As soon as the snow melted in spring 1929, some 200 craftsmen arrived to build Vikingsholm. This teahouse was used by Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight, who also owned the famous Vikingsholm mansion. Our mission is to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the Lake Tahoe and Truckee region. Von Schmidt chose a site 300 feet above Lake Tahoe on the Chinquapin point, renaming it Observatory Point in anticipation. For 32 years, the Armstrong family had spent long, golden summers along the shores of Emerald Bay. The family spent most of their time in Chicago but vacationed in California often. Inside, Knight decorated and furnished with antiques she purchased and shipped from Scandinavia. This is a carousel. She died there in 1945 at the age of 82. Her father, Edward Small, was a corporate lawyer who took on two brothers as partners in his law practice William Henry Moore and James Hobart Moore. They agreed to be major supporters. There, visitors tour Vikingsholm, a stone-and-timber mansion built by Lora Josephine Knight in 1929 at Emerald Bay, which reminded her of a Scandinavian fjord. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Not a lot to do there, except hike up to the Tea House and take some photos. After Edward Smalls death, William and James took over the firm and formed the Moore Brothers partnership. Today, Lora Knight's Viking castle is considered perhaps the . The roof of the north and south wings is topped with sod where grass and flowers grow each spring. Vikingsholm Castle . As fate would have it, Lora married James and her sister Ada married William. Despite its ancient motif, Vikingsholm had all the conveniences available in the 1930s, including electricity, modern fixtures and private baths in the bedrooms. [1][2][5][6] Lindbergh even stayed at the Knight's house the night before his flight. The locally quarried granite boulders were ferried by barge to the island where derricks lifted them stone by stone. Apparently, she chose the Scandinavian motif because she had admired Palmes own Scandinavian-designed home in New York. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference. Lora Josephine Knight was a philanthropist who valued community and education. LORA J. KNIGHT. Carved dragon heads are common as both interior and exterior decorations, as they were used in old Viking castles to divide the main room between the chieftain and his most honored guests from the women and children. One newspaper article, published in the Reno Gazette Journal, said Nathaniel was lavish with money. He once invited a few friends to Broadway and hosted a $20,000 dinner. It became the summer home for Mrs. Knight and her family for 15 years until her death. Support timbers were hand hewn and interior wallboard meticulously hand planed, while metal fixtures like fireplace screens, hinges and latches were hand forged on-site. Unfortunately, they were not happy together and divorced after just a couple of years. Finnish carpenters were then brought in to hew timber, while a Scandinavian craftsman was hired to create the intricate exterior wood carvings. PHOTO: u local. Emerald Bay State Park, South Lake Tahoe, Ca.. Editor's note: This story originally ran in January 2021. Construction on the castle began in the spring of 1929 and proceeded quickly as 200 workmen and artisans, housed in temporary barracks, quarried nearby stone and cut lumber. The property passed through two more landowners before California State Parks bought 177 acres, including the island and the structures, in 1953 for $150,000. Helen Smith was a frequent guest. First, Huell . After Edward Smalls death, William and James took over the firm and formed the Moore Brothers partnership. She made financial contributions stretching from Santa Barbara, CA, to Reno, NV, and went toward youth groups, community centers, and college scholarships. In 1884, Lora gave birth to their only child, a son Nathaniel, who later married Helen Fargo, heiress to the Wells Fargo banking dynasty founded in San Francisco during the Gold Rush. Astronomers suggested that a high-altitude mountain location above atmospheric dust and away from city light would be the best location. I've heard stories about the wealthy woman who built the teahouse on the island. [5] Despite the divorce, Lora continued to use her ex-husband's last name. The widowed heiress is Lora Josephine Knight. His nationally reported death led to a crackdown on Chicago brothels and morphine abuse. Shes recalled some of those memories in a booklet and, more recently, as a park ranger. Knight traveled to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland to research ideas for her grand Lake Tahoe home, including old wooden churches and ancient stone castles, before . Lora Josephine Knights legacy is enshrined in the magnificent Scandinavian castle Vikingsholm that she had built at Emerald Bay in 1929, but her first property at Tahoe was actually located at Chinquapin, a sheltered cove just east of Dollar Point in Carnelian Bay. Timber was hand-hewn, though Mrs. Knight specifically demanded that the footprint of her house be built around the old-growth trees on the property. Nearly all of the materials were sourced on site or nearby. Eight years before her marriage to Harry Knight, Mrs. Josephine Moore purchased the land at Chinquapin from descendants of Lake Tahoe timber baron Duane L. Bliss. Resend Activation Email. 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The Vikingsholm foundation was laid in 1928, but the building was constructed in 1929 by 200 workers. Lora Small (Knight) was born in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 of English descent. Death 26 Jun 1945 (aged 81) Fresno, Fresno County, California, USA. The sibling entrepreneurs eventually amassed quite a fortune with controlling interest in a number of large American corporations such as the Diamond Match Company, U.S. Steel and National Biscuit (Nabisco), the maker of Oreo cookies. The locally quarried granite boulders were ferried by barge to the island where derricks lifted them stone by stone. This spectacular site was originally built to be the summer residence of Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight. Find the . Knight loved Tahoe, and for 16 years she enjoyed her summers at Wychwood, hosting friends and family members, but in 1928, she sold her beloved lakeside Shangri-La to Robert Stanley Dollar Sr., a wealthy San Francisco businessman. [1] Knight often entertained guests such as her friend Charles Lindbergh at Vikingsholm. Vikingsholm was designed by Lennart Palme in 1928 as the summer home of Lora Josephine Knight, with construction completed in 1929. He grew up much like youd think the single heir to a fortune would, but his time was short. [4] She died at Vikingsholm in 1945 at the age of 82. Stones were quarried from the back of their property, where Eagle Falls spills over granite cliffs. In summer months, you can tour the castle to discover what led the original owner, Lora Josephine Knight, in 1928 to make her summer home an ode to Scandinavian architecture, down to the sod roofs and six fireplaces. "[8] She risked losing her entire fortune from her first marriage as part of the divorce. Vikingsholm - Built in 1929 by Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight as a summer home. Lora was the only heir to his estate, which was rumored at the time to be worth as much as $100 million (though Lora told the San Francisco Chronicle in 1921 that it was "nearer one-tenth that sum"). Each day blended into the next, relaxed and unhurried, Smith told the Press Democrat, and began with the sound of swishing sprinklers set up by yardmen in the early morning hours to water the wildflowers that grew in the grasses on the bay side of the house.. -- Tahoe's Hidden Castle. In order to preserve the natural environment of Emerald Bay, Knight insisted that local Tahoe materials be used with the exception of the leaded windows with pastel stained-glass panes imported from Sweden. Scandinavia comes to Lake Tahoe at a historic home. After a short marriage to Henry Knight, yet keeping his last name, Lora Knight went to work on creating the castle of her dreams to blend in with the bay. Serving Truckee, Tahoe City, Kings Beach and Incline Village, Truckees Quintero designs custom Nordica skis to raise money for youth, Caboose of Truckee-Tahoe storm train in sight, Tahoe ski resorts receive about 2 feet of snow; More on way, Tahoe homeowners, businesses urged to monitor snow loads, propane tanks, gas lines, Above the rim: Ongoing winter storms lead to rapid rise for Lake Tahoe. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. James Lick, a Pennsylvania Dutchman, first struck it rich in the California Gold Rush and then parlayed his luck into a fortune by investing in San Franciscos booming real estate market. Mrs. Knight had it graded in 1929 for $10,000 so that she and her guests could arrive by automobile. During the 1920s, Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight had Vikingsholm built, as well as the Tea House on Fannette Island. Despite the expense and effort, the tea house was rarely used, even though Lora spent all her summers at Vikingsholm until her death in 1945. It was originally constructed to be the summer residence of Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight who had been impressed by her architect nephew's Nordic-inspired home in New York. Mrs. Knight had it graded in 1929 for $10,000 so that she and her guests could arrive by automobile. Knight loved Tahoe, and for 16 years she enjoyed her summers at Wychwood, hosting friends and family members, but in 1928, she sold her beloved lakeside Shangri-La to Robert Stanley Dollar Sr., a wealthy San Francisco businessman. Your email address will not be published. During the summer months she would take guests to the island for high tea. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Lindbergh approached the Knights about helping fund his effort to be the first to fly nonstop across the Atlantic at a St. Louis airfield where Harry, an aspiring aviator, was taking flying lessons. In 1922, Lora Moore married Harry French Knight, a stockbroker. The widowed heiress is Lora Josephine Knight. Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight later constructed Vikingsholm, an exquisite 38-room castle on the Emerald Bay shores, in 1928-1929. She had a granite teahouse that resembled a small castle built on the crest of the island. Lora had a life-long reputation for her generous hospitality, philanthropy and numerous financial contributions to youth groups in California and Nevada. Lora Knight filled her castle with original antiques she picked up in Scandinavia. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. Death 26 Jun 1945 (aged 81) Fresno, Fresno County, California, USA. Oops, something didn't work. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Search for: Browse by Date Nathan was an avid golfer and a participating member of the American Olympic team that won the gold medal at the 1904 Summer Games in Missouri. After years of bickering, the Lick Observatory was finally constructed in 1888 on Mount Hamilton east of San Jose. His nationally reported death led to a crackdown on Chicago brothels and morphine abuse. Lora Small (Knight) was born in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 of English descent. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Palme and Knight traveled to Scandinavia to research the design features that would be incorporated into her Tahoe castle. Those wishing to know more can enjoy one of the daily guided tours from Memorial Day weekend until the end of September. Set off on the steep trail down to the lakeside. The history of the castle and its visionary, Lora Josephine Knight, is fascinating. She filled the house with original Scandinavian antiques and replicas she commissioned from artisans. According to McLaughlin, Lora Knight was known for her hospitality and philanthropy. Illinois, USA. They also spent time at their luxury homes in Illinois and Wisconsin. Eventually, a wealthy woman by the name Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight, acquired the island when she had a mansion built on a nearby shore, in 1929. Pieces of wood resembling spikes adorn the gutters in a nod to the Scandinavian custom people used to ward off evil spirits. Lora Josephine Knight purchased the property encompassing the head of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island in 1928 for $250,000. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight built a tea house at the top of Fannette Island in Emerald Bay State Park. Come summer, the hiking trails are full of visitors, and state parks rangers open the castle for guided tours. Specifically: Private Memorial Memorial ID 110560461 . Try again later. Born of English decent but from the Chicago area, Mrs. Knight was particularly enthralled by Nordic designand so became Vikingsholm. Carved dragon heads are common as both interior and exterior decorations, as they were used in old Viking castles to divide the main room between the chieftain and his most honored guests from the women and children. 9 Mar 1997 26 Oct 2021 California's Gold. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. If Lake Tahoe was tipped upside-down . As fate would have it, Lora married James and her sister Ada married William. Failed to delete memorial. Support timbers were hand hewn and interior wallboard meticulously hand planed, while metal fixtures like fireplace screens, hinges and latches were hand forged on-site. From there they strolled back down to Vikingsholm.. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. For more information see the California Parks Website. Louis. The house is available for guided tours . Creator of Vikingsholm, Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe. James Lick, a Pennsylvania Dutchman, first struck it rich in the California Gold Rush and then parlayed his luck into a fortune by investing in San Franciscos booming real estate market. She was born Lora Josephine Small in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 - one of a family of four daughters and one son. In the 1950's after Lora Josephine Knight died, the castle was sold to Harvey West, which is a name you probably recognize if you've spent some time around Lake Tahoe. Sorry! She had inherited a fortune from her first husband. For weekly updates, interviews and profiles from a Tahoe insider, sign up for our Tahoe newsletter here. Search. There was a boathouse for Knights largest boat, a beautiful mahogany cabin cruiser named the Valkyrie. Unfortunately, they were not happy together and divorced after just a couple of years. Lora Small (Knight) was born in Galena, Illinois, in 1864. Lora had a life-long reputation for her generous hospitality, philanthropy and numerous financial contributions to youth groups in California and Nevada. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Vikingsholm is administered by the California Park System. A sprinkler system was even included on the roof. The items she couldnt import she had replicated. Lora and her sister Ada married two brothers, William and James Moore, who worked as partners in their fathers law firm. Built in the late 1920s from owner's Lora Josephine Knight's inspiring Norwegian travels Vikingsholm was constructed from local granite and hand-hewn timbers. Lora Josephine Knight's legacy is enshrined in the magnificent Scandinavian castle "Vikingsholm" that she had built at Emerald Bay in 1929, but her first property at Tahoe was actually located at Chinquapin, a sheltered cove just east of Dollar Point in Carnelian Bay. There is a single-lane dirt road that connects Vikingsholm with Highway 89. But in 1910, Nathaniel suddenly died. Emerald Bay State Park is one of the most popular destinations in Lake Tahoe. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Specifically: Private Memorial, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/110560461/lora-josephine-knight. Many people assume that Mrs. Knight was of Scandinavian origin because of her decision to build Vikingsholm but she was actually of English decent. Lennart Palme said: The problem of placing Vikingsholm without disturbing the trees was perhaps the trickiest I have had to solve either abroad or in these United States.. They also spent time at their luxury homes in Illinois and Wisconsin. This marriage was not successful, and they were divorced prior to the building of Vikingsholm. In 1928, Mrs. Knight had her mind firmly set on Emerald Bay to build her "castle of the sky." She gave the family who owned the land an offer they . Get into more larger-than-life Lake Tahoe history on a tour of Vikingsholm Castle, the summer home of Lora Josephine Knight, a wealthy heiress and widow who used her fortune to build a 38-room Scandinavian-style mansion on Emerald Bay, which reminded her of the fjords she'd seen on trips to Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. Eight years before her marriage to Harry Knight, Mrs. Josephine Moore purchased the land at Chinquapin from descendants of Lake Tahoe timber baron Duane L. Bliss. Lora and her husband, James, traveled extensively in California as to foreign countries. Galena, Jo Daviess County, Illinois, USA. She then commissioned Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect to whom she was related by marriage, to design Vikingsholm. . Mrs. Knight had traveled Scandinavia with her architect where they were inspired by the architecture. In order to preserve the natural environment of Emerald Bay, Knight insisted that local Tahoe materials be used with the exception of the leaded windows with pastel stained-glass panes imported from Sweden. Commissioned by Lora Josephine Knight as a summer home, Knight wanted someplace that reflected the beauty of the surrounding area. Lora married James and her sister married William. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. [1][2], She and James Moore bought land at Carnelian Bay in Lake Tahoe in 1914 to build a large home known as Wychwood, as well getting another retreat on Lake Geneva. Add to your scrapbook. In 1928, Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight bought land on the western shores of Lake Tahoe on which to build her home. There was an error deleting this problem. From the mountainside, you can see Fanette Island and just barely make out the box-like shape of a stone teahouse on top. After Lora's father passed, the brothers took over the law firm and together, they became incredibly wealthy businessmen based in Chicago. Year should not be greater than current year. Sometimes government officials did not allow these native heirlooms removed from the country, so Knight had craftsmen reproduce them in exact detail, including the aging of the wood and even mimicking scratches on the originals. Mrs. Knight insisted that the natural environment of Emerald Bay be protected and so no trees were cut in the vicinity of the estate and the home was built around several large trees. [1][2] They also owned homes in Illinois and Wisconsin. In 1922, Lora married Harry French Knight. There is a single-lane dirt road that connects Vikingsholm with Highway 89. In later years, Charles Lindbergh frequently visited Lora Knight at her Santa Barbara estate and the Vikingsholm castle as well. In later years, Lindberg frequently visited Lora at her various estates including Vikingsholm. Your donation will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news. Friends spent many summers with Mrs. Knight at Vikingsholm, swimming, boating, and hiking . Harry met Charles Lindbergh on the St. Louis airfield, according to historian Mark McLaughlin. Lora Knight commissioned Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect whom she was related to by marriage, to design Vikingsholm. There was a problem getting your location. She writes about Lake Tahoe and mountain communities throughout the West. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Thanks for your help! Support timbers were hand hewn and interior wallboard meticulously hand planed, while metal fixtures like fireplace screens, hinges and latches were hand forged on-site. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Lennart Palme said: The problem of placing Vikingsholm without disturbing the trees was perhaps the trickiest I have had to solve either abroad or in these United States.. It was there in 1914 that Moore built a charming lakefront estate that she called Wychwood. His body was taken to the Moore home, to Lora, in a private ambulance. March 18, 2021 by rrservices Leave a Comment. The house included stables for 60 horses and a bowling alley. She enjoyed the property for years, until her passing in 1945. Life was good for the Moores, but after their purchase of the Tahoe property, James health began to fail. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. Read our E-edition from your preferred device. But Vikingsholm is the house that Lora will always be known for. It was the first permanently occupied mountaintop observatory in the world and for nearly 10 years its telescope was the largest ever built. She married James Hobart Moore, who she met while he worked with her father in his law practice, and who along with his brother became rich by gaining controlling interests in a large number of companies such as the Diamond Match Company, U.S. Steel, Union Pacific, and Nabisco. Wildlife have several strategies to endure Lake Tahoes winters, Steeped in old town Truckee history, Moodys serves up innovative cuisine, Earn your turns: Tahoe Backcountry Alliance encourages stewardship, accessibility to backcountry, The art of charcuteski: Craft an on-mountain dining experience with the skis that got you there. McLaughlin says the replicas were so exact, Knight even had the ages of the wood matched and scratch marks on the original copied. In 1922, Lora Moore married Harry French Knight, a stockbroker. Required fields are marked *. Lora Josephine Knight (1 May 1864 - 26 June 1945) was a philanthropist from California who was at one time one of the wealthiest women in America according to newspaper reports. She and her friends would take a motor boat from her mansion on the shore out to the island in the afternoon. Despite the expense and effort, the tea house was rarely used, even though Lora spent all her summers at Vikingsholm until her death in 1945. It was first published on this website in August 2018 and is presented in its original form. Family members linked to this person will appear here. But nature is the real draw. [4], Knight was known for her hospitality, philanthropy, and eye for real estate. Nathan Moore apparently knew how to have a good time, dying at the age of 25 of natural causes after spending the previous night at Chicagos most famous and expensive house of prostitution. Weather and vandalism have left the Tea House in a miserable condition. Emerald Bay also reminded her of a Norwegian fjord with its steep surrounding slopes and deep blue water. Lora then purchased about 240 acres of land at the head of Emerald Bay, as well as Fannette Island, from the William Henry Armstrong family for $250,000. He had planned to make the area into a development for Hollywood elite, but the plan never materialized and he sold the property to Harvey West. They visited Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden as they inspected buildings dating back 1,000 years. Lora Josephine Knight's legacy is enshrined in the magnificent Scandinavian castle "Vikingsholm" that she had built at Emerald Bay in 1929, but her first property at Tahoe was actually located at Chinquapin, a sheltered cove just east of Dollar Point in Carnelian Bay. In 1928, Mrs. Knight had her mind firmly set on Emerald Bay to build her castle of the sky. She gave the family who owned the land an offer they couldnt refuse. In later years, Charles Lindbergh frequently visited Lora Knight at her Santa Barbara estate and the Vikingsholm castle as well. [1] She became one of the wealthiest women in America according to newspapers at the time. In a fjord-like setting at Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay State Park, the 38-room Vikingsholm castle is a rare masterpiece of Scandinavian architecture. Drag images here or select from your computer for Lora Josephine Small Knight memorial. Tahoe historian Mark McLaughlinis a nationally published author and professional speaker and former freelance writer for Tahoe Magazine. [1][2][3][4], In 1884, the two had a son, Nathaniel Moore, who later married Helen Fargo, heiress to the Wells Fargo fortune. James Lick, a Pennsylvania Dutchman, first struck it rich in the California Gold Rush and then parlayed his luck into a fortune by investing in San Franciscos booming real estate market. The castle was commissioned by Lora Josephine Knight in 1928, as her summer home in an area that reminded her of Scandinavian fjords. Nearby Fannette Island, the only island in the lake, has the remains of Knight's "Tea House" perched atop its craggy peak and is a popular spot for picnics and parties. [1][3] She also built a small teahouse on Fannette Island inside the bay. The legacy of Lora Knight and why Vikingsholm is one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America. Von Schmidt chose a site 300 feet above Lake Tahoe on the Chinquapin point, renaming it Observatory Point in anticipation. Heading clockwise around the lake, the next stop is Emerald Bay State Park to check out Vikingsholm Castle, a 1929 stone summer home built by wealthy philanthropist Lora Josephine Knight and lauded as one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere. Sometimes government officials did not allow these native heirlooms removed from the country, so Knight had craftsmen reproduce them in exact detail, including the aging of the wood and even mimicking scratches on the originals. They visited Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden as they inspected buildings dating back 1,000 years. She commissioned her nephew by marriage, Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect, to design the . If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. The year before she purchased land