For additional information concerning the Lake Geneva Hotel see our Wright Study
ADS
- Close up on illustration of the Hotel Geneva
- An ad from the Automobile Blue Book, 1917
BOOKS Picturesque Lake Geneva (1926) ![]()
Lake Geneva in Vintage Postcards (2005)
BROCHURES
1950-1955 Flap 1950-1955 Back 1950-1955 Cover
1950-1955 Inside
1960 Back 1960 Front
1960 Inside
1961 Back 1961 Front
1961 Inside
CERAMIC PLATES Early Hotel Geneva Plate, Circa 1915.
Published by Morrison and Rogers, Lake Geneva, Wis. 1915
GLASS
KEYS
LETTERHEAD & BUSINESS CARDS Hotel Geneva Business Card, Circa 1956
MATCHES Inside: "Hotel Lake Como, Hotel Geneva, Serving Only The Best Food, C. Hermansen & Sons."
- Side Note: Ad in the "Danish Brotherhood in America" 1939, page 16.
- Christ Hermansen & Sons operated both the Hotel Geneva and the Lake Como Hotel.
- Additional Side Notes: Hermansen postcard.
Lake Como Hotel, D. J. Notter, Manager. P. O. Address, Lake Geneva, Wis., R. F. D. No. 2, Box 76. Telephone, Lake Geneva 900 W. I. Postmarked 1919. Lake Como Hotel, 1920s.
A Real Photo Postcard: "Pretty Garden at Hermansen's, Lake Como Hotel, Lake Geneva, Wis. J-264." Real photo postcard post marked 1953. A Lake Como Hotel Real Photo postcard, late 1950s. “S1053. Sun Pier at Hermansen's Lake Como Hotel - Lake Geneva, Wis.” Back: “Vacationers on long pier stretching out into Lake Como.” Lake Como Hotel, Hermansen, Lake Geneva, Wis. Good For 25c In Trade.
MENUS Dining Room Dinner Menu, April 2, 1947
1955 Menu Back 1955 Menu Cover 1955 Menu Inside Dining Room Dinner Menu, September 7, 1956
PHOTOGRAPHS Hotel Geneva Terrace, January 1961
Hotel Geneva Engine Room, January 1961
Hotel Geneva Boiler System, January 1961
POSTCARDS
- 1939 Folder #2
- Hotel Geneva was located half a block south of the corner of Broad and Main Streets. To locate the Hotel Geneva's original location on Google's interactive map, click on the link below.
- 1955 Hermansen’s Hotel Geneva
TISSUE PACKAGE
Tissue Package Cover Tissue Package Inside For additional information concerning the Lake Geneva Hotel see our Wright Study
YEAR DESCRIPTION ST# The Hotel Geneva was designed in 1911, demolished in 1970. I have seen very few photos, so postcards are a good record. Even in the book "Lost Wright", by Carla Lind, the only photo that is published in that book is the photo of the post card below dated 1944. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. Circa 1890 (Side Note) The Whiting House. “Boat Landing, Lake Geneva, Wis.” Back: Made in Germany. James Leonard, Pub., Lake Geneva, Wis. C.E. Wheelock & Co., Peoria, ILL, Exclusive Importers. 190565". PM 6/9/13. The Whiting House, built in the early 1870s was destroyed by fire in 1894. This is the original property where the Hotel Geneva was built in 1911-12. I believe this to be an early four color collotype printing process. 5.4 x 3.4. Study of the Hotel Geneva. 0009.02.1208 1911 Hotel Geneva Circa 1911 (Published by C.R. Childs, Chicago). “Hotel Geneva, Lake Geneva, Wis. 19019-r.” I believe this may be one of very first photos taken of the Hotel Geneva. Notice the lack of any landscaping, even in the large vases. Later pictures show the addition of large round lights at the entrance. The two tall decorative poles at the entrance (far right) were dramatically shortened in later pictures. 5.5 x 3.5. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 0104.02.0906 1910's Hotel Geneva 1910's (Mid 10's) (Hammon Publishing Co.) Actual photographic Postcard. I believe that this was shot sometime during the 1910's after the Hotel opened. It is made by the Hammon Publishing Co, that produced the cards early on. It is also B&W which would indicate that it was produced before the color Post Cards. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 1911.00.0402 1910's Hotel Geneva 1910's (Mid 10's). Real photo PC. (J.J. Gregory - Cedar Rapids, Ia) Actual photographic Postcard. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 1910.00.1104 1910's Hotel Geneva. 1910's. Real photo PC. Published by AZO. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 1910.01.1202 1910's Lake Geneva, Wis. Photo Package. Package of 10 Genuine Photographs, Lake Geneva, Wis. One photo of Hotel Geneva (1.75 x 2.75"). Grogan Photo Systems, Inc. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 0104.03.0602 1910's Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Photo Package. Package of 10 Genuine Photographs, Lake Geneva, Wis. One photo of Hotel Geneva (1.75 x 2.75"). Grogan Photo Systems, Inc. