke. Many of the elm trees
were lost to Dutch Elm Disease, but the
maples remain in grand splendor on
Madison Street.

The State Tree
Sugar Maple

>RD'SOPERAHOUSEwasorigina]]y
d Centennial Hall because it was
; in 1876, in recognition of the 100th
1day celebration of the United States
merica. The opera house served as
high school gymnasium for many
'• in the 1920's housed a roller skatdnk, and scheduled many live endment shows for the community.
ow called The Geneva Theater, it has
sd the ranks of current largeaned theaters with four movies
'II on a regular basis.

(Courtesy Geneva Lake Area Museum)

i:'.>

The present, modem Geneva Theater where four moviea are shown on a regular baaia.

One of the- granita pillars tbstcsn be seen on the corner of Madison and Grant Streets in Lake
Geneva, built by Floyd Maisch. Piiiare are in memory of those who eerved in WWI.

125

POTPOURRI

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,.............
Wto4-

te Geneva Florist &

Gretmhouse, former location of Blackwood Ozeenhouaea. Cur.rent owners:
n and Jerry Pagni. The Pagni fomily bouaht the g:teel>h..,.. buoineoo in 1979.

THE CHEESE BOX: This business
was opened in 1940 by Albert Belzer, a
former sign painter in Chicago. Originally, a gas station stood on this pro·
perty at 801 S. Wells Street. Belzer's
idea was to lure people into buying cheese
and sausage to send to servicemen
overseas, because one did not have to use
his ration coupone for such gifts.
Mter the war, Belzer began a mail
order business which is still a thriving
operation in 1993. In 1977, Belzer sold
The Cheese Box to Don and Mary Walsh.
In 1989, Rich and Luigina Rellihen
bought the businsss and are the current
owners and operators. The Cheese Box is
open year round, seven days a week.

The Cheeoe Box, 801 S. Wello Street, apened in 1940 and continuee in buoineeo oelling a myriad
of Wioconoin cheeoeo. (Courteoy Jerry Glaoe, Lake Geneva)

People living in the State of Wisconsin
are playfully known and refened to as
CHEESEHEADS, because of their vast
amount of cheese production and oon·
sumption. Souvenir shops are full of
cheese hats, tee shirts, and other cheese
memorabilia.

1913 photo of three rural mailmen, L to R: Fuller Boutelle (with his new $350.00 Ford), Bill
Fleming, and Will (Bill) Chambero. Photo taken at the old poot office building on the S.W. eai'IIM
of Main and Broad Street.. (Courteoy Geneva Loke Anoa Mwoewn)

Ah, the famous home of Wisconsin cheese and sauaagea: The Cheese Box. A favorite stopping off
place for residents and tourists. Owned and operated by Rich and Luigina Rellihen.

127

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Symbols ofWioconaln. On the &tate seal, a oailor and
a miner hold a shield with symbols representing
Wisconsin's agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and
navigation. The horn of plenty stands for prosperity, and
the pyramid of pig lead aymbolizeo the &tate'• mineral

LUSTRON homes, built with enamel steel panels, were the idea of Carl
randlund, conceived after WWII, to
duce the cost of home building.
randlund•s company, Ohio Lustron,
:ated in Columbus, Ohio, produced
ese maintenance free exterior wall
nels. There are three Lustron homes in

wealth. The badger represents Wisconsin's
niclmame-the Badger State. Tha seal, adopted in 1861,
appears in the center of the &tate flag. The flag was
adopted in 1913.

;, downtown Lake Geneva area.

Parking meters came into being in
ke Geneva during the early 1940's.
though I wss unable to find any pho!l"aphs, residents have ststed at Corby
ese (who at one time owned a gas
•tion on the corner of Broad and Dodge
reets) was a well-known figure in town
he checked the meters along Main
reet. At that time, cost of parking wss
e cent for 12 minutss ... what a deal!
Le summer meter reader was

A cloae·up view of this bome,locetsd at 808 Maxwell Street, is ooe of the tt.- Luetron homes in
Lake Geueva. n.- homes, built with oteel tile-like paoalo, were a poet WWU invention. The other
two Luetron bouees .... Oil Madison Street.

Oscar

biche. (Information courtesy of Denver
oung and Colleen Alexander.)

MainStreetBari>erShop'o "computer" ••• 1930
National Cash Regiater ••• under lock and key.
Photo taken 1993.

As Lake Geoeva continues to grow, and especially during the summer months with tho
iDflwr: of tom-iata DOming to OD,joy this WOil•
derful community, parking ha• become a
tremendoua problem. This Parking Fina Box
ia not only known to all, but also a bone of
conteotion to maoyl

Derrick, local college student, takes his
mmer work 1erioualy. Tall, blonde and
ndoome, Ryao otill givee out those parking
kets eveo if one tries to throw him a frieodly
dle or even blow him a kiss. After all, a job
a job, risht J!yao?
'8ll

:s

Looks like thia canine ie in deep trouble. Now,
Ryan Derrick, meter :reader, iB going to have a
tough time !mDwiDs e%1lc:tly where to plaoo the
overdue parking meter ticket •.• around the
collar? Taped to the dog tsg or tail? Better
check with your boas, Ryan.

MAIN STREET BARBER SHOP
(downataira, below what uaed to be
Amold'aDrugStore}ialocatedat755Main
Street. At one time, it was Lewinski's
Barber Shop where public baths and
showers were available in the back room:
10<1 - 25e, depending on how long one
bathed and how much soap and water
was used.

John SnYder, Jr., owner of Main Street Barber Shop, ...W... for a momeot between hair
appointmeoto. Note viotsge 1930's barl>er chaino and equi-ent.

After Lewinaki'a, the shop wss nm by
Harold Chapman (nicknamed, Chappy)
and wss known as the "community news
center": gossip galore!

John Snyder, Jr. bought the Main
Street Barber ShOP in 1967. His barber
equipment remains 1930 vintage. Haircuts: $5.25. A popular place in town; no
frills, just good aervice.

This Page Sponsored by Lakeside Orthopaedics, S.C.
James L. Knave[, M.D.

129

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Our firSt newspaper was started in
April, 1872. It had eight columns, and
John E. Burton and George Utter were
editor and publisher, respectively. It was
called "Geneva Lake Herald."

•ug Elliott, Lake Geneva Regional News Editor, has been with the newspaper for a total of 33
ars ... and what a great job he does! Doug is very involved in the community and is always
ail able to help readers with their needs and concerns. He first served as Editor for twenty years,
t the area for 13 years, and then, luckily returned to Lake Geneva and has since served another
rleen years as Editor of this ime publication.

1930 Staff Photo, Lake Geneva Regional News.(Courtesy Geneva Lake Area Museum)

10

Lake Geneva RRgional News building, located at 315 Broad Street. The newspaper moved here in
1947. D.W. Bearderis owner andpublisheroftheRegional News. His father,A.M. Beard.er, bought
the Regional News in 1940 and was owner and publisher for over 30 years before his death in 1980,

Definitely a "yesterday" photo. (Courteey Robert L. Webster, Sr., Leke Geneva)

131

~.is+

CITY MAP

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LAKE GENEVA

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To obtain copies of this book
or for information on how to publish
your own county or community history, contact:

«.,
b

Curtis1-800-743-4388
Media, Inc.

___c_ompliments of

LAKE GENEVA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Telephone~ 41•1'248·8311

•• nor • - nan-

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