Spirit of Geneva Lakes Sep 2025

Vol. 37 No. 9 COMPLIMENTARY COPY • Since 1989 SEPT. 2025

GET OUTDOORS

WITH CLEARWATER

ENJOY EARLY

Fall

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Advertiser’s index

1903 Saloon..............................................................22

Abbey Springs........................................................10

Addie Water Systems......................................14

AeppelTreow Winery...................................... 16

AMB Roofing & Sheet Metal.....................24

Apple Barn Orchard and Winery..........32

Aronson Fence Co Inc.......................................4

B & D’s Village Inn...............................................22

Brightonwoods Orchard................................20

Burtness Chevrolet Buick GMC............. 18

Caravelle Lighting Inc...................................... 16

Carpets Plus Outlet, Inc.................................20

Elkhorn Gun Barrel................................................2

Geneva Crossing

Senior Neighborhood.....................................20

Gino’s East Pizzeria............................................. 18

Green Grocer & Deli..........................................22

Hafs Road Orchard............................................20

James R. Taylor & Sons.................................24

Jerry Kroupa...............................................................8

John Thielmann & Sons, Inc......................26

Local Folks Restaurant & Pub.................22

Luisa’s Pizza Inc.....................................................24

Lyle’s TV & Appliances, Inc.........................31

Mars Resort...............................................................22

Michael’s On The Lake..................................22

NL Promotions LLC...........................................20

Paper Dolls.................................................................14

PATS Services Inc...............................................22

Pine Street Cafe....................................................22

Sportsman’s Pub & Grub..............................22

Sugar Creek Mutual Insurance.............. 30

Verlo Mattress LG.................................................12

Veteran’s Truck Line, Inc...............................22

Waterfront Pub and Grill...............................22

Westenn Mgmt LLP..........................................10

Willow Farm Mercantile................................. 11

Wilson Farm Meats........................................... 18

ON THE COVER

Clearwater Outdoor aims to

get people of all ages outside

in all seasons including

warmer weather. This couple

is shown kayaking near

Conference Point on

Geneva Lake.

PHOTO COURTESY VISIT LAKE GENEVA

Spirit of Geneva Lakes

c o n t e n t s

September events calendar.......... 5

The ins and outs of

Clearwater Outdoor.................... 6

Lake Geneva features

Art in Motion murals..................13

Yerkes Observatory

has clear view forward ...............19

Dining directory........................ 22

Area apple orchards

offer plenty for all...................... 25

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4 SEPT. 2025

Swift Night Out

The City of Lake Geneva Avian Committee

and the Geneva Lake Museum will host the

Annual Swift Night Out on Thursday, Sept. 4.

Witness an amazing show of nature as

thousands of acrobatic Chimney Swifts circle

and swoop into Geneva Lake Museum’s tall

chimney.

The Geneva Lake Museum is at 255 Mill

St., Lake Geneva. Schedule: 5 p.m. – food

trucks open to purchase dinner; 6 p.m. –

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center “Eagle and

Friends” program; 7:15 p.m. until dark –

birds began their aerial displays.

Admission is free and guests are invited

to bring a lawn chair. There will be free ice

cream from Community State Bank.

Lake Geneva Farmers Market

The annual market, which runs through

Oct. 30 is held at Horticultural Hall, 330

Broad St., Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.,

rain or shine with vendors inside and out.

For more information, email market@

horticulturalhall.com.

American Legion Car Show

The 18th Annual Car Show hosted by

American Legion Post 24, 735 Henry St.,

Lake Geneva, will be held 9 a.m. to 3:30

p.m., Sept. 6. Free for the public to stop by

and see the cars.

Those bringing a car to the show are

advised to register your car early as there are

limited spaces. Advanced registration is $12

per car; the day of the show it’s $15.

Note that all pre‐registered cars are

guaranteed a dash plaque and a goodie

bag. Trophies will be presented at 2:30 p.m.

the day of the show.

There will be large raffles and door prizes.

Concessions available include hot dogs,

brats and burgers.

Note that carry‐in alcoholic beverages are

not allowed.

Golf fundraiser

The 10th Annual Kisses from Keegan

& Friends Golf Outing will be Sept. 11 at

Hawk’s View Golf Club, 7377 Krueger Rd.,

Lake Geneva.

The entry fee includes: 18 holes of golf

on Como Crossing, a cart equipped with a

GPS system, lunch during registration and a

buffet style dinner following golf, a player gift

from Kisses from Friends (a pediatric cancer

foundation.)

Foursome tickets and dinner only tickets

are also available.

For more information or to register

or donate, visit https://birdease.com/

kffgolfouting.

IT’S COMIN’ UP

SEPT. EVENTS

Fall Classic Car & Tractor Show

Pearce’s Farm Stand, W5740 N. Walworth

Rd., Walworth, will host its Fall Classic Car

and Tractor Show Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 3

p.m.

“Come and enjoy a day at the farm

and see and learn about classic cars and

tractors,” organizers said. “We will have

old vintage tractors and new modern

equipment.”

This is a free event. Enjoy live music,

concessions will be available for purchase.

Check Pearce’s Facebook page if a rain date

is needed.

Please, no carry in food or beverages.

Sunday Coffee Rides

The riding season has started and Avant

Cycle, 912 S. Wells St., Lake Geneva, hosts

group rides at a casual pace (12-15 mph).

This is a no-drop, fun ride. Stopping for

breakfast before heading back to the shop.

Start your Sunday with us!

Rides weather dependent. Routes subject

to change, helmets required. All rides, unless

noted, leave from Avant’s back entrance.

Destinations are subject to change.

Start time and destinations are as follows:

Sept. 7, 8 a.m. – Elkhorn; Sept. 14, 8 a.m. –

Twin Lakes.