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 0104.04.0307 1917 Automobile Blue Book - 1917 Hotel Geneva Hotel Geneva Ad - "Hotel Geneva. New and Modern. 70 Rooms with Bath. Dancing, Swimming and Fishing. Fish or Chicken dinners. 9 Hole Golf Course Open to the Public. A. H. Thierbach, E. T. Nussbaum Owners." The Lake Geneva Inn opened for business in 1912. It was demolished in 1970. 4.5 x 4 Ad. 5 x 9 page. For more information on the Hotel Geneva see our Wright Study. Pp 624 0138.02.0107 1919 “Hotel Geneva, Lake Geneva, Wis.” “Published by Lake Geneva Dry Goods Co. #21016 N” Circa 1919. Postmarked Sept. 24, 1919. B&W image, hand tinted and printed in four color. Printed by E. C. Kropp Co. 5.5 x 3.5. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 0141.01.1008 1920's (Photograph) Hotel Geneva, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. (circa 1920) 2.75 x 4.5. I notice that the American flags have been removed and there is a small sign just above the "Hotel Geneva" that says "Dancing".
1920.00.0105 1920's Hotel Geneva 1920's “Lake Geneva, Wis. 18 Miniature Postcards from original photographs.” “Hotel Geneva, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.” Set includes one postcard of the Hotel Geneva. 4.5 x 3. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 0142.02.0906 1920's “Hotel Geneva 1920's, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.” This may have been sold separately or as part of of the above set of 18. 4.5 x 3. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 0142.01.0703 1920's Hotel Geneva 1920's. The earliest postmark I have seen to date is August 26, 1921. (VO Hammon Publishing Co.) The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 1920.00.0102 1920's Hotel Geneva PC 1920's. The earliest postmark I have seen to date is September 2, 1921. (E.A. Bishop Publisher #3581, R-80820) The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 1920.01.1101 1920's Hotel Geneva 1920's B&W Souvenir Booklet. Horace C. Baker Co., Inc. Green Bay, Wis. Right side of post card is a booklet with small hinge flap for sealing. Inside is accordion fold with 12 B&W photos of Lake Geneva, Wis. One includes Hotel Geneva. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 1920.03.0704 1920's Hotel Geneva, Lake Geneva, Wis. – 21. E. C. Knopp Co., Milwaukee. #24783-N Post Marked Aug 8, 1930. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards.
1920.02.0404 1920's Hotel Geneva Plate. The Jonroth Studio Small hand painted ceramic plate, 5.25 x 5". The back reads: "Hand Painted, The Jonroth Studios. Germany. Designed and Imported Exclusively for L. C. Leonard. Lake Geneva, Ws." For additional information see Hotel Geneva Post Cards. 0142.03.0402 1920's Hotel Geneva Ash Tray. The Jonroth Studio Small hand painted octagonal ash tray, 5.25 x 5.25". The back reads: "Hand Painted, The Jonroth Studios. Germany. Designed and Imported Exclusively for L. C. Leonard. Lake Geneva, Ws." For additional information see Hotel Geneva Post Cards. 0142.04.0203 1920's “Hotel Geneva, Lake Geneva, Wis.” Back: “H. Rogers & Son. Headquarters for Classy Souvenir. Lake Geneva, Wis. Made in Germany.” 5.25" Round Plate. For additional information see Hotel Geneva Post Cards. 0142.05.0207 1921 "Greetings from Lake Geneva." Mini (half size) Souvenir Folder of Lake Geneva, Wis. Postage required: One Cent. (Published by E. A. Bishop, Racine, Wis.) #2329. Post Marked Aug 1921. One image inside of Hotel Geneva. 4.25 x 3.12. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 0144.01.0606 1926 "Souvenir Folder of Lake Geneva, Wis." Postage required: One Cent. (Published by E. A. Bishop, Racine, Wis. (c) C.T. & Co.) #2789. Inside images #56466. Post Marked Sept. 1, 1926. One half size image inside of Hotel Geneva. 6.25 x 4.24. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 1926.00.1101 1926 Picturesque Lake Geneva (Published by the Wisconsin Transportation Company, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin) Denison, Bonnie Burton Tourism and informational booklet concerning Lake Geneva. Includes one photograph of the Hotel Geneva circa 1926. It also confirms owners of the Hotel Geneva as Nussbaum and Thierbach. 25,000 copies printed. Original list price 50c. 11.2 x 8.25. (First Edition) For more information on the Hotel Geneva see our Wright Study. Pp 32 0172.01.1208 1930's Hotel Geneva PC 1930's (E.A. Bishop Publisher #3582, 4A-H193) The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards.
