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#15 – S. Lake Street
Lake Street was named in 1875 by William Schwartz when he plotted
Elkhart Lake. The lake and the resorts on its shores were a major attraction
for people throughout the county. Originally, commercial development was
more typical than residential on this street. In the early 1900’s, after East
Street was built, more residences began to appear.
Once an Indian trail, South Lake Street was the beginning of the Interurban
route which went to Crystal Lake, Plymouth, Sheboygan Falls, and
Sheboygan. The street once continued along the lake in front of The
Osthoff Resort and is now a walking path.
#16 – 284 S. Lake Street
To remain competitive, this historic hotel building was razed in 2007 and rebuilt in the
summer of 2008 as a luxurious condominium development filled with amenities expected by
today's traveler.
Herman and Laura Siebken purchased this property in 1916 from Otto
LaBudde. Originally called the Elm Park Hotel, the name was changed to
Siebkens Resort. The first house in Elkhart Lake, a log cabin built by
Joseph L. Moore around 1842, was once situated to the east of the present
dining room close to Lake Street. The resort is now run by the fourth
generation of Siebkens. To remain competitive, this historic hotel building
was razed in 2007 and rebuilt in the summer of 2008 as a luxurious
condominium development filled with amenities expected by today's
travelers. A pool and fitness center were added to the development which
includes an historic Main Dining Room, Tavern and Sandwich Bar, banquet
facilities, Ice Cream Shoppe, and private beach. Amenities include the
Main Dining Room, Tavern and Sandwich Bar, banquet facilities, Ice Cream
Shoppe, and private beach. The Tavern, which is nationally known as the
“best bar on the racing circuit” is also a favorite with locals and tourists.
#11 – Lawn between 21 and 61 S. Lake Street
#17 – 279 S. Lake Street
284 S. Lake Street
Original Siebkens Resort
The Blackhawk Riding Academy was established in 1913 by James
Brueckner, an equestrian instructor at the University of Wisconsin and the
North Carolina College of Women. Under his direction, several horse shows
and events were held until the late 1930’s. During the next 20 years, a
summertime wooden frame restaurant called “Shanty Town” was located
here. It was demolished in the 1960’s. Now, the area is used to enjoy
outdoor parties held by the Lake Street Cafe.
#12 – 61 S. Lake Street
Otto LaBudde built his Hardware Store in 1886 and operated the business
until 1905 when it was sold to Jacob Reis. Henry Nametz bought the
business and ran it until 1961 when his son Everett took over. In 1972,
Sohn Manufacturing Company purchased it for industrial use. Formerly a
pub, grill and music café, the building was completely renovated and
reopened as The Paddock Club in 2007.
#13 – 81 S. Lake Street
Home of the Telephone Company in 1924, one half of the building was filled
with phone equipment and the other half was used as a waiting room for
customers. Later, Western Union Officers shared this space. In the late
1950’s, Road America used the building as its offices until it moved to the
racetrack site 30 years later. Nordic Accents, a Scandinavian Import Shop,
now occupies this space.
#14 – 99 S. Lake Street
Harry and Bernice Gessert began their ice cream parlor business on this
site in 1922. Several years later, they purchased the building next door and
in 1927 remodeled it with living quarters upstairs. In 1978, Gessert’s
daughter and son-in-law, Yvonne and Ed Landgraf, took over the business.
The interior is charming as it retains its authentic, original decor. Oldfashioned ice cream sodas and malts continue to be made as they were in
the 1920’s.
“Lakeview House” was the name of the original resort built in 1873 by
William Schwartz, village plotter. The building burned in August 1890 and
was rebuilt the following summer. After changing hands several times, the
resort was run as Schwartz Hotel for many years, and renamed Barefoot
Bay in the late 1980’s. Summer vacationers were attracted by the variety of
planned family activities, water sports, and night club shows. In May 1999,
the resort was sold to its current owners, Kenneth and Judith Salzwedel,
who renamed it Victorian Village Resort and completely restored 49 hotel
rooms, 12 condos in the Lakeside Suites, and 12 luxury turn-of-the-century
condos in the Grand Victorian Lady. In keeping with its past, the resort has
a beautiful private beach, indoor and outdoor pools, water sports, and
recreational activities, and hosts live entertainment. Its historical ambiance
has been enhanced with a new outdoor pool and hot tub, motorized
watersports equipment, a tiki bar on the deck overlooking the lake, and its
restaurant, Back Porch Bistro, which has become famous for its grand
vistas and delicious food.
From the 1920’s through the mid-1950’s, the
vicinity of Elkhart Lake was the Midwest
center for gambling. Most businesses in
Elkhart Lake had at least one slot machine.
The gentleman who rented office space over
the bank was asked to remove his slot machine
when it was declared “inappropriate.”
Otto Osthoff had a converted house for
gambling in the 1940’s called the “Fun Spot,”
and the “Tern and Anchor” used its basement
entrance for its gambling patrons. Attempts to
curb gambling were largely unsuccessful
until the mid-1950’s when the State used its
authority and finally shut down
all gambling activities.