Other rides are also in the works. For more

information, visit avant-cycles.com.

Williams Bay Farmers Market

Held Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at

Edgewater Park, Geneva Street in Williams

Bay, this is a unique boutique Friday market

with all local produce, fresh cooked dishes,

baked goods, sweet treats, fresh flowers,

hand-made jewelry, hand-designed art and

décor, soaps and gifts.

For more information, follow Williams Bay

Farmers Market on Facebook.

Saturdays on the Square

The Farmers Market in Elkhorn hosts

fresh market, local artisans, bakers, crafters,

commercial and nonprofit vendors. It’s held

Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Memorial

Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.

Vendors set-up on a first come first served

basis with plenty of room for all who attend.

The market is held at Veterans Park, 100

W. Walworth St., Elkhorn.

For more information, visit the Saturdays

on the Square Facebook page or email info@

elkhornchamber.com.

The calendar is compiled from a variety

of sources including area chambers of

commerce and visitor bureaus. Dates and

times may change, and events may be

canceled. Please verify prior to making plans.

The

Spirit

IS A PUBLICATION OF

GENERAL MANAGER

David Habrat

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Heather Ruenz

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Marcy Murphy

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Vicki Vanderwerff

PAGE DESIGN

Jennifer DeGroot

SALES

Pete Hansen

Tamera Hamilton

DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR

Lindy Sweet

The Spirit of Geneva Lakes is

a complimentary publication,

distributed from I-94 through

west Kenosha County, to and

including the Geneva Lakes area

in Walworth County, Richmond

Illinois, plus Burlington and

Waterford in Racine County.

Send all correspondence to:

The Spirit

SOUTHERN LAKES

NEWSPAPERS

1102 Ann Street

Delavan, WI 53115

N

SpiritofGenevaLakes.com

262.728.3411


FRESH AIR TIME WITH

Clearwater Outdoor

Encouraging and

enhancing life

outdoors at any

age or season

by Sandra Landen Machaj

CORRESPONDENT

Not everyone who comes to a lake wants

to swim or ride in big motor-powered boat.

For some, the pull of the water that

brings visitors is a self-propelled boat,

using an oar and muscles to move around –

specifically, today’s favorites, a kayak or a

stand-up paddleboard.

A recommended first stop for those with

that goal is Clearwater Outdoor, which

operates five kayak and SUP rental stations

– as well as a full-service store – to enjoy

time out on Geneva Lake.

Clearwater Outdoor has made its home

in downtown Lake Geneva for the past

20 years, growing and adding a variety of

products not just for what’s needed on the

water but for all outdoor activities.

The store was founded by Sarah Cruse

Shuster (now Morton) in May of 2005,

and bought by current owner Bryan Waspi

6 SEPT. 2025

from top: Leaving the Riviera Docks, this couple makes their way out onto

Geneva Lake in kayaks; Standup paddleboarding is a favorite summer activity

for many people. It requires balance to remain upright.

COURTESY VISIT LAKE GENEVA Spirit of Geneva Lakes

from above: A popular brand sold at the store are Birkenstock

sandals which are especially a hit among teenagers; Patagonia clothing,

known for its quality, are among the best selling items at Clearwater,

which carries a variety of the brand’s items.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

about 15 years ago, said Sean Payne, the

manager of Clearwater Outdoor for the past

16 years. There is also now a second store

in Delafield.

Clearwater Outdoor is best known for

its large collection of quality clothing for

the outdoor sports minded. Even the store’s

name, Clearwater Outdoor comes from the

native American name for Geneva Lake,

Kishwauketoe – which translates to clear

water.

Thus, the name of the store, located near

the shore of Geneva Lake, could not be

more appropriate.

“We seek to encourage and enhance

one’s life outdoors at any age and in any

season,” Payne said. “Sometimes we

are told that the weather is too bad to be

outdoors but that is never true.

“It isn’t the weather that is off, it is that

the person just has bad gear for what they

plan to do.”

In the summer, two outdoor lake

activities – kayaking and SUP – are

prominent. The shop rents both kayaks

and the paddleboards necessary for these

activities. Some customers come in with

experience, while others are novices. Since

many visitors don’t own a paddleboard

or kayak, Clearwater Outdoor rents the

equipment throughout the summer season,

from Memorial Day through Labor Day

weekend.

Originally, equipment was rented

from the store – a back room that is

now a bargain sale space. Now, five

different locations exist to rent a kayak or

paddleboard, all located along the shore.

The locations on Geneva Lake are Big Foot

Beach and across from the Baker House.

Both places provide a calmer area of the

lake than the busy downtown area near the

Riviera, where tour boats, the beach, and

private boat rentals are found.

Big Foot Beach, a much quieter area,

is great for both beginners and those with

experience. Lake Como is a much quieter

lake than Geneva Lake and located just

west of the town of Lake Geneva. Kayaks

and SUPs can be rented at the lodge

of Geneva National on Lake Como –

another good place for both beginners and

experienced kayakers and SUPs.

The Delafield location rents its kayaks

and SUPs from a station on Genesee Street

at Lake Nagawicka, while the fifth location

is in Milwaukee at Water St. and East St.

Paul.

Reservations need to be made through

the website at www.clearwateroutdoor.com.

No previous experience is required to rent

the equipment, but renters will go through

a tutorial before they release the equipment

to the renter. Rental times range from 2 to 4

hours and if it’s too windy, often judged by

the sight of white caps on the water, they will

shut down as it’s determined to not be safe.

Along with the boards, life jackets and

paddles are provided, which are needed for

safety for anyone out on the lake in either a

kayak or SUP.