1930.00.0102 1930s Match Book: "Hotel Geneva on Beautiful Lake Geneva in Wisconsin." Produced by Federal Match Corp, New York which was in business during the 1920-30s, and was absorbed into the Universal Match Corp. between 1939-1940 (according to information provided by the American Matchcover Collecting Club). Inside: "Hotel Lake Como, Hotel Geneva, Serving Only The Best Food, C. Hermansen & Sons." (Three Copies) 0249.11.1206 0249.14.0207 0249.15.0207 1935 Hotel Geneva, 1935. “View from the Municipal Recreation Building, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. 5A-H328” Back: Bishop Post Card Co., Racine, Wisconsin. C.T. Art-Colortone. (P.M. 7/7/50) 5.5 x 3.5. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 0397.05.0807 1938 "Greetings from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin." Souvenir Folder. Postage required: One and a half Cents. Published by E. A. Bishop, Racine, Wis. #D-4314. One is Post Marked June 24, 1938. One image inside of Hotel Geneva. 6.2 x 4.24. (Two Copies) The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 1938.00.0102 1938.02.0103 1938 Hotel Geneva 1938. “1944 Hotel Geneva, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. E. A. Bishop. 8A-H609” Back: Copyright by E. A. Bishop, Racine, Wis. C.T. Art-Colortone. Two copies. (P.M. 8/4/46 & 8/22/44) 5.5 x 3.5. (Have verified a 7/11/39 postmark.) The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 0460.07.0102 0460.08.0807 1939 "Greetings from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin." Souvenir Folder. (Published by E. A. Bishop, Racine, Wis. #D-5746. One image inside of Hotel Geneva. 6 x 4.24. (Note: Later number than 1938 version, but images date from around 1912. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 1939.00.0306 1939 “Greetings from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin” Souvenir Folder of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Inside: “View from Recreation Building.” Image Circa 1935. Folder Circa 1939. Postage required: One and a half Cents. Published by E. A. Bishop, Racine, Wis. #D-5746. One image inside of Hotel Geneva. (Note: Same number as 1939 version, but images similar to 1938 versions.). 6 x 4.2. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 0501.15.0109 1939 Hotel Geneva, Circa 1939. “716 - Where Are You? Mark the spot and Mail this card to a Friend. Scenes on an Auto Trip around Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. 107732-N.” Back: Copyright by E. A. Bishop, Racine, Wis. (P.M. 6/6/42) 5.5 x 3.6. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 0501.13.0807 1940s Hotel Geneva - 1940s (Published by L. L. Cook Co., Milwaukee) “Beautiful Hotel Geneva, Lake Geneva, Wis. #B-1290". Real Photo Post Card, Postmark 8/27/47. Would have been produced the same time as B-1287. 5.5 x 3.5. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 0531.03.0806 1940's Original Hotel Geneva Key #83 1940.00.0901 1943 Hotel Geneva 1943. Post Card of Hotel Geneva, Curteich-Chicago "C.T. Art-Colortone", E.F. Godfrey, OC-H1943. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 1943.00.0702 1943 Hotel Geneva 1943. "Lake Geneva, Wis. From Hotel Geneva. B-1287". Postmarked Aug. 12, 1943. Real Photo Post Card. 5.5 x 3.5. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 0595.02.0305 Late 40's Hotel Geneva Post Card (A "Natural Color Card" E.C. Kropp Co., Milwaukee, Wis. #7285) The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 1945.00.1002 1947 Menu Hotel Geneva Dining Room Dinner Menu, April 2, 1947. (Published by the Hotel Geneva, Lake Geneva,
Wisconsin) According to Allen Hermansen, the Dining Room in the Hotel Geneva was a high-end restaurant, with white table cloths and a seven course dinner starting at $1.75. Dinner menus were printed daily. “Martini .50. Broiled Filet of Mackerel 1.75. Blue Ribbon Steak $3.00.” 7.5 x 9.5. Pp 1. (Digital version, Color not accurate) Thank you to Allen Hermansen for providing an original copy.0720.06.0209 1948 Hotel Geneva, Lake Geneva, Wis. 1948. Fairbanks Card Company, Brookline, Mass. 5.5 x 3.5. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 0746.11.0307 Circa 1950-1955 “Enjoy your summer vacation at Hotel Geneva. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.” (Published by the Hotel Geneva, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.) Flap: “Dining Room. View of the Main Dining Salon with adjoining porch overlooking the lake. We operate our own dining room, kitchen and bakery 7 A.M. to 10 P.M. Quality Food - Varied Menu, Room Service.” “Guest Room. The rooms all have bath, clothes closet, comfortable beds, telephone, steam heat, cross ventilation, cool in summer.” Inside: “Lounge. Unique with colored skylight, entirely fitted with French windows facing the lake, framed with over hanging trellis and flower bed beneath. Huge wood burning fireplace. Comfortable chairs, card table corners.” Back: “Hotel Geneva was designed by the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, and like all his work, it is built into the landscape. Well kept lawns, flower beds and shrubbery adorn the grounds. Write, wire or telephone Chr. Hermansen’s Sons, owners and operators, Chestnut 8-4431.” 11 x 8.25. Pp 6 (Digital version) Thank you to Allen Hermansen for providing an original copy. 0831.16.0209 1950's K-1 - Hotel Geneva at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, E. F. Godfrey, Lake Geneva, Wis. #OC-K400. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards.
