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At the turn of the last century, the vast estates on Geneva Lake employed staffs of professional gardeners who were justly proud of accomplishments and vied with each other to produce the finest lawns, most magnificent flowerbeds and superb fruit and vegetables. Horticultural Hall was built by several owners of these estates so that the results of their gardener's labors, as well as farmers in the region, could receive a wide audience and recognition of their accomplishments. |
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Since 1911, Horticultural Hall has been the center of many summertime floral and social affairs sponsored by well-known families, mainly from the Midwest, who summer in magnificent mansions along the shore of Geneva Lake. |
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This fine Arts & Crafts structure, still largely intact, was designed by the well-known architectural firm of Spencer & Powers. Built originally for the Lake Geneva Horticultural Society, it has been used and supported primarily by the Lake Geneva Gardner's & Foreman's Association, founded in 1905, and the Lake Geneva Garden Club, founded in 1915. |
| Horticultural Hall received special recognition when the United States Department of the Interior placed it on the National Register of Historic Places. |
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Then & Now! |
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| The Courtyard! Our outdoor facility for events. | |
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| The south doors exiting to the courtyard | |
| The Great Hall! Our indoor facility for events. | |
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The Great Hall. We've lightened the beams and added vintage lighting. |
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library! The "bride's room", conference room for 20 or less, repository of history. |
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| This old photo was the model for the restoration of the fireplace wall. | |
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| This is the north wall of the library. We were blessed to have a prominent architect to guide us, to ascertain that our restoration was true. Our only addition was the bookcase, which holds turn-of-the-century documents revealing the fascinating foundation and purpose of Horticultural Hall. | |
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| Per Sesame Street, "are these pictures the same?" Well no, but we consider ourselves so very fortunate that we were able to locate any very old pictures, at all. We considered ourselves even more fortunate that these images were well enough preserved to give us a worthy scan-capable image. | |
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So much heritage to cherish! Step into the past! Make it a part of your present! Make it part of your future! |
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Call 262.248.4382 or click on Contact Us and email us Hall Manager
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