SUPs are rented often by families to

be enjoyed as a family activity, but all

participants must be 18 or old. Kayaks are

available to hold one or two people, and

again are not rented to those younger than

the age of 18. Children may go out with a

parent in the same kayak.

Kayaking and standup paddleboarding

take some time to learn, especially when

talking about the balance on an SUP.

According to Payne, paddlers will likely

eventually fall off. But spending time doing

either is a fun way to enjoy being on the

water.

“When coming to rent your kayak

or SUP, be sure to bring your swimsuit,

water for you to drink and water-resistant

sunscreen,” Payne added.

When the weather turns cold and the

snow begins to fall, it’s not necessarily

time to move indoors but to select another

outdoor sport. Two favorite winter activities

that time of the year – if there is a good

covering of snow – are cross-country skiing

and snowshoeing. Equipment for both can

be rented at Clearwater Outdoor for a 24-

hour period.

“We recommend that if you are


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snowshoeing for the first time that you

take poles with you to help with balance,”

Payne said. “Many people cross country

ski in Big Foot Park, as it is nearby. Others,

more proficient at cross country skiing,

may prefer to head for a more difficult ski

terrain.”

While the rental of outdoor equipment

is a part of the store’s activity, a stop by

Clearwater Outdoor on Main Street reveals

a variety of merchandise available – from

clothing for outdoor activities to many

other popular lines and items.

“The No. 1 seller of all the sportswear in

the store is the Patagonia line,” said Payne.

“There is everything from shorts, pants,

quality shirts and jackets for men, women

and children. We also sell other great brands

from right: Visitors to Lake Geneva are

often looking for clothing with inscriptions to

remind them of their trip. Clearwater Outdoor

has a variety of ideal shirts and hats; Don’t

forget to pick up some waterproof sunscreen

before heading out to the water; Manager Sean

Payne displays one of the Zensquatch shirts

created by the owner of Clearwater Outdoor;

Life jackets are needed when out on the water

whether kayaking or on a SUP.



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such as Viari and Prana and many more.”

Clearwater Outdoor also sells its own

brand of shirts called Zensquatch, a

luxurious casual soft shirt created with

a low environmental impact. The goal

is to inspire all to be the best version of

themselves and they depict a strong man

on them.

According to the Zensquatch website,

this brand and concept was created by

owner Waspi, during a time when he was

searching for his own way to be his best

self.

Clearwater Outdoor seeks to

encourage and enhance one’s life

outdoors at any age and during any

season.

Shoes for a variety of sports are also

available and, according to Payne, the

most popular casual shoe they sell is

Birkenstocks. Birkenstock sandals have

been popular for many years and have

not changed their style much in all that

time. It’s often the younger visitors who

are purchasing them now, according to

Payne.

“People also come into the store

looking for memorabilia of Lake Geneva

and a variety of shirts, sweatshirts, hats,

and magnets and postcards are available

as a memory of their visit,” he said.

Clearwater Outdoor is also proud to

be a community partner for many good

causes in the area.

“We are very involved in the

community and donate to several projects

to benefit the community each week,”

Payne said. “We helped to purchase the

machine needed to create cross country

ski trails at Big Foot.”

Clearwater Outdoor is at 744 W. Main

St., Lake Geneva. For more information,

stop in the store, call 262-348-2422,

follow the company on various social

media avenues or visit the website at

clearwateroutdoor.com.

Clearwater Outdoor has been a familiar face on

Main Street in downtown Lake Geneva for 20 years.


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475063

Showcasing art

throughout the city

Art in Motion leads to numerous

murals in Lake Geneva

from top: Visitors take time to watch artist

Dustin Eckhardt put touches on his floral mural;

Eckhardt applies spray paint to the mural.

Many of the artists use a combination of brush

painting and spray to produce different effects.

ALEXANDRIA BINANTI/DOWNTOWN LG BID Spirit of Geneva Lakes


CORRESPONDENT

On a beautiful day in May 2024, a group

of artists – chosen from a large group of

65 who had applied to be included – began

the job of creating a variety of murals to

decorate the downtown area of the City of

Lake Geneva. This event was called Art in

Motion.

In addition to the mural creations, it

was a time to honor the art and artists

adding beauty to the city. There were artists

creating and selling their wares along the

sidewalks and the lakefront park, there was

music by locals who serenaded the visitors,

and a variety of family friendly activities

were available. The event went on for five

days.

Two of these murals were painted

directly onto buildings, while others were

created on panels that would eventually be

attached to significant buildings in the city.

“This project was the culmination of

over three years of work by a committee led

by the Downtown Business Improvement

District, whose goal was to bring art and


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beauty to the city,” shared Alexandria

Binanti, who joined the committee more

than three years ago. “There were no city

ordinances in effect about murals, so part

of the job was to work with the city to

set up ordinances and guidelines for the

placement of the murals.”

Binanti said this is just the beginning

of meeting some future goals related to

bringing art to Lake Geneva.

“Every city has art on display,” Binanti

said. “We want to include not only murals

but eventually a Sculpture Walk and

a garden where musical pieces can be

presented. We hope to accomplish this

within five years,” she explained.

As they began to plan this event, they

requested artists interested in painting

murals in Lake Geneva to apply.

“Surprising to some, we received 65

applications, and they were not all local,

although many of them were,” Binanti said.

“Others were from as far away as Mexico

City and Greece.

“Not only did we have to choose the

artists but had to begin to find donations

for lodging for them while here,” she

added. “We also catered meals for them.

Fundraising is always a part of any

project.”

The event was a success, as people came

to the event and enjoyed watching the

progress. By the end of the five days, there

were two completed murals on the outside

of buildings and several more that had

been painted on panels for placement on

buildings later.