#25 – Jay Lee Inn
This Victorian Federal home was built in 1902 by William and Carolyn
Krueger and sits on the original race track which is a Historic Landmark.
History tells us that it was a boarding house, inn or overflow for the resorts
in Elkhart Lake. It has been renovated to its former glory and christened
the home "Jay Lee Inn", the name Jacob and Leitha Stein used when it was
affiliated with Pine Point Resort. Today, its seven bedrooms, lake view, full
breakfast and afternoon refreshments are offered by innkeepers Monica &
Leo Lettow.
#26 – 500 Quit Qui Oc Lane
C.L. Pratt, Louis Laun and Louis Stark organized the Golf Club in 1922.
The name is Menomonee Indian (and a little French) for “land along the
crooked river.” The name has a long history in the area. Part of the nearby
town of Plymouth was called Quit Qui Oc.Tom Bendlow of Chicago
designed the nine-hole course. Ernest Killick, a Fort Meyers golf
professional, officially opened the course. In 1955, Carl Wiese purchased
the course from Ed Leverenz and added the second nine holes, Now, fifty
years later, Carl’s son, Tom and his family still run this popular course.
Construction of the third nine, “Glacial Nine,” began in 2000 and was built
and designed by Bob Lohman.
#27 – S. East Street
Increased population and business prompted the Village to create a new
road leading to the lake. By 1904, S. East Street was built to join Lake
Street at the shore. Several of the houses on East Street had their front
porches oriented toward Osthoff’s walking path, which went from the Depot
platform to the lake. As a result, the rear of these homes faced the new
street. S. East Street has experienced a renaissance of sorts as many
homes have been renovated; two are now operated as Bed and Breakfast
Inns.
#28 – 54 Square Street
Dealing in “Art Linen,” Karam Basil opened his store in 1909 across from
the south side of the Depot. Run as a summer venture, the Basil’s also had
a year-round business on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Karam’s son
George continued to sell linens each summer in various locations, usually
at the Schwartz Hotel.
Otto Osthoff, operator of Milwaukee’s Schlitz Gardens, purchased the
property of Daniel Carver for $7,000. In 1885 construction began on his
hotel “The Osthoff.” Operated by family members until 1954, the property
was then sold to Sulie and Pearl Harand who operated a camp for the
theatre arts. Many of today’s talented members of theatre and film were
once “Haranders.” In 1989, the property was sold to Dairyland Investors
who razed the building to build the condominium resort once again known
as “The Osthoff.” This A AA Four Diamond facility opened in May 1995, and
offers all-suite, premier accommodations and amenities. The new north
wing featuring 48 additional suites, a grand spa, and an elegant 100-seat
restaurant with lounge was completed for the summer 2005 tourist season.
OPTIONAL 1/4-MILE WALK (#22–#24)
#22 – Aspira Spa & Lola’s on the Lake
Osthoff north wing was completed in 2006 and contains 22 condominium
suites, Aspira Spa and Lola's on the Lake. Aspira offers specialized
treatments and a holistic spa experience. Both the spa and the restaurant
are open to the public.
#23 – 411 S. Lake Street
In 1931, The Elkhart Lake Fire Department purchased 12 lakefront lots
from Walter Stark, and the Firemen’s Park became a reality. Elkhart Lake’s
Volunteer Fire Department holds its annual picnic here over the Fourth of
July holiday. In addition, the park offers a seasonal concession stand,
recreational area, band shell, and swimming beach for the public.
#24 – Point Elkhart Drive
In 1866, Fond du Lac businessman C.V. Pettibone built a cabin on his lake
property in Elkhart Lake for summer leisure. Twelve years later he decided
to build a hotel for his friends to enjoy, naming it “Pettibone’s Pine Point.” In
1882, a large two-story building and Lakeshore Pavilion were constructed.
The property changed hands three times, and in the late 1930’s the
Pavilion was home to a summer theatre with Chicago-based actors. After
the war, the property was again sold. In 1972, the buildings were razed and
Point Elkhart Condominiums were built and remain here today. Several
additional condominium units have been built over recent years. Owners
have formed the Point Elkhart Condominium Association.
#18 – Area between 279 & 281 S. Lake Street
Wm. Schwartz, Jr. ran both the Harbor or “Boat Landing” and “The Tower
Ice Cream Stand.” In 1876 he ran a steam launch at the lakefront and had
a horse-drawn bus which brought visitors to the dock to rent his boats. At
the top of the hill was the Tower that provided water to the hotel and sold
ice cream and refreshments at its base.
#19 – 281 S. Lake Street
Built in the 1930’s, this building was run by Benold Schwartz and his sister
Adele as the “Tern and Anchor,” a popular bar and restaurant with a soda
fountain. The Schusters and Formans bought it in the early 1950’s and ran
it until 1956 when it was turned into a private residence. It was sold to a
member of the Siebkens family in recent years and went through extensive
remodeling. The garage was added in 2002.
#20 – 283 S. Lake Street
Built in the 1920’s and run as a sandwich shop and gambling joint, this
building was purchased in 1956 by the Foremans and Schusters for use as
a summer home. It remains in the family today.