1950.00.0404 1950's Hotel Geneva Post Card (Colourpicture Publishers, #P22375. Wisconsin Post Card Co.) The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 1950.01.0702 Circa 1950 Hotel Geneva Kleenex Package. Circa 1950's. "Hermansen’s Hotel Geneva, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. In Town, on the lake, Complete Resort Facilities. Phone Chester 8-4431." Inside: "This is not ordinary paper... both sides of this handy Kleenex polishing papers are treated with silicone. Either side will do. There is no waste, because you don’t tear them off - you pull them out, whole, ready to use. Rub your glasses and the dust, dirt and smears disappear... leaving a protective coating of silicone on the lens. Not to be used on plastics. Try one and see... better. Kleenex T.M. Reg. U.S. Pat. Off., I.C.P.Co." 2.6 x 3.3. 0831.17.0409 1951 Hotel Geneva. “12 - View from the Municipal Recreation Building, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin”. "Genuine Curteich, Chicago ‘C. T. Photochrom’ Post Card (Reg. U.S. Post Off.)". 1C-P1888. (Published in 1951 by Curt Teich, Chicago) The C.T. Guide indicates that "The ‘P’ indicates the ‘C.T. Photochrom’ process. Most of the cards printed with this new process were reprints of cards the Teich Company produced in other styles." This is a reprint of the 1935 (5A-H328). This is the same image, but the boat has been added, and the three strollers on the sidewalk have been removed from this version. 5.5 x 3.5. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 0857.05.1208 1953 Hotel Geneva Post Card (A genuine Kodachrome reproduction. L.L. Cook Co. 1953. #405. #67711.) The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 0987.04.0303 1955 Hotel Geneva. “Hermansen’s Hotel Geneva. A fine Resort Hotel on the Lake - in town. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Copyright 1955, The L. L. Cook Co. #88163. From a Natural Color Transparency. The L. L. Cook Co., Milwaukee, Wis.” June 12, 1956. 5.4 x 3.5. According to Allen Hermansen, the car on the left in this image was a brand new car he had just purchased. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 1092.19.1008 1955 Hotel Geneva Menu 1955. “Hotel Geneva. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin” (Published by the Hotel Geneva, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin) "A La Carte. Afternoon - And - Late Supper. Bar - And - Dining Room.” Inside Left: “Appetizers: Fresh Shrimp Cocktail .75, Soups, Salad Bowls, Sandwiches: Club House 1.50, Hot Sandwiches: Hamburger & Fries 1.25, Sirloin teak 2.50.” Inside Right: “Beverage Menu: Dry Martini .60.” Back: “Hermansens. Hotel Geneva, Annex Bar, Lake Como Hotel, Atlantic Ocean House.” 8.5 x 11.7. (Digital version, Color not accurate) Thank you to Allen Hermansen for providing an original copy. 1092.20.0209 1956 Hotel Geneva Dining Room Dinner Menu, September 7, 1956. (Published by the Hotel Geneva, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin) According to Allen Hermansen, the Dining Room in the Hotel Geneva was a high-end restaurant, with white table cloths. Dinner menus were printed daily. “Martini .60. Broiled Fresh Lake Superior White Fish $3.25. Broiled New York Cut Sirloin Steak $4.75.” 7.5 x 10. Pp 1. (Digital version, Color not accurate) Thank you to Allen Hermansen for providing an original copy. 1148.03.0209 1956 Hotel Geneva Business Card, Circa 1956. "Hotel Geneva. Allen C. Hermansen. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin." 2 x 3.5. 1147.12.0409 1957 Hotel Geneva Rate Schedule. (Published by the Hotel Geneva, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin) “Hotel Geneva, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Summer Rates 1957, May 26th to Closing. Lake Doubles ... $14. Friday and Saturday Nights $16.00 each night. Phone HERMANSEN CHestnut 8-4431.” (According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association Average room rate: 1930: $5.60; 1940: $3.21; 1950: $5.91; 1960: $10.81; 1970: $19.83; 1980: $45.44. 