Before the murals can be placed on a

building, the owner must agree to have

them there. Murals cannot be painted on

historic buildings, according to the rules

that were set up, but they can be applied

to those buildings if the murals are painted

on panels and no damage is done to the

historic buildings, according to Binanti.

“The building owners are contracted

to maintain the murals for a period of

five years, although they may do so for

longer if they choose,” she said. “The life

of the mural is considered to be 10 years,

although the building owner has the option

to paint it over after the five-year contract

expires.”

The first murals

The Greetings from Lake Geneva

mural, located at 233 Center St., not only

welcomes visitors to Lake Geneva but

highlights many of the attractions. Iconic

Lake Geneva sights embedded into the

letters of the words Lake Geneva include:

sail boats, Black Point Estate, the Riviera,

the annual snow sculpture competition,

water sports, the beach in summer and

skiing in winter, Yerkes Observatory, and

boat rides on the lake.

The mural was designed by lifelong

local resident Neal Aspinall, who has

created logos for many businesses,

organizations and attractions in the area

top: A rendering of

Mauricio Ramirez’s mural

that he began working

on in August. His work is

very geometric in design.

below: Two muralists

who paint under the name

Girls Who Paint Murals

honor the indigenous

people who first made

their home here and a few

area highlights.

ALEXANDRIA BINANTI/

DOWNTOWN LG BID


at left: This postcard

designed mural featuring

many local attractions in

the Lake Geneva area

was the creation of Neal

Aspinall and painted by

muralist Dean Tawwater.

COURTESY VISIT LAKE GENEVA



Sept.-Oct. Winery Hours

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and far beyond.

The welcome mural was painted by artist

Dean Tawwater, who has done a variety

of mural work in the southern Wisconsin

area. He has painted large-scale works for

the Kingfish baseball team in Kenosha and

the Madison Mallards in Madison, among

others.

The second mural – visible while driving

down Main Street – is titled Lake Geneva

Blooms and is at 858 Main St. on the corner

of Cook and Main.

This brightly colored mural features a

bright and cheerful collection of flowers

and thus was given the name Lake Geneva

Blooms. It’s the work of Dustin Eckhardt,

a mural artist and illustrator who lives

in Rockford, Illinois. He said he enjoys

painting community murals as a way to

meet new people and make an impact on

the world through his art.

There is a mural that showcases the

area’s indigenous roots and honors those

who first made the area their home. This

mural, located at 234 Broad St., was

created by Christine Crawford and Allison

Dunavant of South Carolina, who paint

under the name Girls Who Paint. Creating

the mural honoring the area’s indigenous

roots was a draw because of Allison’s

native American roots.

Of course there also had to be a mural

honoring the late Gary Gygax and his game

Dungeons & Dragons. Located just off 214

Jen Schildgen, creator of the mural Seasons of

the Lake works on it. The mural is painted on

wood and will be hung around Labor Day.

ALEXANDRIA BINANTI/DOWNTOWN LG BID Spirit of Geneva Lakes

400064

16 SEPT. 2025

Broad St., this piece was created by Chris

Scharpf, who enjoys painting in the style of

the famous tabletop game.

The fifth mural that was created was

titled, “Lake Life… Young at Heart” and

depicts a pier with youngsters jumping into

the water. It was the work of local artists

Freybrianne Ziervogel and Sabrina Roddy,

and can be viewed near 120 Broad St.

These five murals were put in place and

have been enjoyed by both visitors and

residents for the past year. The program

was so successful that it continues to move

forward this year, with three additional

murals being created this summer.

The goal is to have a total of 12 murals

in the city when the project is finished.

The vision continues

Art in Motion continued this summer,

first with the appearance of a mural titled,

“Reflections of Lake Geneva,” located

at 601 W. Main St. It will be the first one

viewed by visitors as they enter downtown

from the east on Main Street and will be

hard to miss due to its size.

In this first week of August, Mauricio

Ramirez arrived to begin working on

it. Ramirez, a well-known mural artist,

specializes in large outdoor pieces and has

done work throughout the United States.

One of his best-known pieces in this area

is the 55-foot mural of Milwaukee Bucks

star Giannis Antetokounmpo in downtown

Milwaukee, a mural that does not include

the face of the famous player but is a view

of him from the back.

“I live in the Chicago area but have

extensive family in Milwaukee,” shared

Ramirez. “So, growing up and now, I

spend time in both places, visiting family

in Milwaukee when I am not traveling.”

Ramirez said he has always enjoyed art

and was creative as a child but began to

seriously work at his art around the age of

14.

“While I had other jobs over the years,

they usually had some art involved, like

painting, which helped me develop my

style,” he said. “While I worked 9-5 jobs,

I also had art projects as side jobs, which

began to expand until I was able to work

at them full time.”

As he began the Lake Geneva project,

he brought his design and first projected it

onto the wall where he would later paint it.

Working outside is dependent on the

weather, so Ramirez said he never knows

for sure how long it will take to finish.

During his week here, numerous visitors

stopped by to watch as the mural came to

life.

“We are so grateful that Mauricio was

able to add us to his summer tour as he

travels the country painting,” Binanti said.

“We also have two other murals by other

artists, which will be put up this year

closer to Labor Day.”

The first one is “The Seasons of Lake

Geneva,” a unique mural created with

stain and paint on wood panels by artist

Jen Schilgen. It will be placed at 433

Broad St.

The other mural is a family friendly

piece that will be placed on the lake

side of the library. Done by artist Daniel

Brogan, it will include a code to scan for a

family scavenger hunt – sure to be enjoyed

by visitors as well as residents.

from top: Mauricio Ramirez

stands in front of his work

with Alexandria Binanti of the

Downtown Lake Geneva Business

District; A close up of detail in

the large mural by Ramirez; After

spending some time applying

paint to the mural, pops of color

can be seen.