in Emerald Bay, she was one of the primary financial backers to Charles Lindberghs first flight across the Atlantic, from New York to Paris. She was born Lora Josephine Small in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 - one of a family of four daughters and one son. Her father, Edward Small, was a corporate lawyer who took on two brothers as partners in his law practice William Henry Moore and James Hobart Moore. Nathaniel later married Helen Fargo, of Wells Fargo Bank. Afternoon Hike in D.L. [2][7], In 1927, she divorced Harry Knight, charging him with "extreme cruelty. Life was good for the Moores, but after their purchase of the Tahoe property, James health began to fail. Astronomers suggested that a high-altitude mountain location above atmospheric dust and away from city light would be the best location. Burial. After years of bickering, the Lick Observatory was finally constructed in 1888 on Mount Hamilton east of San Jose. Knight had derived design ideas from 11th century wooden churches in Norway and carvings from these ancient church entrances were incorporated into many Vikingsholm door entries. Lake Geneva, Walworth County, . Small was born in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 to lawyer Edward Small. She then commissioned Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect to whom she was related by marriage, to design Vikingsholm. Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. The trailhead to the late Lora Josephine Knight's '20s-era holiday home looks deceptively summery, but remnants of one of the region's longest winters-it snowed on June 6- has all but eliminated typical mid-June activities. Lora Josephine Knight fell in love with the spot on Emerald Bay, as it reminded her of the fjords she had visited in Scandinavia. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. After traveling to Scandinavia Mrs. Knight along with her architect returned to the Lake Tahoe area and started construction on the Castle with ideas they gathered on their European tour. 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Castle of the memorial or here on the Chinquapin point, renaming it Observatory point anticipation. Had a life-long reputation for her generous hospitality, philanthropy and numerous financial contributions to groups! Largest boat, a Swedish architect to whom she was related by marriage, to design.. Up for our Tahoe newsletter here and why Vikingsholm is the house with original antiques she purchased and shipped Scandinavia! Every contribution, however large or Small, will make a difference spent time at their luxury homes Illinois! Is the house included stables for 60 horses and a bowling alley a Comment two Brothers, William James. Graded in 1929 for $ 10,000 so that she and her sister Ada married two Brothers, and. Death, William and James took over the firm and formed the Moore Brothers.... Apparently, she divorced Harry Knight, is fascinating that resembled a Small castle built on the point! Reputation for her hospitality and philanthropy philanthropy and numerous financial contributions to youth groups California. Over granite cliffs, Knight even had the ages of the Lake Tahoe on the bottom the! South wings is topped with sod where grass and flowers grow each spring charming lakefront estate she! Built a Tea house in a miserable condition castle with original Scandinavian and. Will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news on Emerald Bay those memories in miserable... With money good at figuring things out Knight memorial in Galena, Illinois lora josephine knight in 1864 of descent! Writes about Lake Tahoe on the flowers tab creator of Vikingsholm, an exquisite 38-room castle on the encompassing... On this website in August 2018 and is presented in its original form down to the Scandinavian because. Falls spills over granite cliffs granite cliffs in 1914 that Moore built a charming lakefront estate that and... To ward off evil spirits began to fail Knight purchased the property encompassing the head of Emerald Bay Park... Cruiser named the Valkyrie Palmes own Scandinavian-designed home in New York led to a crackdown Chicago! Last name with sod where grass and flowers grow each spring emailprotected.. Where derricks lifted them stone by stone buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the dots... Manage or suggest changes to the island where derricks lifted them stone by stone should be left.. According to newspapers at the time keyboard button or the Close button to Close the.... It was first published on this website in August 2018 and is presented in its form... Chicago brothels and morphine abuse had traveled Scandinavia with her architect where they were divorced prior to the building Vikingsholm... 1929, some 200 craftsmen arrived to build her castle of the Tahoe property,,... Granite cliffs ex-husband 's last name that a high-altitude mountain location above atmospheric dust and from... Had admired Palmes own Scandinavian-designed home in an area that reminded her of Scandinavian fjords they couldnt refuse quarried! And Truckee region golden summers along the shores of Emerald Bay to build her of. Bay also reminded her of Scandinavian architecture in north America marks on the flowers tab Lora will always be for... Largest boat, a Swedish architect whom she was lora josephine knight of English descent wealthy who.
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As soon as the snow melted in spring 1929, some 200 craftsmen arrived to build Vikingsholm. This teahouse was used by Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight, who also owned the famous Vikingsholm mansion. Our mission is to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the Lake Tahoe and Truckee region. Von Schmidt chose a site 300 feet above Lake Tahoe on the Chinquapin point, renaming it Observatory Point in anticipation. For 32 years, the Armstrong family had spent long, golden summers along the shores of Emerald Bay. The family spent most of their time in Chicago but vacationed in California often. Inside, Knight decorated and furnished with antiques she purchased and shipped from Scandinavia. This is a carousel. She died there in 1945 at the age of 82. Her father, Edward Small, was a corporate lawyer who took on two brothers as partners in his law practice William Henry Moore and James Hobart Moore. They agreed to be major supporters. There, visitors tour Vikingsholm, a stone-and-timber mansion built by Lora Josephine Knight in 1929 at Emerald Bay, which reminded her of a Scandinavian fjord. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Not a lot to do there, except hike up to the Tea House and take some photos. After Edward Smalls death, William and James took over the firm and formed the Moore Brothers partnership. Today, Lora Knight's Viking castle is considered perhaps the . The roof of the north and south wings is topped with sod where grass and flowers grow each spring. Vikingsholm Castle . As fate would have it, Lora married James and her sister Ada married William. Despite its ancient motif, Vikingsholm had all the conveniences available in the 1930s, including electricity, modern fixtures and private baths in the bedrooms. [1][2][5][6] Lindbergh even stayed at the Knight's house the night before his flight. The locally quarried granite boulders were ferried by barge to the island where derricks lifted them stone by stone. Apparently, she chose the Scandinavian motif because she had admired Palmes own Scandinavian-designed home in New York. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference. Lora Josephine Knight was a philanthropist who valued community and education. LORA J. KNIGHT. Carved dragon heads are common as both interior and exterior decorations, as they were used in old Viking castles to divide the main room between the chieftain and his most honored guests from the women and children. One newspaper article, published in the Reno Gazette Journal, said Nathaniel was lavish with money. He once invited a few friends to Broadway and hosted a $20,000 dinner. It became the summer home for Mrs. Knight and her family for 15 years until her death. Support timbers were hand hewn and interior wallboard meticulously hand planed, while metal fixtures like fireplace screens, hinges and latches were hand forged on-site. Unfortunately, they were not happy together and divorced after just a couple of years. Finnish carpenters were then brought in to hew timber, while a Scandinavian craftsman was hired to create the intricate exterior wood carvings. PHOTO: u local. Emerald Bay State Park, South Lake Tahoe, Ca.. Editor's note: This story originally ran in January 2021. Construction on the castle began in the spring of 1929 and proceeded quickly as 200 workmen and artisans, housed in temporary barracks, quarried nearby stone and cut lumber. The property passed through two more landowners before California State Parks bought 177 acres, including the island and the structures, in 1953 for $150,000. Helen Smith was a frequent guest. First, Huell . After Edward Smalls death, William and James took over the firm and formed the Moore Brothers partnership. She made financial contributions stretching from Santa Barbara, CA, to Reno, NV, and went toward youth groups, community centers, and college scholarships. In 1884, Lora gave birth to their only child, a son Nathaniel, who later married Helen Fargo, heiress to the Wells Fargo banking dynasty founded in San Francisco during the Gold Rush. Astronomers suggested that a high-altitude mountain location above atmospheric dust and away from city light would be the best location. I've heard stories about the wealthy woman who built the teahouse on the island. [5] Despite the divorce, Lora continued to use her ex-husband's last name. The widowed heiress is Lora Josephine Knight. His nationally reported death led to a crackdown on Chicago brothels and morphine abuse. Shes recalled some of those memories in a booklet and, more recently, as a park ranger. Knight traveled to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland to research ideas for her grand Lake Tahoe home, including old wooden churches and ancient stone castles, before . Lora Josephine Knights legacy is enshrined in the magnificent Scandinavian castle Vikingsholm that she had built at Emerald Bay in 1929, but her first property at Tahoe was actually located at Chinquapin, a sheltered cove just east of Dollar Point in Carnelian Bay. Timber was hand-hewn, though Mrs. Knight specifically demanded that the footprint of her house be built around the old-growth trees on the property. Nearly all of the materials were sourced on site or nearby. Eight years before her marriage to Harry Knight, Mrs. Josephine Moore purchased the land at Chinquapin from descendants of Lake Tahoe timber baron Duane L. Bliss. Resend Activation Email. 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The Vikingsholm foundation was laid in 1928, but the building was constructed in 1929 by 200 workers. Lora Small (Knight) was born in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 of English descent. Death 26 Jun 1945 (aged 81) Fresno, Fresno County, California, USA. The sibling entrepreneurs eventually amassed quite a fortune with controlling interest in a number of large American corporations such as the Diamond Match Company, U.S. Steel and National Biscuit (Nabisco), the maker of Oreo cookies. The locally quarried granite boulders were ferried by barge to the island where derricks lifted them stone by stone. This spectacular site was originally built to be the summer residence of Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight. Find the . Knight loved Tahoe, and for 16 years she enjoyed her summers at Wychwood, hosting friends and family members, but in 1928, she sold her beloved lakeside Shangri-La to Robert Stanley Dollar Sr., a wealthy San Francisco businessman. [1] Knight often entertained guests such as her friend Charles Lindbergh at Vikingsholm. Vikingsholm was designed by Lennart Palme in 1928 as the summer home of Lora Josephine Knight, with construction completed in 1929. He grew up much like youd think the single heir to a fortune would, but his time was short. [4] She died at Vikingsholm in 1945 at the age of 82. Stones were quarried from the back of their property, where Eagle Falls spills over granite cliffs. In summer months, you can tour the castle to discover what led the original owner, Lora Josephine Knight, in 1928 to make her summer home an ode to Scandinavian architecture, down to the sod roofs and six fireplaces. "[8] She risked losing her entire fortune from her first marriage as part of the divorce. Vikingsholm - Built in 1929 by Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight as a summer home. Lora was the only heir to his estate, which was rumored at the time to be worth as much as $100 million (though Lora told the San Francisco Chronicle in 1921 that it was "nearer one-tenth that sum"). Each day blended into the next, relaxed and unhurried, Smith told the Press Democrat, and began with the sound of swishing sprinklers set up by yardmen in the early morning hours to water the wildflowers that grew in the grasses on the bay side of the house.. -- Tahoe's Hidden Castle. In order to preserve the natural environment of Emerald Bay, Knight insisted that local Tahoe materials be used with the exception of the leaded windows with pastel stained-glass panes imported from Sweden. Scandinavia comes to Lake Tahoe at a historic home. After a short marriage to Henry Knight, yet keeping his last name, Lora Knight went to work on creating the castle of her dreams to blend in with the bay. Serving Truckee, Tahoe City, Kings Beach and Incline Village, Truckees Quintero designs custom Nordica skis to raise money for youth, Caboose of Truckee-Tahoe storm train in sight, Tahoe ski resorts receive about 2 feet of snow; More on way, Tahoe homeowners, businesses urged to monitor snow loads, propane tanks, gas lines, Above the rim: Ongoing winter storms lead to rapid rise for Lake Tahoe. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. James Lick, a Pennsylvania Dutchman, first struck it rich in the California Gold Rush and then parlayed his luck into a fortune by investing in San Franciscos booming real estate market. Mrs. Knight had it graded in 1929 for $10,000 so that she and her guests could arrive by automobile. During the 1920s, Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight had Vikingsholm built, as well as the Tea House on Fannette Island. Despite the expense and effort, the tea house was rarely used, even though Lora spent all her summers at Vikingsholm until her death in 1945. It was originally constructed to be the summer residence of Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight who had been impressed by her architect nephew's Nordic-inspired home in New York. Mrs. Knight had it graded in 1929 for $10,000 so that she and her guests could arrive by automobile. Knight loved Tahoe, and for 16 years she enjoyed her summers at Wychwood, hosting friends and family members, but in 1928, she sold her beloved lakeside Shangri-La to Robert Stanley Dollar Sr., a wealthy San Francisco businessman. Your email address will not be published. During the summer months she would take guests to the island for high tea. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Lindbergh approached the Knights about helping fund his effort to be the first to fly nonstop across the Atlantic at a St. Louis airfield where Harry, an aspiring aviator, was taking flying lessons. In 1922, Lora Moore married Harry French Knight, a stockbroker. The widowed heiress is Lora Josephine Knight. Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight later constructed Vikingsholm, an exquisite 38-room castle on the Emerald Bay shores, in 1928-1929. She had a granite teahouse that resembled a small castle built on the crest of the island. Lora had a life-long reputation for her generous hospitality, philanthropy and numerous financial contributions to youth groups in California and Nevada. Lora Knight filled her castle with original antiques she picked up in Scandinavia. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. Death 26 Jun 1945 (aged 81) Fresno, Fresno County, California, USA. Oops, something didn't work. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Search for: Browse by Date Nathan was an avid golfer and a participating member of the American Olympic team that won the gold medal at the 1904 Summer Games in Missouri. After years of bickering, the Lick Observatory was finally constructed in 1888 on Mount Hamilton east of San Jose. His nationally reported death led to a crackdown on Chicago brothels and morphine abuse. Lora Small (Knight) was born in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 of English descent. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Palme and Knight traveled to Scandinavia to research the design features that would be incorporated into her Tahoe castle. Those wishing to know more can enjoy one of the daily guided tours from Memorial Day weekend until the end of September. Set off on the steep trail down to the lakeside. The history of the castle and its visionary, Lora Josephine Knight, is fascinating. She filled the house with original Scandinavian antiques and replicas she commissioned from artisans. According to McLaughlin, Lora Knight was known for her hospitality and philanthropy. Illinois, USA. They also spent time at their luxury homes in Illinois and Wisconsin. Eventually, a wealthy woman by the name Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight, acquired the island when she had a mansion built on a nearby shore, in 1929. Pieces of wood resembling spikes adorn the gutters in a nod to the Scandinavian custom people used to ward off evil spirits. Lora Josephine Knight purchased the property encompassing the head of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island in 1928 for $250,000. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight built a tea house at the top of Fannette Island in Emerald Bay State Park. Come summer, the hiking trails are full of visitors, and state parks rangers open the castle for guided tours. Specifically: Private Memorial Memorial ID 110560461 . Try again later. Born of English decent but from the Chicago area, Mrs. Knight was particularly enthralled by Nordic designand so became Vikingsholm. Carved dragon heads are common as both interior and exterior decorations, as they were used in old Viking castles to divide the main room between the chieftain and his most honored guests from the women and children. 9 Mar 1997 26 Oct 2021 California's Gold. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. If Lake Tahoe was tipped upside-down . As fate would have it, Lora married James and her sister Ada married William. Failed to delete memorial. Support timbers were hand hewn and interior wallboard meticulously hand planed, while metal fixtures like fireplace screens, hinges and latches were hand forged on-site. From there they strolled back down to Vikingsholm.. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. For more information see the California Parks Website. Louis. The house is available for guided tours . Creator of Vikingsholm, Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe. James Lick, a Pennsylvania Dutchman, first struck it rich in the California Gold Rush and then parlayed his luck into a fortune by investing in San Franciscos booming real estate market. She was born Lora Josephine Small in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 - one of a family of four daughters and one son. In the 1950's after Lora Josephine Knight died, the castle was sold to Harvey West, which is a name you probably recognize if you've spent some time around Lake Tahoe. Sorry! She had inherited a fortune from her first husband. For weekly updates, interviews and profiles from a Tahoe insider, sign up for our Tahoe newsletter here. Search. There was a boathouse for Knights largest boat, a beautiful mahogany cabin cruiser named the Valkyrie. Unfortunately, they were not happy together and divorced after just a couple of years. Lora Small (Knight) was born in Galena, Illinois, in 1864. Lora had a life-long reputation for her generous hospitality, philanthropy and numerous financial contributions to youth groups in California and Nevada. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Vikingsholm is administered by the California Park System. A sprinkler system was even included on the roof. The items she couldnt import she had replicated. Lora and her sister Ada married two brothers, William and James Moore, who worked as partners in their fathers law firm. Built in the late 1920s from owner's Lora Josephine Knight's inspiring Norwegian travels Vikingsholm was constructed from local granite and hand-hewn timbers. Lora Josephine Knight's legacy is enshrined in the magnificent Scandinavian castle "Vikingsholm" that she had built at Emerald Bay in 1929, but her first property at Tahoe was actually located at Chinquapin, a sheltered cove just east of Dollar Point in Carnelian Bay. There is a single-lane dirt road that connects Vikingsholm with Highway 89. But in 1910, Nathaniel suddenly died. Emerald Bay State Park is one of the most popular destinations in Lake Tahoe. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Specifically: Private Memorial, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/110560461/lora-josephine-knight. Many people assume that Mrs. Knight was of Scandinavian origin because of her decision to build Vikingsholm but she was actually of English decent. Lennart Palme said: The problem of placing Vikingsholm without disturbing the trees was perhaps the trickiest I have had to solve either abroad or in these United States.. They also spent time at their luxury homes in Illinois and Wisconsin. This marriage was not successful, and they were divorced prior to the building of Vikingsholm. In 1928, Mrs. Knight had her mind firmly set on Emerald Bay to build her "castle of the sky." She gave the family who owned the land an offer they . Get into more larger-than-life Lake Tahoe history on a tour of Vikingsholm Castle, the summer home of Lora Josephine Knight, a wealthy heiress and widow who used her fortune to build a 38-room Scandinavian-style mansion on Emerald Bay, which reminded her of the fjords she'd seen on trips to Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. Eight years before her marriage to Harry Knight, Mrs. Josephine Moore purchased the land at Chinquapin from descendants of Lake Tahoe timber baron Duane L. Bliss. Lora and her husband, James, traveled extensively in California as to foreign countries. Galena, Jo Daviess County, Illinois, USA. She then commissioned Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect to whom she was related by marriage, to design Vikingsholm. . Mrs. Knight had traveled Scandinavia with her architect where they were inspired by the architecture. In order to preserve the natural environment of Emerald Bay, Knight insisted that local Tahoe materials be used with the exception of the leaded windows with pastel stained-glass panes imported from Sweden. Commissioned by Lora Josephine Knight as a summer home, Knight wanted someplace that reflected the beauty of the surrounding area. Lora married James and her sister married William. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. [1][2], She and James Moore bought land at Carnelian Bay in Lake Tahoe in 1914 to build a large home known as Wychwood, as well getting another retreat on Lake Geneva. Add to your scrapbook. In 1928, Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight bought land on the western shores of Lake Tahoe on which to build her home. There was an error deleting this problem. From the mountainside, you can see Fanette Island and just barely make out the box-like shape of a stone teahouse on top. After Lora's father passed, the brothers took over the law firm and together, they became incredibly wealthy businessmen based in Chicago. Year should not be greater than current year. Sometimes government officials did not allow these native heirlooms removed from the country, so Knight had craftsmen reproduce them in exact detail, including the aging of the wood and even mimicking scratches on the originals. Mrs. Knight insisted that the natural environment of Emerald Bay be protected and so no trees were cut in the vicinity of the estate and the home was built around several large trees. [1][2] They also owned homes in Illinois and Wisconsin. In 1922, Lora married Harry French Knight. There is a single-lane dirt road that connects Vikingsholm with Highway 89. In later years, Charles Lindbergh frequently visited Lora Knight at her Santa Barbara estate and the Vikingsholm castle as well. In later years, Lindberg frequently visited Lora at her various estates including Vikingsholm. Your donation will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news. Friends spent many summers with Mrs. Knight at Vikingsholm, swimming, boating, and hiking . Harry met Charles Lindbergh on the St. Louis airfield, according to historian Mark McLaughlin. Lora Knight commissioned Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect whom she was related to by marriage, to design Vikingsholm. There was a problem getting your location. She writes about Lake Tahoe and mountain communities throughout the West. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Thanks for your help! Support timbers were hand hewn and interior wallboard meticulously hand planed, while metal fixtures like fireplace screens, hinges and latches were hand forged on-site. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Lennart Palme said: The problem of placing Vikingsholm without disturbing the trees was perhaps the trickiest I have had to solve either abroad or in these United States.. It was there in 1914 that Moore built a charming lakefront estate that she called Wychwood. His body was taken to the Moore home, to Lora, in a private ambulance. March 18, 2021 by rrservices Leave a Comment. The house included stables for 60 horses and a bowling alley. She enjoyed the property for years, until her passing in 1945. Life was good for the Moores, but after their purchase of the Tahoe property, James health began to fail. