During my stay in Lake Mills in early September (2011), I was invited by gracious innkeepers Tom and Barry to be their guest at the Fargo Mansion Inn. So for two glorious days and two restful nights, I lived and moved and had my being inside the walls of this unspeakably beautiful old manse on Mulberry Street.
I’m an architectural historian. I’ve seen plenty of old houses. If I had a nickle for every old house I’ve seen…
However, the Fargo Mansion is in a class by itself. It’s an extraordinary building that’s been meticulously and faithfully restored to its former splendor. And it’s massive, with 7,500 square feet of architectural grandeur. Every single spot where your eyeballs happen to rest is a new view of opulence and magnificence and Victorian luxuriance.
When the Fargo Manse came into Tom and Barry’s life in the early 1980s, it was slated for demolition with a failing roof (and rain water infiltration), boarded up windows, frozen and busted pipes (radiators and domestic water) and many of the fireplace mantels and moldings were gone. In anticipation of the home’s demolition, all utility connections had been removed from the building. Built in 1881, it’s a classic Queen Anne house, with towers and turrets and Victorian refinements and frippery and fretwork.
It’s disturbing to think that Wisconsin nearly lost this architectural gem.
In addition to its being a real gem, this was my great Aunt Addie’s home. Judging by the many photos I have of her in this house, this was a happy home for Addie – for a time. She moved in as a bride of 24 years old, and she died there, five years later.
This is one of those times when words are inadequate, so feast your eyes on the photos below. And if you’re ever within 100 miles of The Fargo Inn Mansion, you really should treat yourself to a night or two at the Inn. And did I mention, the breakfast that Tom served was one of the Top 15 Best Breakfasts I’ve ever had in my 52 years? And that morning memory was sweetened ever more when Tom brought in a small painted porcelain vase and set it down beside me on the table.
“This was your Aunt Addie’s,” he said softly. “I knew you’d like to see it.”
He was right.
The Fargo Mansion in 1896, soon after my Great, Great Aunt Addie moved in.
Addie in front of the Fargo Mansion.
The fam sits on the front step of the Fargo Mansion. Addie is on the lower left, with Enoch seated above her. Elsie (born 1876) is on the upper right and Mattie (born 1884) is on the lower right. Elsie was a scant four years younger than her new step-mother, Addie.
The same spot, 110 years later.
Addie prepares to board the train. According to Mary Wilson's book ("The History of Lake Mills"), Addie was inspired to start a local chapter of the DAR when she met Mrs. James Sydney Peck on a train ride, coming home from Sparta. Note the traveling bag at Addie's side.
Just inside the main entry is this small (and high) window. Notice the beveled glass and ornate quartersawn oak trim. At first glance, I thought this was a mirror. I thought I'd joined Addie's world when I stood in front of this "mirror" and no one was looking back!
The music room inside the Fargo Mansion. I believe this is Mattie (seated with book), Addie at the piano and Elsie standing (far right).
The grand staircase in the front reception hall. The woodwork is beautifully sculpted.
Close-up of the newel post.
This is a shot from the foyer looking into the music room. If you look closely, you'll see a guitar in the background. Note the newel post on the right.
This is a closer view of the "music room" (seen above) taken from the stairs, but it shows the horse-hair bench that sits within the rounded tower. According to Innkeeper Tom Boycks, this bench is original to the house.
This tiled "solarium" sat at the edge of the expansive dining room. Tom explained that with its southern exposure, it made the perfect spot for growing plants and other greenery. The floor inside the massive bay window is tiled. At the far left was a small sink (cold water and a drain) for watering the plants, which was removed in later years.
Close-up of the tiled floor, which is in beautiful condition. The floors throughout the Fargo Manse are maple, upstairs and downstairs, and they're in stunningly beautiful condition.
Notice the massive windows in the front parlor. As Tom pointed out, it's a tough house to decorate. It's all windows and doorways and radiators and fireplaces.
Detail of the oak trim and frieze in the front parlor.
This shot was taken from the steps, looking down toward the front door. Notice that curved wall by the front door. And all that wainscoting and trim is quartersawn oak. See that radiator to the far right? Every radiator throughout the house was destroyed when the house endured a Wisconsin winter with no heat. Tom and Barry sought out and found salvaged radiators for every room in this 7,500 square foot house. That's what's so remarkable about the Fargo Manse. To look at it today, you'd never guess that they started with a shell of a building, and brought it back to life.
Another view of this incredible staircase (second floor).
Curved hallway on the second floor.
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Addie's room is at the top of the stairs.
Addie was a beautiful young woman. She was 24 here.
Addie in her wedding gown.
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My favorite photo of all. I love the detail and the beauty and the opulence. This was Addie in the master bedroom, now known as the Enoch Fargo room.
Close-up of the bed.
Addie loved her cats. Judging by the look on this one's face, I'm not sure the feeling was mutual.
Addie stands in a bower of flowers on the grounds of the Fargo Mansion.
The Fargo Mansion as it appears today. This photo is courtesy of Brice Anderson (copyright 2011) and can not be reproduced or used without written permission.
Fargo Mansion in Lake Mills. This photo is courtesy of Brice Anderson (copyright 2011) and can not be reproduced or used without written permission.
This grandiose Victorian manse was built in 1881 and extensively remodeled about three or four years later. This photo is courtesy of Brice Anderson (copyright 2011) and can not be reproduced or used without written permission.
The porch of the Fargo Mansion. This photo is courtesy of Brice Anderson (copyright 2011) and can not be reproduced or used without written permission.
Addie sits with someone (Elsie?) on the front porch of the house. The original fretwork and railings are still evident in the contemporary picture (above).
Addie standing in the home's side yard.
Tall tower of the Fargo Mansion. This photo is courtesy of Brice Anderson (copyright 2011) and can not be reproduced or used without written permission.
Porte Cochere on the Fargo Mansion. This photo is courtesy of Brice Anderson (copyright 2011) and can not be reproduced or used without written permission.
A view of the home's rear. This photo is courtesy of Brice Anderson (copyright 2011) and can not be reproduced or used without written permission.
Addie's obituary.
If you’ve any information to share, please leave a comment below.
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Great posting, Rose. I’m going to put the link to this article on several FB sites (mine, Jefferson County Tourism, Lake Mills Main Street, etc.) So glad you got to spend time in the mansion!
The house is stunning! I would love to see a floorplan.
Beautiful! What a treasure. And the owners are treasures too! They are very brave to have undertaken such an enormous project!
@Debbie
Debbie, I thought that, too. They’ve been busy at work restoring this grand manse for the last 25 years. Their investment of time, money, effort and love is an incredible gift to the community in which they live. This house is truly one-of-a-kind.
LOVE this! Thanks so much for sharing. I find your research very interesting!
What a wonderful mix of old and new photos! Gives us a real ‘feel’ for it all!
Thank you so much for these wonderful pictures!
I love the Victorian Era and can’t get enough about this time in history.
I always wished I could have lived in that era. How nice it was to look at these pictures and Addie’s life.
I truly felt I was going back in time.