Elkhart Lake -- Birchwood

Object Details

General: The estate began in 1890. Villa Gottfried was originally the winter house of brewer Matheus Gottfried. A greenhouse and palm house were constructed in 1894. After Gottfried's death, the house changed hands. In the 1930's, the owners re-named the property "Birchwood." Destruction of buildings--the Villa in 1946--and property division has occurred over time. A racetrack, previously on the property, is now covered by streets and houses. Original stone walls and stone fences still exist. The garden has a series of terraces leading from the back of the house down to the lake. The estate has a woodland walk, along with many other features.; Persons and firms associated with the garden include: Matheus Gottfried (former owner, 1888); Laun Brothers (former owner, 1908); Fred Vogel (former owner, 1916); Joseph Wolff (former owner, 1919); and The Wreath Company (landscaper and designer, 1980's - present).

Place: Birchwood (Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin); United States of America -- Wisconsin -- Sheboygan County -- Elkhart Lake

See more items in: The Garden Club of America collection; The Garden Club of America collection / Series 1: United States Gardens / Wisconsin

Sponsor: A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.

Custodial History: The Town and Country Garden Club facilitated the submission of this garden's documentation.

Collection Citation: Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.

Collection Rights: Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.

Scope and Contents: The folder includes a worksheet, historical pictures and information regarding previous owners, historical timeline of property, planting lists, planting plans, and landscape design.

Collection Restrictions: Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.

Related Materials: Birchwood related holdings consist of 1 folder (15 35 mm. slides and 5 photoprints)