7.25 x 8.5. (Digital version, Color not accurate) Thank you to Allen Hermansen for providing an original copy. 1205.29.0209 C 1960 Hotel Geneva, Circa 1960. Back: "Hermansen’s Hotel Geneva. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright 1912." Note: This image first published in 1955. According to Allen Hermansen, the car on the left in this image was a brand new car he had just purchased. By 1960 the standard size was 4 x 6. Gift from Allen Hermansen. 5.9 x 4.1. The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 1458.28.0709 1960's Hotel Geneva Post Card (Colourpicture Publishers, #P44734. Wisconsin Post Card Co.) The History of the Hotel Geneva viewed through Post Cards. 1960.00.0103 1960 “Hotel Geneva, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Rate Schedule, Summer 1960, May 27–Sept. 12.” (Published by the Hotel Geneva, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin) “Lake side double bed, two persons ... $12 to $14. Friday, Saturday and Holidays add $2.00. Call HERMANSEN CHestnut 8-4431.” (According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association Average room rate: 1930: $5.60; 1940: $3.21; 1950: $5.91; 1960: $10.81; 1970: $19.83; 1980: $45.44.) 7.25 x 8.5. (Digital version) Pp 4. Thank you to Allen Hermansen for providing an original copy. 1458.25.0209 1961 “Hotel Geneva, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Rate Schedule, Summer 1961, May 26–Sept. 10.” (Published by the Hotel Geneva, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin) “Lake side double bed, two persons ... $12 to $14. Friday, Saturday and Holidays add $2.00. Call HERMANSEN CHestnut 8-4431.” (According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association Average room rate: 1930: $5.60; 1940: $3.21; 1950: $5.91; 1960: $10.81; 1970: $19.83; 1980: $45.44.) 7.25 x 8.5. (Digital version) Pp 4. Thank you to Allen Hermansen for providing an original copy. 1483.10.0209 1961 Hotel Geneva Terrace, January 1961. Looking West along enclosed Southwest Terrace. Originally Terrace was not enclosed. The Dining Room is on the right. The wall sconces on right are original. Windows, ceiling light fixtures and the radiator on the right were added after enclosure. Original 3.5 x 3.5 (Digital version) Thank you to Allen Hermansen for providing an original copy. (See Wright Study.) 1483.11.0209 1961 Hotel Geneva Engine Room, January 1961. This panel controlled the Boiler System. Notice the illustration on the right on the Boiler Systems. The Panel indicates that there were two Boiler Systems. Original 3.5 x 3.5 (Digital version) Thank you to Allen Hermansen for providing an original copy. (See Wright Study.) 1483.12.0209 1961 Hotel Geneva Boiler System, January 1961. The Boiler System was controlled by the panel in the Engine Room. Al Hermansen indicated that it was a coal operated system. The Hotel Geneva was kept open during the winter of 1961 as a test for the Eisenhower Administration. They were looking at the site as a possibility for the Air Force Academy. Many politicians and press visited. Coal trucks delivered coal daily. It was built as a summer Hotel, hence there was no insulation. Original 3.5 x 3.5 (Digital version) Thank you to Allen Hermansen for providing an original copy. (See Wright Study.) 1483.13.0209 1991 Glass Etching - Lake Geneva Hotel Window Replica. Etching of the Lake Geneva Hotel Window named “Tulip”. Purchased at Fallingwater. Glass panel 8 x 8. 1991.38.0391 2005 Lake Geneva in Vintage Postcards (Published by Arcadia Publishing, Charleston, SC; Chicago, IL; Portsmouth, NH; San Francisco, CA) Smeltzer, Caroly Hope; Cucco, Martha Kiefer Includes three postcards of the Hotel Geneva, page 58-59. Original List price $19.99. 6.5 x 9.25. (First Edition) Pp 128 2005.20.1008