The Wallooner | Spring 2022
The elegant Smith Cottage, circa 1906, on Indian Garden Point (Photo courtesy of the owner)
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CLASSIC COTTAGES
of Walloon PART ONE By Lauren Macintyre
W
andering along the shores of Walloon reveals a myriad of architectural styles, reflected in the charming classic cottages that dot the lakefront. These picturesque homes, whether rustic log cabin, Victorian cottage, vintage farmhouse, Sears kit house or cozy bungalow, stand as evidence of Walloon's rich history. Many of these vintage cottages date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, built as Walloon was emerging as a popular resort destination. The oldest dwellings on Walloon are generally believed to be the pristine VanDermark/Stone cabin (1875) on upper Lake Grove Road, and the well-preserved Weller/Cavell log cabin (1884) on Kurtz Crossing, both featured in previous issues of The Wallooner. Some of Walloon's vintage cottages reflect the simpler lifestyle of the past and thus may be rather small. Happily, many have found new lives as guest cottages or studios. Others have been renovated or creatively expanded through additions to accommodate the needs of today's families. What is most inspiring, though, is that these picturesque cottages have indeed been preserved, a credit to those who cherish the lake's historic traditions. Showcased in this article are ten lovely cottages that exemplify the vintage cottage styles seen around Walloon. They are of varying ages and locations around the lake, presented in no particular order. There are, however, scores of other delightful heirloom cottages around Walloon, so this article is just the first in a continuing series entitled "Classic Cottages of Walloon." Beginning with the cottage shown above, here are ten classic cottages that reflect the vintage architectural styles of Walloon.
“COEUR DU LAC”
DAVID & NANCY SMITH, OWNERS
Indian Garden Point Built in 1906, this pristine, sparkling white cottage aptly reflects the bygone elegance of the Indian Garden Hotel, considered by many to be the most fashionable of Walloon's hotels. The hotel is long gone, alas, but this home, built for the hotel manager, has been meticulously preserved and is the only part of the complex still in existence. Owned for 60 years by Robert and Mary Guenther, who took extraordinary care of it, this
iconic cottage was purchased just last year by David and Nancy Smith. No strangers to Walloon, the Smiths, whose family owned a place at Wildwood on Walloon, were looking for an "original Walloon cottage, where the screen door squeaked when opened." They found all that and more in this exquisite historic cottage in its idyllic wooded setting. In their hands, this stunning home has become a cherished Smith family retreat that will grace the lake for generations to come.
WILES/KRIMENDAHL HOUSE
KRIMENDAHL FAMILY, OWNERS
North Shore Drive Built on the historic site of the old Pines Hotel, the gracious Wiles House hearkens back to the day when the finest homes on the lake lined North Shore Drive. The house, which dates to at least 1920, was purchased by Ivan Wiles, head of the Buick Division of General Motors and his wife Mary Louise in 1940. On the lakeshore in front of the beautiful house is a quintessential Walloon boathouse. Noted sailors, the Wiles family maintained a legendary 17 Sailboat on their lakefront for many years as well. The house also has a distinctive guest house in the rear where the risers on the stairs are artistically painted with the lyrics to the fabled song "Walloon, Walloon." Today, Link Wiles Krimendahl, a knowledgeable and dedicated Walloon historian, along with daughter Liz lovingly preserve the cottage and its historic Walloon artifacts.
