Travel Back in Time to Elkhart Lake

Early settlers came to Elkhart Lake to farm, but tourism soon followed. Lake resorts, gambling and auto racing (on open roads and then on a track) made (and keeps) Elkhart Lake a popular destination. Images are from Mead Public Library and part of the Monarch Library System’s Digital Collection.

Postcard of Villa Gottfried, Elkhart lake, Wisconsin, 1914. The home (and a racetrack) were built by Chicigo millionaire brewer Matheus Gottfried in 1891.
Postcard of Villa Gottfried, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, 1914. The home (and a racetrack) was built by Chicago millionaire brewer Matheus Gottfried in 1891.
Postcard of Pine Point, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, ca. 1900-1909.
Postcard of Pine Point, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, ca. 1900-1909.
Birds-eye view city scene, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, 1883.
Birds-eye view city scene, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, 1883.
Street scene looking east from East Rhine Street, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, 1908.
Street scene looking east from East Rhine Street, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, 1908.
Men and horses and wagons in front the Post Office and store, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, 1873.
Men and horses and wagons in front the Post Office and store, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, 1873.
Race cars turning at corner 5 at Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
Race cars turning at corner 5 at Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
Golf party, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, 1982. We included this because they look fun and are so color coordinated!
Golf party, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, 1982. We included this because they look fun and are so color coordinated!