1871

A Summer Idyll for Chicagoans

The Geneva Lake area has been an upscale resort community in southeastern Wisconsin since just after the Civil War. Its beauty and proximity to Chicago – just 90 miles or so as the crow flies – attracted many visitors from Illinois. In the late 19th century, many wealthy Chicagoans built mansions along the lakeshore to enjoy as summer retreats. And following the disastrous Chicago Fire of 1871, many stayed here year-round as their homes and businesses were rebuilt.

1887

A Beer Baron’s Retreat

In 1887, Chicago beer baron Seipp began construction of Black Point Estate and Gardens as a respite for his family from the heat and bustle of the big city. As there were no roads or utilities servicing the area, owners like Seipp never envisioned their homes could ever be more than holiday housing. The estate could be reached only by boat.
Image: Elsa Seipp Madlener, center, poses with her husband Albert, right and another man, possible Ed Daily, the engineer of the Seipp family steam launch “Lorely.”

1888

A Substantial Cottage

The 20-room Queen Anne-style “cottage” was completed in 1888. It included 13 bedrooms and only one bathroom. It sat on nearly twenty-seven acres of beautiful grounds that included nearly a half-mile of undisturbed Geneva Lake shoreline.

1890

A Family Estate for Generations

Unfortunately, Seipp was able to enjoy the house and gardens for only two seasons before his death in 1890. His family and four generations of descendants, however, continued to enjoy the estate. The original furnishings remained in the house while each generation added its own touches, making the home a rare time capsule for historians. Everyday household items range from the Victorian to late 20th century eras, but share the same family provenance.

2005 – 2007

A Gift to the State

Seipp’s great-grandson, William O. Petersen, donated the 20-room house, its grounds and furnishings to the state of Wisconsin in September of 2005 for use as a historic site.

After a $1.9 million state-financed restoration, Black Point Estate & Gardens opened for tours in June 2007. Black Point Preserve Inc. Board of Directors, composed of dedicated volunteers, managed the house and property for five years.

2013

A Summer Destination for Visitors

The Wisconsin Historical Society assumed responsibility for Black Point Estate and Gardens on January 1, 2013. Now open for tours from May through October, visitors can reach the site by boat, just as family and friends did in a bygone era.

A conservation easement protects Black Point and its current 620 feet of undeveloped shoreline from future development. A conditional use permit protects the privacy of nearby residents by defining the parameters of operation.