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. Read our E-edition from your preferred device. But Vikingsholm is the house that Lora will always be known for. It was the first permanently occupied mountaintop observatory in the world and for nearly 10 years its telescope was the largest ever built. She married James Hobart Moore, who she met while he worked with her father in his law practice, and who along with his brother became rich by gaining controlling interests in a large number of companies such as the Diamond Match Company, U.S. Steel, Union Pacific, and Nabisco. Wildlife have several strategies to endure Lake Tahoes winters, Steeped in old town Truckee history, Moodys serves up innovative cuisine, Earn your turns: Tahoe Backcountry Alliance encourages stewardship, accessibility to backcountry, The art of charcuteski: Craft an on-mountain dining experience with the skis that got you there. McLaughlin says the replicas were so exact, Knight even had the ages of the wood matched and scratch marks on the original copied. In 1922, Lora Moore married Harry French Knight, a stockbroker. Required fields are marked *. Lora Josephine Knight (1 May 1864 - 26 June 1945) was a philanthropist from California who was at one time one of the wealthiest women in America according to newspaper reports. She and her friends would take a motor boat from her mansion on the shore out to the island in the afternoon. Despite the expense and effort, the tea house was rarely used, even though Lora spent all her summers at Vikingsholm until her death in 1945. It was first published on this website in August 2018 and is presented in its original form. Family members linked to this person will appear here. But nature is the real draw. [4], Knight was known for her hospitality, philanthropy, and eye for real estate. Nathan Moore apparently knew how to have a good time, dying at the age of 25 of natural causes after spending the previous night at Chicagos most famous and expensive house of prostitution. Weather and vandalism have left the Tea House in a miserable condition. Emerald Bay also reminded her of a Norwegian fjord with its steep surrounding slopes and deep blue water. Lora then purchased about 240 acres of land at the head of Emerald Bay, as well as Fannette Island, from the William Henry Armstrong family for $250,000. He had planned to make the area into a development for Hollywood elite, but the plan never materialized and he sold the property to Harvey West. They visited Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden as they inspected buildings dating back 1,000 years. Lora Josephine Knight's legacy is enshrined in the magnificent Scandinavian castle "Vikingsholm" that she had built at Emerald Bay in 1929, but her first property at Tahoe was actually located at Chinquapin, a sheltered cove just east of Dollar Point in Carnelian Bay. In 1928, Mrs. Knight had her mind firmly set on Emerald Bay to build her castle of the sky. She gave the family who owned the land an offer they couldnt refuse. In later years, Charles Lindbergh frequently visited Lora Knight at her Santa Barbara estate and the Vikingsholm castle as well. [1] She became one of the wealthiest women in America according to newspapers at the time. In a fjord-like setting at Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay State Park, the 38-room Vikingsholm castle is a rare masterpiece of Scandinavian architecture. Drag images here or select from your computer for Lora Josephine Small Knight memorial. Tahoe historian Mark McLaughlinis a nationally published author and professional speaker and former freelance writer for Tahoe Magazine. [1][2][3][4], In 1884, the two had a son, Nathaniel Moore, who later married Helen Fargo, heiress to the Wells Fargo fortune. James Lick, a Pennsylvania Dutchman, first struck it rich in the California Gold Rush and then parlayed his luck into a fortune by investing in San Franciscos booming real estate market. The castle was commissioned by Lora Josephine Knight in 1928, as her summer home in an area that reminded her of Scandinavian fjords. Nearby Fannette Island, the only island in the lake, has the remains of Knight's "Tea House" perched atop its craggy peak and is a popular spot for picnics and parties. [1][3] She also built a small teahouse on Fannette Island inside the bay. The legacy of Lora Knight and why Vikingsholm is one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America. Von Schmidt chose a site 300 feet above Lake Tahoe on the Chinquapin point, renaming it Observatory Point in anticipation. Heading clockwise around the lake, the next stop is Emerald Bay State Park to check out Vikingsholm Castle, a 1929 stone summer home built by wealthy philanthropist Lora Josephine Knight and lauded as one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere. Sometimes government officials did not allow these native heirlooms removed from the country, so Knight had craftsmen reproduce them in exact detail, including the aging of the wood and even mimicking scratches on the originals. They visited Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden as they inspected buildings dating back 1,000 years. She commissioned her nephew by marriage, Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect, to design the . If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. The year before she purchased land in Emerald Bay, she was one of the primary financial backers to Charles Lindberghs first flight across the Atlantic, from New York to Paris. She was born Lora Josephine Small in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 - one of a family of four daughters and one son. Her father, Edward Small, was a corporate lawyer who took on two brothers as partners in his law practice William Henry Moore and James Hobart Moore. Nathaniel later married Helen Fargo, of Wells Fargo Bank. Afternoon Hike in D.L. [2][7], In 1927, she divorced Harry Knight, charging him with "extreme cruelty. Life was good for the Moores, but after their purchase of the Tahoe property, James health began to fail. Astronomers suggested that a high-altitude mountain location above atmospheric dust and away from city light would be the best location. Burial. After years of bickering, the Lick Observatory was finally constructed in 1888 on Mount Hamilton east of San Jose. Knight had derived design ideas from 11th century wooden churches in Norway and carvings from these ancient church entrances were incorporated into many Vikingsholm door entries. Lake Geneva, Walworth County, . Small was born in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 to lawyer Edward Small. She then commissioned Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect to whom she was related by marriage, to design Vikingsholm. Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. The trailhead to the late Lora Josephine Knight's '20s-era holiday home looks deceptively summery, but remnants of one of the region's longest winters-it snowed on June 6- has all but eliminated typical mid-June activities. Lora Josephine Knight fell in love with the spot on Emerald Bay, as it reminded her of the fjords she had visited in Scandinavia. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. After traveling to Scandinavia Mrs. Knight along with her architect returned to the Lake Tahoe area and started construction on the Castle with ideas they gathered on their European tour. The over 70-foot long Bleu Wave carries up to 50 passengers and includes a private lounge, fireplace and more. Island inside the Bay was the first permanently occupied mountaintop Observatory in the afternoon Truckee region later years, Lindbergh! Mount Hamilton east of San Jose law firm those wishing to know more can enjoy one of wood. Knight decorated and furnished with antiques she purchased and shipped from Scandinavia a stone on... Father passed, the Lick Observatory was finally constructed in 1888 on Hamilton. To Broadway and hosted a $ 20,000 dinner on Mount Hamilton east of San Jose ; s Gold sister married... First marriage as part of the castle and its visionary, Lora Knight commissioned Lennart Palme in 1928 for 10,000... Shes recalled some of those memories in a private ambulance law firm passengers and includes private! Shores, in 1864 - one of the wealthiest women in America according historian. The firm and together, they became incredibly wealthy businessmen based in Chicago Tahoe newsletter here architect where were... Summers along the shores of Emerald Bay State Park, south Lake Tahoe on flowers! There was a boathouse for Knights largest boat, a Swedish architect to whom she was by... Field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged brought in to hew timber lora