Nestled on the shores of lakes and tucked between pine trees are beautiful and interesting historic homes that help tell a unique story of our Northwoods History. Since 2013, the Eagle River Historical Society has made it a point make available some of the more historic and notable homes and properties that have been in our community for decades, in some cases well over 100 years. Below are the Historic Home Tours we have done in the past (Harbor Point & Everette Colony Homes will be added later), and it is here we would like to thank all of those who have participated in these events and have been so generous to allow us and the public to view them and be cherished for future generations!
Sunset Point & The Sisters of Mercy
What would become Sunset Point was purchased the existing home in 1921 by Mont Jacob Tennes, Chicago’s Gentleman Gambler. New home designed by Rudolph and Elizabeth Kimball Nedved in 1927, built in 1928 to a French Provincial theme. His sons, Raymond Tennes had Ford dealership in Chicago and Horace Tennes was world-renowned small boat racer, lived in and grew up in the home.
Horace Tennes raced boats all across the country namely in Florida, in his prized "Hootenanny" throughout the 1930s to the 1950s. Even at one point having a float plane as well.
In 1951 the property was given to the Sisters of Mercy of the Chicago Archdiocese and the Sisters ran a girl’s camp for many years. This served as a retreat for many of the Sisters where they could ski, fish, and enjoy much of what the northwoods had to offer.
In 1987 Sunset Point was purchased by Kim and Jeannette Goluska, and in November, 1993 added to the National Register of Historic places. The Eagle River Historical Society toured the property in 2013, the first of many historic home tours to come. Thank you Kim and Jeannette Goluska for your generosity in allowing us to tour your home and continue to partner with you for special events. We appreciate your long time support of the Historical Society!
Indian Point Manor | The Kelly Estate
In 1926 Edward J. Kelly bought land at the southern end of Everett Peninsula on Catfish Lake from Edward Everett and additional adjoining lots from Marita Deardorf Denneny. Kelly hired Francis C. Sullivan as architect and Herman Korth and Son of Eagle River served as contractor. The 7,500 square foot home with 2,000 feet of lake frontage was built over the period of 1928 through 1932. During this time Kelly was the Superintendent of the Chicago Sanitary District and President of the South Park Commission. Locals recall seeing Sanitary Department trucks hauling building supplies up to the Northwoods.
The lodge has as its focal point the main hall with double fireplaces, open to the rafters, with a balcony extending around the room, but resembles famed hunting lodges from the United States and Europe. In addition to the main house, the estate consisted of a three-car garage with separate living quarters on the upper level, one for the chauffer and one for the caretaker. The boathouse had a casino on the second floor. Other out-buildings included a servant hall, an ice house and an implement building.
Two years after the death of Edward Kelly in 1950, and after his estate settled significant tax liens, the property was sold to Robert and Mary Murphy for $49,000. The Murphy Family (and/or several subsequent trusts and later an LLC) owned Indian Point until 2018 when it was sold to the current owners.
Thank you Danny & Wendy Dulak for your generosity in showcasing the Former Kelly Mansion! Your work to blend modern amenities & preserve historic integrity does not go unnoticed in our community! This Historic Home was available for the Public to tour in 2021.
The Jahn House or "Cube House"
Built for Robert Murphy, a partner in the Chicago firm "C.F. Murphy Associates" which Helmut Jahn, whom had a long association, had sought out Jahn's design skills to built a home in Eagle River in 1979. Citing his enjoyment of its many outdoor recreational activities.
Initially Jahn developed 5 alternate schemes for the home’s design. It wasn’t until he took his young family on a trip to Eagle River the winter of 1980 and visualized the entire design of the house. The Jahn House was built by Eagle River contractors and craftsmen in 1983 and 1984.
Thank you Craig and Mary Root for your generosity and the work you put into showcasing your unique home as well as your long time support of the Historical Society and contributions to the new Heritage Center!
HAVE A HISTORIC HOME OF PROPERTY YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
We are always looking for historic homes or properties, whether it be resorts, private residences, camps, farms, or places of industry- if it is historic and has a good story relating to Eagle River or Vilas County, we are interested! If you, or someone you know has a property that they would like to have publicly toured by the Historical Society, please click the button below to contact us! We look forward to working with you!
