Miscauno Island,
October 9, 1905
Guests began to arrive by train from as far away as
Chicago on this glorious fall day. The breathtaking
Miscauno Inn stood tall on what was then known as
Holmes Island. Its builders, the Wisconsin and
Michigan Railroad, had great plans for this scenic
get-away.
As the train rumbled over the narrow bridge leading
to the island, the grandeur came into focus, and of
the 400 invitations sent, only 75 went to couples
from local cities of Marinette, Menominee, Iron
Mountain, Norway, and Peshtigo. Keep in mind that at
the time, the city of Marinette was the largest in
northeast Wisconsin, with more than 100,000
residents in an active logging community that
consisted of numerous lumber barons.
The island covered about 100 acres, with the elegant
hotel constructed to complement an Olde English
"Inn." A massive fireplace, expensive chandeliers in
Tiffany finish, and silver-plated wall sconces all
added to the unique charm of the Inn. A furnished
and heated observation tower allowed guests a view
of the scenic Menominee River and the nature that
surrounds it. Imported Japanese and Old English
prints decorated the living areas. A drawing room,
ladies parlor, and dance hall all added to the
elegant mystique of the island. 25 bedrooms and
tiled bathrooms and showers allowed guests a
comfortable existence for the length of their stay.
Miscauno Island,
July 2005
When the Miscauno Inn burned to the ground in 1923,
all that remained was the massive fireplace. The
grounds lay barren until a new Four Seasons Club was
rebuilt in 1925 around t he
original fireplace. The posh and expansive clubhouse
was surrounded by a challenging golf course and the
secluded serenity of nature in the northwoods.
The Four Seasons Club attracted many celebrities and
distinguished guests, as well as being the rumored
retreat of Al Capone. Shadowed by recently
questionable ties to Chicago's underground, its
mysterious past has done little to taint the
glorious appeal of the Four Seasons Club. Recognized
as an icon of beauty and elegance, this popular
resort has maintained its appeal for 100 years.
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