Ten Chimneys - Genesee Depot Wisconsin

Theater legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne were a most successful celebrity couple.  Devoted to each other, they appeared only together; neither was in a production without the other from the late 1920's until their retirement in the 1960s.  In demand, they were able to have a clause in their contract that gave them every summer off to spend extended time at their beloved Ten Chimneys.

Situated in the beautiful hills of the Kettle Moraine, in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin, the estate is open for tours. Yesterday, a friend and I spent a lovely morning there.

This was our second visit to this historical treasure, and I'd love to go again.  Furnishings in the estate are original to the Lunts.  The Ten Chimneys Foundation did a masterful job of authentic restoration. You feel as if you are peeking into someone's home while they are away, rather than looking at museum artifacts. Most rooms are open so that you can walk around them to view objects up close.  (Not surprisingly, inside photos are not allowed).

The lodge, the main house and the honeymoon cottage, (photo above), each have a distinct personality. I so wish that I could have taken a photo of the bedroom in the cottage...white on white with sheepskin carpet; it was 'to die for'.  I know that you won't be disappointed if you ever have a chance to tour Ten Chimneys. In the meantime, enjoy these photos of the grounds.

Tornado Damage at Old World Wisconsin

On Monday night a tornado touched down in the small village of Eagle,Wisconsin, about 15 minutes from here. Many homes were destroyed and countless others were damaged.  Thankfully, there were no serious injuries.  Old World Wisconsin is located in Eagle.  It's one of our favorite historical sites and I've blogged about it twice; last summer and at Christmas time.

Old World Wisconsin was hit bit the tornado and is currently closed for clean-up.  Thankfully there was no major damage to the historical buildings, but many trees were lost.  Check out the amazing photos of the damage here. Our granddaughters are coming to visit soon and two of them are scheduled to attend the One Room Schoolhouse Rocks day camp there.  We're all hoping that the site will be able to re-open soon.

The Old World Wisconsin Foundation has established a fund to help with the clean-up expenses. Here's a link for anyone that would like to contribute.

Old World Wisconsin - A Slice of History

You can travel back in time. At Old World Wisconsin in Eagle, Wisconsin, the past is alive. The 600 acre site was opened in 1976 and is comprised of more than sixty historic Wisconsin structures. Each was carefully dismantled, moved and reconstructed precisely as they had been originally built, in an appropriate setting. Gardens are planted each year with heirloom plants and tended with 19th century implements. You'll find chickens wandering the yards and oxen at work in the fields.

This is the country's largest museum of rural life. Settlers of the time are represented in various villages including Danish, Finnish, German, Polish, "Yankee" and African-American. Walking into each building you'll find the authentically costumed "residents" cooking on wood stoves, making soap, sewing, washing clothes and going about daily life.

We took our 5 & 6 year old granddaughters to visit last week, and made our first stop at St. Peter's church. Kari sang along as the organist played 'Amazing Grace' on the pump organ.

We watched the blacksmith make an S hook and then wandered into the Thomas General Store.

The girls enjoyed lifting the lids to see what was in each bin. They found flour, cornmeal, rice and more.

At Four Mile Inn, the innkeeper's wife modestly explained the many layers she was wearing, and revealed her bustle so the girls could see exactly what that was! In the Peterson Farmhouse, we spotted a chamberpot. Kelli was horrified to learn that as the youngest child, she would be expected to empty it in the morning, while Kari fetched water from the pump. Our last stop of the day was the Raspberry Schoolhouse, where the girls attended class and enjoyed writing on the slates.

If you've never been to Old World Wisconsin, we encourage you to make a visit. The site is open from June 15th thru October 31st each year, and special events & workshops are offered throughout the season. If you love history, antiques, or just being out in a beautiful setting, you will enjoy it! The entire site reflects the spirit of our early settlers, stated aptly in a motto on the schoolhouse chalkboard: American ends in "I can" not "I can't".