~Gambling~
#21 – 101 Osthoff Avenue
44 Gottfried Street
Original Railroad Depot
#29 – 54 S. Lake Street
In March 1907, the first successful attempt to organize a bank began and
was incorporated with capital stock of $25,000. The building was designed
by Mr. Schnetzky of Milwaukee and officially opened in August 1907. The
first depositer was Principal Dornbush of Elkhart Lake. An addition was
constructed in 1961. Continuously operated by local people, the bank was
most recently purchased by National Exchange Bank and Trust of Fond du
Lac, Wisconsin. A beautiful stained glass window featuring an “Elk” was
removed from the bank and given to the Grashorn Civic Center. You can
see the window on 40 Pine Street (1 block north at Village Office/Police
Dept/Library).
#30 – Village Square
Due to Elkhart Lake’s popularity as a summer destination, a larger depot
was needed. The original structure was moved to the feed mill site in April,
1888 and by July, the new Queen Anne-style depot was completed. In
1970, the depot was closed due to the waning use of passenger trains.
Scheduled for demolition the following year, the depot and most of its
furnishings were saved by the newly-formed Elkhart Lake Historical Society.
Today this building serves as a museum with an art and gift shop that are
open during the tourist season. The area around the depot is the location
for the spring to fall Farmers and Artisans Market and is a centerpiece for
the Village.
104 N. Washington Street
#31 – 100 E. Rhine Street
Begun in 1886, Laun Brothers Lumber and Furniture moved from N. East
Street to this location in 1890. Three years later the store added a second
floor. On July 15, 1958, the worst fire in Elkhart Lake’s history destroyed all
but the first floor. Rebuilt as a one-story building, the business continued
until 1971. Since the late 1970’s, it has been an office building and
continues to function as a office and retail complex today.
#32 – Three Gables Consignment Shop
The renovated home which now is Three Gables Consignment Shop was
the residence of Ambrose and Anna Maria Breckheimer in the late 1800's
and was probably built by them. Their daughter, Annie, and her husband,
Cornelius Gessert, lived there as well following their marriage. Harry L.
Gessert, who eventually became the owner of Gessert's was born in that
home. Following the death of Ambrose in 1901, Cornelius and Annie built a
new home at 114 S.
East Street with Anna Maria spending her final years with them. In 1919
they built their craftsman-style bungalow at 106 S. Lake Street.
#33 – Two Fish Gallery & Sculpture Garden
This home was purchased in 1935 by Ray Lauer, third generation owner of
the Lauer Paint Company, once located across the street from the business
(see #37 for details). Ray Lauer died in 1996 and the home was sold. It
sold again in April 1998 and the art gallery was opened in December that
same year. Its owners have added a variety of plantings and artwork to
create an extensive sculpture garden to be enjoyed by customers and
visitors.
#34 – Serendipity Two
#35 – 186 E. Rhine Street
Built in 1916, it was a Ford and Buick agency until the 1930’s. The site was
many businesses including Peebles, Hornecks, Sinsz, Van DeHey KaiserFranzier Auto agency and Plyco Manufacturing. This building was
eventaully vacated and now serves as private storage.
#36 – 274 Osthoff Avenue
The Community Bank and Trust is situated on the original site of the Elkhart
Lake Oil Company which was built and operated in 1934 by Lester Laun
and Nick Zorn. Robbed at gunpoint twice in less than two months, Laun
decided to leave the oil business. Later, the Miller Brothers from Plymouth
and Marvin “Muff” Weber from Elkhart Lake ran the business until the
1990’s. In 1996 Community Bank and Trust was built.
#37 – 191 S. Lincoln Street
This restaurant began as a small seven-stool rectangular building in the late
1930s. In 1940, the “Lyons Den” sold sodas, steaks, hamburgers, and ice
cream. Later purchased by Jerome and Bernice Quella, the building was
enlarged and renamed “Q’s Quarters.” After many years in business, the
Quella’s sold the restaurant/bar in 1995. Today it is called “Harveys of
Elkhart Lake,” and is well-known for its all-you-can-eat fish frys.
#38 – 91 S. Lincoln Street
In 1886, Una Tillman purchased Lot #12 from renowned resort owner Otto
Osthoff and built a residence. Inventor Carl Schwartz converted the house
into a tavern and restaurant after he sold one of his patents. The restaurant
has changed hands several times but the interior remains almost
unchanged since 1934, right down to the ornate hand-carved walnut bar.
The building is still run as a restaurant bar, Sal’s Elkhart Inn.
#39 – 294 E. Rhine Street
August Hamman opened this “modern” garage in 1934 as an agency for
Ford automobiles. The Oriole Bus Lines, a school bus and charter service,
also ran from this building from 1956 through 1975. Hamman’s sons
continue to operate the garage today, as Cal and Gus’ service station.
#40 – 101 N. Lincoln Street
Situated almost on the highway, this building was originally a tavern and
restaurant. The building’s ownership changed several times and once
operated as Bill’s Electronics and Charlene’s of Elkhart, a beauty shop.
Charlene’s still occupies the south end of the building.