The Downtown Lake Geneva Business

Improvement District was created in 1991.

Its purpose is “to maintain and enhance

the appeal of the downtown area.” Their

goal is to “increase tourism, visitors, and

activity within Lake Geneva by planning

events, activities, community events, and

special activities and reasons for people

to come into downtown and to enjoy their

time there.”


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COURTESY VISIT LAKE GENEVA Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Yerkes Observatory – Then and Now


CORRESPONDENT

Since it was completed in 1897, the huge

dome of Yerkes Observatory has been visible

towering near the treetops above downtown

Williams Bay.

The observatory, which houses the

world’s largest refractory telescope, has

often been used as the symbol of the village,

with its picture having appeared on the

village seal as well as the Williams Bay

Police Department patch.

The observatory remains the most

recognizable in the community, and the

history of Yerkes dates back to the late

1800s, when the mounting for the world’s

largest telescope was displayed at the

Columbian Exposition in 1893. Its journey

from the exposition in Chicago to its present

home was the work of many, beginning with

George Ellery Hale.

“Hale was very interested in solar

observation from an early age,” explained

Ken Williams, tour guide at Yerkes, as he

began the tour of the grounds. “Hale was

hired by the newly formed University of

Chicago by its president, William Rainey

Harper, as a faculty member who would

explore the new field of astrophysics.”

It was Hale who learned that the

University of Southern California had

planned to build the world’s largest

refracting telescope, having commissioned

two, 42-inch glass disks that were cast by

Mantois of Paris and then send to Alvan

Clark and Sons to be polished into 40-inch

disks.

However, the project was abandoned due

to the lack of funding.

For Hale, this was a great opportunity for

the University of Chicago to become a leader

in the newly emerging field of astrophysics.

Just as funding was a problem for USC, so

was it for the University of Chicago, until

from above: This aerial view shows Yerkes

and its beautiful grounds with Geneva Lake

visible in the background; A large number of

visitors gather on the south lawn during one of

Yerkes’ open house events.

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Hale and President Harper began

to speak with financial tycoons.

How it became Yerkes

“It was Charles Tyson Yerkes,

who had made his money

developing transit systems,

including the tube in London,

that was willing to provide

the money to build a home for

the world’s largest refractory

telescope,” Williams said. “Thus,

the observatory was given his

name, Yerkes.”

Finding the place for that

home, though, was not as easy as

it would seem. With clear air and

visible skies a requirement, the

university in Chicago was not

suitable due to smoke and haze

from coal heat in city homes and

factories.

It was John Johnston, an

attorney and real estate investor,

who suggested the land along the

shore of Geneva Lake. The land

was accessible by train from

Chicago so travel to the area in

the late 1800s was reasonably

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possible for at that time roads

were few and rustic, and the air

was clean and clear.

When Johnson offered to

donate 53 acres of land on the

lakefront, the university accepted

but with some misgivings.

The area was not without its

problems. The community was

mostly a summer community

who came to escape the Chicago

heat – not to work.

Supplies had to be brought

in from Chicago by train for

construction to Williams Bay,

then transferred to the lakefront

property. The skilled craftsman

needed to create this intricate

building also needed to be

brought to Williams Bay.

The project did go ahead,

with Henry Ives Cobb chosen as

the principal architect – known

for creating Beaux Arts and

Romanesque-style buildings.

He had designed many of the

imposing gothic buildings on the

University of Chicago campus.

The building that Cobb

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designed to house the world’s largest

refractory telescope was in the shape of a

Roman Cross. The large dome at its head

would hold the gigantic telescope and two

smaller domes at the arms would hold two

additional telescopes.

The surrounding grounds were designed

by the Olmstead Brothers Landscape

Architectural Firm, best known for their

design of Central Park in New York, as well

as the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.

“The dome for the refractor telescope

is 90 feet in diameter. Inside the dome, the

two lenses in the telescope are exceptionally

heavy, with one weighing 200 pounds and

the other 300 pounds. The tube itself weighs

16,000 pounds,” shared Williams, as he

showed the group the telescope. He also

explained that the telescope can be moved

by hand or by a dc motor in the ground. It is

supported by a brick pier that rests 40 feet

into the ground.

Once the observatory was completed

and the telescopes in place (1897), it wasn’t

long until it became the site of the entire

Astrology and Astrophysics Department of

the University of Chicago. Some of Hale’s

early work in the electromagnetic field was

carried out at Yerkes, and scientists from

around the world came to the observatory to

study.

Famous visitors

Names such as Edwin Hubble, for whom

the Hubble telescope is named, spent two

years at Yerkes working on his dissertation

and Nancy Grace Roman – an astronomer

who made important contributions to the

classifications of stars – studied at Yerkes for

her graduate degree from the University of

Chicago.

Roman went on to become the first

female executive at NASA, and, serving as

NASA’s first Chief of Astronomy, played

a role in the development of the Hubble

telescope.

“Albert Einstein made a visit to Yerkes

when he visited the United States,” Williams

explained. “It was said that he only wanted

to see two things in America, Yerkes and

Niagara Falls. He spent about two hours

here.”

In 1970, the University pulled the

department back to the Chicago campus but

continued to have some students come out

to Yerkes for study. Then rumors began that

the university was going to close Yerkes and

perhaps sell the land to developers. Like

many rumors, eventually it became reality

in 2018 when the university suspended all

activity there.

However, the community had recognized

the importance of Yerkes and was prepared,

with the Yerkes Future Foundation founded

to save Yerkes for the community.

New direction

In 2020, the University of Chicago

donated Yerkes and 50 acres of land,

including the Olmstead gardens, to the

Future Foundation.