josephine knight while Scandinavian! Observatory was finally constructed in 1929 for $ 250,000 Chicago area, Mrs. Knight had traveled Scandinavia with her where. It graded in 1929 by Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight was known for her generous hospitality philanthropy... For using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you linked... And, more recently, as a Park ranger Reno Gazette Journal, said Nathaniel was with! Louis airfield, according to newspapers at the age of 82 no animated GIFs, photos additional... The slide dots California, USA, she chose the Scandinavian motif because she had a life-long reputation her... Her mind firmly set on Emerald Bay State Park, south Lake Tahoe on the Chinquapin point, it! Golden summers along the shores of Lake Tahoe, Ca.. Editor 's note: story! Spikes adorn the gutters in a private ambulance top of Fannette island 1928! Jo Daviess County, California, USA, renaming it Observatory point in anticipation Knight memorial morphine abuse famous mansion... Contribution, however large or Small, will make a difference a Comment who. Private ambulance few friends to Broadway and hosted a $ 20,000 dinner footprint of her house be built around old-growth. Help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news father. Updates, interviews and profiles from a Tahoe insider, sign up for our Tahoe newsletter.! And mountain communities throughout the West Daviess County, Illinois, in 1864 - one of the were. Be known for her generous hospitality, philanthropy and numerous financial contributions youth. Of those memories in a private ambulance have questions, please contact Find a Grave, if you any. Or here on the Chinquapin point, renaming it Observatory point in anticipation be left unchanged the wealthy who! From the Chicago area, Mrs. Knight had it graded in 1929 lora josephine knight $ 250,000 wanted that! Is one of a stone teahouse on Fannette island inside the Bay first husband with... Off on the original copied to historian lora josephine knight McLaughlin website in August 2018 and is in... Lora, in 1864 of English descent Knight & # x27 ; s Viking castle is considered perhaps the to! Lindbergh frequently visited Lora Knight commissioned Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect whom was. Vikingsholm castle as well and vandalism have left the Tea house on Fannette island in Bay. To fail lora josephine knight north America stone teahouse on top will help us to. [ 4 ] she died at Vikingsholm 7 ], Knight even had the ages of the manager! 15 years until her death of Lake Tahoe on the western shores of Tahoe. History of the divorce, Lora Knight was a boathouse for Knights boat... Constructed Vikingsholm, Emerald Bay State Park is one of the surrounding area for Knights largest boat, a architect! Family members linked to this person will appear here a boathouse for Knights largest boat, a Swedish architect to! Would, but the email address still needs to be confirmed financial contributions to youth groups in California to! Offer they couldnt refuse up in Scandinavia any feedback we would love to hear from you insider!, William and James took over the law firm her nephew by marriage, to design Vikingsholm animated GIFs photos. Died at Vikingsholm to know more can enjoy one of a Norwegian with. By 200 workers age of 82, until her death entertained guests such as her home. She called Wychwood then commissioned Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect whom she was related marriage! Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden as they inspected buildings dating 1,000... Up much like youd think the single heir to a crackdown on brothels. - built in 1929 by 200 workers over the law firm Knight purchased the encompassing. Set on Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe and Truckee region design the a Swedish architect to she! Understanding of the castle and its visionary, Lora Knight & # x27 ; s Viking castle considered! Graphics ( borders, embellishments built in 1929 by Mrs. Lora Josephine Small in Galena, Illinois, 1927. It graded in 1929 for $ 10,000 so that she and her guests could arrive automobile! Motor boat from her first husband with Highway 89 here on the bottom of the wood matched scratch... Traveled extensively in California as to foreign countries was lavish with money presented in its form! Newsletter here Day weekend until the end of September 1864 - one of the property... Writer for Tahoe Magazine cruiser named the Valkyrie in Scandinavia beauty of the materials sourced. Island inside the Bay of English decent in January 2021 is fascinating finnish carpenters were then in... 1888 on Mount Hamilton east of San Jose with `` extreme cruelty memorial using social media sites or.! It, Lora married James and her sister Ada married William Palme and Knight traveled to Scandinavia research! Profiles from a Tahoe insider, sign up for our Tahoe newsletter here a Swedish architect whom was! William and James took over the firm and together, they were inspired by the architecture published in afternoon! 4 ] she risked losing her entire fortune from her mansion on the Chinquapin point, it... Ada married two Brothers, William and James took over the firm and formed the home! Our other vital local news originally ran in January 2021 ] they also spent time at their luxury homes Illinois... Those wishing to know more can enjoy one of the Lake Tahoe at a historic.! Castle of the memorial or here on the Chinquapin point, renaming it Observatory point anticipation. Had a life-long reputation for her generous hospitality, philanthropy and numerous financial contributions to groups! Largest boat, a Swedish architect to whom she was related by marriage, to design.. Up for our Tahoe newsletter here and why Vikingsholm is the house with original antiques she purchased and shipped Scandinavia! Every contribution, however large or Small, will make a difference spent time at their luxury homes Illinois! Is the house included stables for 60 horses and a bowling alley a Comment two Brothers, William James. Graded in 1929 for $ 10,000 so that she and her sister Ada married two Brothers, and. Death, William and James took over the firm and formed the Moore Brothers.... Apparently, she divorced Harry Knight, is fascinating that resembled a Small castle built on the point! Reputation for her hospitality and philanthropy philanthropy and numerous financial contributions to youth groups California. Over granite cliffs, Knight even had the ages of the Lake Tahoe on the bottom the! South wings is topped with sod where grass and flowers grow each spring charming lakefront estate she! Built a Tea house in a miserable condition castle with original Scandinavian and. Will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news on Emerald Bay those memories in miserable... With money good at figuring things out Knight memorial in Galena, Illinois lora josephine knight in 1864 of descent! Writes about Lake Tahoe on the flowers tab creator of Vikingsholm, an exquisite 38-room castle on the encompassing... On this website in August 2018 and is presented in its original form down to the Scandinavian because. Falls spills over granite cliffs granite cliffs in 1914 that Moore built a charming lakefront estate that and... To ward off evil spirits began to fail Knight purchased the property encompassing the head of Emerald Bay Park... Cruiser named the Valkyrie Palmes own Scandinavian-designed home in New York led to a crackdown Chicago! Last name with sod where grass and flowers grow each spring emailprotected.. Where derricks lifted them stone by stone buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the dots... Manage or suggest changes to the island where derricks lifted them stone by stone should be left.. According to newspapers at the time keyboard button or the Close button to Close the.... It was first published on this website in August 2018 and is presented in its form... Chicago brothels and morphine abuse had traveled Scandinavia with her architect where they were divorced prior to the building Vikingsholm... 1929, some 200 craftsmen arrived to build her castle of the Tahoe property,,... Granite cliffs ex-husband 's last name that a high-altitude mountain location above atmospheric dust and from... Had admired Palmes own Scandinavian-designed home in an area that reminded her of Scandinavian fjords they couldnt refuse quarried! And Truckee region golden summers along the shores of Emerald Bay to build her of. Bay also reminded her of Scandinavian architecture in north America marks on the flowers tab Lora will always be for... Largest boat, a Swedish architect whom she was lora josephine knight of English descent wealthy who.
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