The History of Geneva National
A rich history surrounds the 1630 acres that comprise Geneva National. Three abandoned homes on the property were of historic interest, a Colonial Revival Estate (Crane home), a Craftsman-style house (Wheeler Estate) and a Mediterranean-style building (Harris Estate). Moreover, The Great Lakes Archeological Research Center began an intensive investigation during the summer of 1989, confirming the remains of over 40 historical sites as well as prehistoric dwellings belonging to the mid-late Woodland Indians.
Today, the remains of the three estate entrances may be seen on the southern border of Geneva National, bordering Highway 50. Across from Calvary Community Church and Harris Road, two beige stucco pillars announce the entrance of the former A.W. Harris estate. Further west, two fieldstone pillars identify the entrance of the former H.A. Wheeler summer home, the “Boulders.” The main entrance to Geneva National is the former entrance to the Crane Farm. Within the boundaries of Geneva National, two major farms thrived during the first half of the 1900’s… the Crane and Harris farms.
Harris Estate
A.W. Harris dreamed of getting away from Chicago city life and his banking business to start life on a country farm, raising horses. In 1915, Harris and his wife journeyed by train from Chicago to Williams Bay to visit an Irish farm north of Duck Lake ( Lake Como). Shortly after their visit, Harris purchased the farm and brought the very first Arabian horses to the United States to the farm he named Kemah, which later became Heritage Hills.
A Spanish-style estate home was built on the highest southern elevation, capturing views of both Duck and Geneva Lakes. Riding trails were blazed through the property and stalls northwest of the home bore the names of the farm Arabian horses. Today, a remaining element of the Harris Farm is the Spanish-style carriage house located east of the Hunt Club Lodge.
Crane Home
Upon entering the Geneva National community, remnants of the Crane Farms are still present. The Greek revival-style home today known as the Hunt Club Lodge & Legends Tavern was built around 1915. This site was used for a number of purposes.
Around 1928, a number of Crane Plumbing Company executives calling themselves the Duck Lake Committee decided to provide a summer camp for children of Crane employees. A number of cottages were built north of the barn to house campers for a two-week summer adventure. Boys and girls came at separate times and favorite activities included swimming in Geneva Lake, picnics and ball games.
In the 1930s Crane’s Farm found yet another use as employees suffering from tuberculosis were sent to Crane Farms Sanatorium (Hunt Club Lodge) to recuperate from the deadly disease. Up to twelve patients were registered per stay. While staying at the sanatorium, visiting guests enjoyed pheasant hunting in the fields behind the home.
Around 1950, the farm was sold to the Chicago Boy Scouts for $1.00. After changing hands a number of times thereafter, it was rented to a large family in the 1970s. It was from one of this family’s children that ghost stories began to emerge. Legends of mysterious appearances and opening doors and windows continue to this day!
In 1989, Anvan purchased the property and began renovations to the home in the spring of 1990. Fields were being prepared for the first hunting season. The home required complete renovation after being in disrepair for a number of years. The Hunt Club opened in the fall of 1990 with five members making up the first club of Geneva National. The rustic ambiance of the Hunt Club Lodge provided private dining for Golf, Social and Hunt Club members.
In May of 1992, a ten-station sporting clay course opened to enhance the Hunt Club amenities. Designed by Gordon Philip, the course was enjoyed by members and shooting enthusiasts. Purchased in 1996 by Paloma Golf, The Geneva National Hunt Club was selected by Esquire Magazine as one of the top 25 shooting clubs in the country. The hunting experience was enjoyed through the fall of 1999 when operations ceased for the build-out of the Gary Player golf course. |