“Through a series of complicated real

estate negotiations, the university decided

to donate it to Yerkes Future Foundation

rather than sell it to a developer,” shared

Walt Chadick, Yerkes Director of Programs.

“They were encouraged by the fact that

this group of Supernova superheroes, led

by Dianna Colman, demonstrated the

wherewithal to raise the money to begin

restoration to take this building in a different

direction.”

That new direction, according to Chadick,

is to maintain it as an observatory in all the

classic ways, but to mix in a cultural and art

center. To do this, the Future Foundation

is collaborating with artists, sculptors,

musicians, painters and photographers

who are inspired by astronomy as well as

landscape design. Their goal is to bring

people to Yerkes, but they also need to

restore the building.

When the foundation took over, the

Inside the largest dome at Yerkes, the refractive telescope is housed. The gigantic telescope is the largest refractive telescope in existence; Note the

likeness of Charles Yerkes in columns at the observatory. He was the benefactor who provided the funds to build it, which was given his name.

COURTESY YERKES OBSERVATORY Spirit of Geneva Lakes


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Information

is subject to

change. Please

contact individual

restaurant for

more information.

Dining Directory

Call for Carry Out & Delivery Options

MICHAEL’S ON THE LAKE • 3101 Eagle Road,

Kansasville, WI 53139. (262) 878-3313. A Wisconsin supper

club on the shore of Eagle Lake. Known for our steaks, prime

rib on Saturday night, fish fry on Wednesday and Friday,

baby back ribs and our famous carrot cake. Visit www.

michaelsonthelakeWI.com for our full menu. Open Wed.

& Thurs. @ 3; Fri. & Sat. @ 11; Noon on Sunday. L, D, $$$,

GF, FF, SR (

1903 SALOON • 11230 260th Avenue, Trevor, WI 53179.

262-298-7005. Comfortable gathering place with friends.

Dine in or take out. Excellent food. Specialty drinks.

L D, $$

THE GREEN GROCER AND DELI • 24 W.

Geneva St., Williams Bay. 262-245-9077. www.

greengrocergenevalake.com Organic grocery store with a

deli. Serving sandwiches made with Boars Head meat and

cheese, homemade soups, salads and pizzas, wine, beer

and cocktails. Dine in, Carryout or delivery.

Open 7 days a week. L, D, $-$$ (

LOCAL FOLKS RESTAURANT & PUB • 39601 60th

St. (Slades Corners), Burlington. 262-539-3200. Open 6am

every morning! B, L, D, $, FF,

SPORTSMAN’S PUB & GRUB • 25313 W. Loomis Rd.,

Wind Lake, WI 53185. 262-895-1055. Join us Friday and

Saturday FOR THE BEST PRIME RIB IN TOWN! $2.00 OFF

Any prime rib dinner. Sunday morning breakfast served 8am

til Noon. L, D, FF, $$

Key

PINE STREET CAFE • 141 N. Pine St., Burlington, WI

53105. 262-763-9800. Homestyle food made from scratch

daily using only the finest, freshest ingredients. Breakfast •

Lunch • Dinner. Fish Fry Every Friday. Sunday 6am - 3pm.

Monday - Saturday 6am - 8pm. $$, B, L, D, FF,

LUISA’S • Just off Hwy. 50, 12 mi. east of Lake Geneva.

262-537-4795. Superb Italian & American cuisine. Dine in,

carry out, delivery, catering avail., call ahead & will have it

hot ready to go. D, $$

B&D’S VILLAGE INN • 34414 Geneva Rd., New Munster,

WI. 262-537-4719. Open daily at 11am

Serving Friday fish fry!

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MARS RESORT • W 4098 S. Shore Dr., Lake Geneva.

A classic Wisconsin supper club “nestled on the shores of

Lake Como.” Open 7 days a week at 11am. Out of this world

ribs and spectacular sunsets! Reserve one of our Igloos on

our “Fire and Ice” Deck for a truly unique experience. We

created special platters that are sure to please all of our

guests. Enjoy our Piano Bar for fun Friday and Saturday

nights. Call 262-245-5689 today and visit

www.mars-resort.com to view our menu. L, D, FF, $$

GINO’S EAST OF CHICAGO • 300 Wrigley Dr., Lake

Geneva. 262-248-2525. www.ginoseastlakegeneva.

com. Chicago’s original deep dish pizza, Italian

sandwiches, salads and entrees. L, D, $-$$

WATERFRONT PUB & GRILL • 408 State Rd. 50,

Delavan, WI. 262-728-4700. www.waterfrontdelavan.com

Great atmosphere for all occasions with homemade food!

Indoor patios available for private parties. Dine in or pick

up through our drive thru window. Daily specials including

Friday Fish Fry and Saturday Prime Rib. Specialty cocktails

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475317

building had been closed for numerous

years, and therefore, in need of repair and

cleaning.

“And a staff needed to be hired,” Chadick

said. “Dennis Kois was hired as executive

director and then I was hired as the second

employee. We are now up to 15 and in order

to get things done, we all have about seven

jobs. All of us give tours as we enjoy it.

We are at our happiest when we are with

people.”

While the foundation continues to do the

major fundraising needed for major repairs

and to continue to restore the gardens,

various activities continue to be held at

Yerkes. If you’ve never been to the facility

– or it’s been a long time – it’s suggested to

come take a tour and learn about the facility,

its history and the people who spent time

there.

“We want you to have a good time and

appreciate human achievement,” Chadick

said. “We don’t want to tell people about the

third moon of Saturn as much as we want

to tell you about the person who discovered

the third moon of Saturn. It is the human

achievement that is extraordinary.”

