Black Point Estate and Gardens

2026 is the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Over the next 250 days we will be highlighting historic people, places or things from around Walworth County.

Up next is the Emily Baker.

Emily Marie Carswell was born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin. She married Robert Hall Baker in 1858, and the couple moved to Geneva where Robert was studying law.

In 1870, the family returned to Racine; Robert became an early partner in the J.I. Case Company and was active in state and local politics.

In 1878, the Bakers began building Redwood Cottage as a summer getaway next door to Robert’s parents. Robert died at age 43 during the second year of construction. As a widow, Emily completed the cottage for herself and her five children. She placed the initials R.H.B. on the threshold of the house so she would never have to pass through the door without him.

The house was completed in 1885 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Emily Baker passed away in Racine in 1894.

Walworth@250 #95

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2026 is the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Over the next 250 days we will be highlighting historic people, places or things from around Walworth County.

Up next is the Octagon House, Elkhorn.

Wisconsin has more octagonal houses (sometimes called “round” houses) than any state except Massachusetts or New York. (Mark Twain wrote in an octagon house, by the way.)

Octagon houses were popularized by promoter Orson Squire Fowler in the 1850’s—writing a book in 1849 with seven editions. Fowler spent time with Joseph Goodrich who built the nearby Milton House. Fowler claimed there was 20% more space inside the perimeter, the houses were cheaper to build, easier to heat and cool and offered more natural light.

The house in Elkhorn was built (1856-57) for Edward Elderkin, a young lawyer from New York who arrived in 1839 and wanted a thoroughly modern home. He practiced law in Elkhorn for 40 years. The house has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974.

Walworth@250: #94

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2026 is the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Over the next 250 days we will be highlighting historic people, places or things from around Walworth County.

Up next is Sonja Akright.

Sonja Akright, co-director of Administration at the Geneva Lake Museum, and member of the Lake Geneva Historic Preservation Commission, has a passion for historical knowledge of the area.

She grew up in Lake Geneva and had experience working on the Lake Geneva Cruise Line which inspired her to advocate for local history.

After years of research, Sonja curated an exhibit on the Sanitariums of Lake Geneva and followed up with a book and speaking engagements on the subject. “Her work not only preserves the past but also brings it to life, enriching the understanding and appreciation of the community’s unique legacy.”

Walworth@250 #93

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