Meanwhile, the restoration of the grounds

has been accomplished by working with

many of the original species of plants

installed by Olmstead Brothers and adding

others that thrive more in this area.

“We removed all the buckthorn that the

Olmsteads thought were lovely trees and

replaced them with trees like oaks that are

not an invasive species like Buckthorn,”

Chadick explained. “Through much hard

work by employees and volunteers and

professional landscapers, the grounds have

been restored and upgraded and we are now

an internationally accredited arboretum, part

of the Olmstead Network and an Olmstead

National Site.

“We now offer a variety of activities

and are open year round. We do tours have

concerts on the lawn and have speakers

from a variety of different artists, poets, and

scientists. We also rent out the space for

private events such as weddings, or rehearsal

dinners, cocktail parties and dinners,” added

Chadick. “They must have their own food

brought in and if they have liquor, there must

be a licensed bartender and insurance. Foods

brought in include dinners from places like

Pier 290 and Celebration on Wells, or they

may choose to just bring in food trucks and

serve right from there in the driveway.”

As the season changes, so do the activities

at Yerkes. The summer when there are more

visitors to the area are always very busy,

but there is something year-round to attract

visitors and local residents. In the fall,

Yerkes hosts a candlelight walk – two nights

with 2,000 candles lining the arboretum. And

at Christmas time, the world’s tallest glass

tree will return.

Yerkes Observatory is at 373 W. Geneva St.,

Williams Bay. For more information, call 262-

245-5555, or visit www.yerkesobservatory.org.

Parking is available on site.

Among the

activities held

at Yerkes is this

concert held in

the great refractor

room where visitors

enjoy the music

and the beauty of

the dome.

COURTESY YERKES

OBSERVATORY


below: Visitors

enjoy looking at

the sky through

a telescope on

the grounds of

Observatory.

Visitors enjoy

looking at the

sky through a

telescope on the

grounds.

COURTESY BRIAN FINCH



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437149

An apple a day…

Area has several orchards

offering apples and more


CORRESPONDENT

It’s that time of year when the heat of summer gradually

lowers to a more comfortable temperature, and on apple

trees, fruit is ripening with many species turning red (or

green or yellow) and almost ready to enjoy.

According to the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association,

apples can have an effect on a person’s health. Eating just one

apple a day for four weeks may help lower bad cholesterol,

and the fruit is full of vitamins and minerals.

While it may or may not keep the doctor away, eating a fresh

apple daily is sure to be a good choice. And at this time of

year there are a large variety of fresh apples available. Take

a trip out to a local apple orchard and purchase fresh apples

– either by picking them yourself (options vary) or buying

those already picked.

Hafs Road Orchard

W632 Hafs Rd. • Genoa City, WI • 262-279-3638

Located in Genoa City not far from the Wisconsin/Illinois

state line, Hafs Road Orchard has been in existence for many

years, dating back to the 1930s.

According to the orchard’s history shared on its website,

the original owners planted approximately 400 apple trees

representing a variety of apples to start the orchard. In 1982,

Richard and Debbie Polansky purchased the orchard. They have

increased the number of trees and continue to add new varieties

of apples.

“Today, almost all of the full-sized trees that were originally

planted, have been replaced with dwarf trees,” explained

Debbie. “Today, there are about 3,000 trees and most of them

are dwarf.”

Hafs does not allow self-picking but harvests its apples

professionally and offer them for sale at the quaint country stand

located on the grounds. They also sell them at some markets.

“We opened for the season on Aug. 22 with the apples that

were ripe at the time. Each of the approximately 40 varieties

offer different ripening times, so fresh apples are available all

fall,” she said.

One of the early ripening apples is also one of their newer

ones, Kinder Crisp, which were introduced a few years ago.

They are sweet eating apples and are becoming a close second to

the popular Honey Crisp variety.

“Last year, we planted another 350 Kinder Krisp trees so

there should be plenty available,” Debbie said. “Another popular

eating apple that ripens later in the season is a lesser-known

variety, Mutsu. If you haven’t tried them yet, this is the year to

do so.”

Once the Honey Crisp apples are ripened, Hafs will be

from top: The first batch of caramel apples is ready but they never

seem to last long; On a quiet country road, Hafs Road Orchard

offers a variety of apples and more; Kinder Crisp apples are one of

the newer varieties that have quickly become a favorite at Hafs.

COURTESY HAFS ROAD ORCHARD Spirit of Geneva Lakes


$129

Furnace Tune-Up

462811

26 SEPT. 2025

at right: Bags of Honey Crisp apples are

ready for sale at Hafs Road Orchard.

COURTESY HAFS ROAD ORCHARD Spirit of Geneva Lakes

below: Large boxes of apples are moved

into the Apple Barn shop after picking to be

available for sale.

COURTESY APPLE BARN Spirit of Geneva Lakes

What do you know

about apples?

Apples are not indigenous to

the United States. Apple seeds

were brought here and planted by

the early settlers.

There are over 2,500 varieties

of apples grown in the United

States although not all are

produced commercially.

Many have tried to bob for

apples but if curious as to why

it’s the fruit chosen and not say

a peach or a mango it’s because

apples float due to 25% air in

volume.

We have all heard of bushels

and pecks. Well, a peck of apples

weighs 10.5 pounds, while a

bushel weighs about 42 pounds.

So, a bushel and a peck of apples

is a lot of apples.

It’s said that one of George

Washington’s hobbies was

pruning his apple trees. While the

Midwest produces a lot of apples,

Washington state has been the

leading apple producer since 1920.

In 2022, they produced 62% of the

total U.S. crop of apples.

making its caramel apples. These caramelcoated

Honey Crisps – especially those rolled

in fresh pecans – are a favorite fall treat for

many.

In addition to the fresh apples, there is

made-on-site apple cider. What is available

now was made over the winter by Robert

Polansky.

Visit Hafs online at www.hafsorchard.com

for hours and available apples.

Apple Barn Orchard

and Winery

W6384 Sugar Creek Rd.

Elkhorn, WI • 262-728-3266

The Apple Barn in Elkhorn is a family-run

farm that has been owned and worked by the

same family since 1848.

Judy and Steve Jacobson, along with their

now grown children, continue to produce

quality fruits and vegetables and at this time

of year, it’s their namesake that brings visitors

in.

Apple season is a busy time at Apple Barn,

as all things related to apples take center

stage. There are several thousand trees that

produce a large number and variety of apples

that ripen at various times in the fall.

“This year the first varieties of apples

to ripen and to be ready for sale will be the

Paula Red, Zestar, and Ginger Gold apples,”

said Emma Jacobson, one of Judy and Steve’s

daughters.

Apple Barn is one of the area orchards

that allows picking apples on weekends or

purchasing them pre-picked. According to

Emma, they estimate being ready for Pick

Your Own apples the weekend of Sept. 13-14

and on weekends after that until the end of the

season.

The Apple Barn offers a variety of apple

products in addition to the fresh apples. The

bakery at Apple Barn works to capacity

during apple season, producing apple cider

donuts. The bakery is also known for its apple

pies, which can be picked up pre-baked or to

bake at home. While other fruit pies are made

on site, during apple season, the namesake

fruit takes center stage.

Another favorite fall treat is the handmade,

caramel-covered apples. There is also apple

cider produced on site along with a variety

of fruit wines – a big hit once fall arrives –

created on site under the direction of Steve

Jacobson.

“We have a semi-sweet wine made from

Honey Crisp apples and a spiced apple wine,”

shared Emma, adding that they have a tasting

room so people can figure out which wines


from above: An apple cider donut is being rolled in the cinnamon sugar

coating had an opening in the shape of a heart. Inside the Apple Barn

shop is a variety of fall decorative items available for purchase.

COURTESY APPLE BARN Spirit of Geneva Lakes

they like best.

In September and October, Apple Barn’s

hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10

a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5

p.m. They are closed on Mondays.

November through Dec. 7, they will

be open Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4

p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for

Christmas in the Country.

Visit the website www.

applebarnorchardandwinery.com and follow

on Facebook for details on fall festival dates

and activities.

Royal Oak Farm Orchard

15908 Hebron Rd. • Harvard, Illinois

Royal Oak Farm is a family owned and

run orchard that has approximately 22,000

trees producing 34 varieties of apples. They

offer both freshly picked apples or “U Pick

Em” options. A wagon ride to the orchard to

pick is available.

Apples were ripening by the end of

August, so picking began on Aug. 27. Some

of the early apples available were Red

Tree, Zestar and Ginger Gold. The Premier

Honey Crisp apples are also another species

that ripen early, about three weeks before

the traditional Honey Crisp are available.

The Premier Honey Crisp are ideal for

those who can’t wait for their Honey Crisp

apples, which are expected to be ready

around the middle of September.

Here, like at many of the other orchards,

the bakery is worth a visit, offering a

variety of apple related and other bakery

treats. The Country Kitchen serves hearty

meals for those looking for lunch or

wanting a meal while visiting.

Royal Oak does a twist on corn mazes,

with an apple tree maze, Amaze ‘N Apples.

The apple tree maze has a 1.5-mile walking

trail to enjoy while making your way

through the maze, which features nine

varieties of apples. There are three activity

areas for games and a central climbing

tower. Note that there is an entry fee for the

maze area.

Visit Royal Oak Farm Orchard

Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.

to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.

royaloak.farm or call 815-648-4141.

Brightonwoods Orchards

AeppelTreow Winery

1072 288th Ave. • Burlington, WI

Brightonwoods Orchards began as a

summer getaway with a few apple trees

on the property. Over the years under the

direction of Bill Stone, son-in-law of the

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original owner, the number and varieties of

apples increased.

“Today there are 170 varieties of apples

grown on site,” shared Charles McGonegal,

who manages the orchard. “We also sell

sweet apple cider at the orchard site.”

The grounds are family friendly with

every child’s favorite being the two-story

playhouse. There are also open areas with

picnic tables for visitors to enjoy.

“Because most of our trees are full-sized

trees, we do not offer self-picking, but

instead offer pre-picked apples gathered by

our staff,” McGonegal said. “During the

fall, we also offer freshly made apple cider

donuts on Saturday and Sunday, along with

the sweet cider.”

While at Brightonwoods, be sure

to stop in at AeppelTreow Winery and

Distillery, which is on site in the big barn.

AeppelTreow has been there since 2001,

when it was started by Charles and his wife,

Milissa. Over the years, it has grown and

offers a variety of products as well as a

tasting area.

“We offer nine hard ciders and perries in

cans. This year, we are also introducing our

new raspberry port,” Charles said.

Brightonwoods’ opening weekends

will be Aug. 23-24 and 30-31. Starting

on Sept. 3, hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,

Wednesday through Sunday, according

to the website. Each year there is a craft

and vendor fair on site, which is set for

Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27-28 from 10

a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information visit www.

brightonwoodsorchard.com or on Facebook

or call 262-878-3000.

from top: The apple tree maze at Royal

Oaks includes a 1.5 mile walking trail, fresh

apples to pick, a play area to be enjoyed, and

a tower to climb; Visitors ride out in the wagon

to Amaze ‘N Apples, at Royal Oaks; One of the

best things about picking apples is that it’s an

activity to be enjoyed by all members of the

family, regardless of age.

COURTESY ROYAL OAKS ORCHARD Spirit of Geneva Lakes


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