The Founding of Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, is a charming village located in Kenosha County, nestled along the Illinois-Wisconsin border, just east of U.S. Highway 12. The village’s name is derived from the twin lakes of Mary and Elizabeth, which were named after the first set of twins born on the prairie to Mary Rae and Jonathan Imeson, early settlers of the region.
The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi people, before being settled by European immigrants, primarily of German and Irish descent, in the mid-1800s. The region’s abundant natural resources, such as fertile land and access to waterways, attracted these settlers, who engaged in farming, logging, and fishing.
The Rise of Tourism
Twin Lakes’ rich history is documented in the book “Summer Enchantment: The History of Twin Lakes,” written by Greg Saucerman for the Western Kenosha County Historical Society. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the village’s early settlers, including the Imeson family, who had eight children, including the first set of twins born on the prairie.
The village’s tourism industry began to flourish in the 1850s, with the construction of the first large hotel, Akerman’s Resort, which was later replaced by Regis Landing Condos. Ice houses were also built on Lake Elizabeth, but many burned down due to the straw used for insulation. In 1892, The Lake House was opened as a resort, further establishing Twin Lakes as a destination for vacationers seeking relaxation and recreation.
Early 20th Century Development
In the early 20th century, Twin Lakes saw significant growth and development, with the construction of Becker’s store, Hildebrandt’s, the Waldeck Hotel, and the first school, Cottage School District #4. The local post office was established in 1912, and the largest ballroom, known as the Twin Lakes Ball Room, was constructed by Karl Rademacher.
Incorporation and Continued Growth
The village was officially incorporated in 1937, and subsequent years saw the establishment of churches, including the first Catholic Church in 1942, the First Congregational Church in 1960, and Hope Lutheran Church in 1968. The Randall Consolidated School District became part of Twin Lakes in 1994, and the village has since undergone significant infrastructure developments, including the construction of a new police department in 2000 and a sewer plant in 2001.
Recent Developments and the Future
In recent years, Twin Lakes has continued to grow and develop, with the construction of a new Village Hall in 2022 and major upgrades to the sewer plant in 2023. The village is committed to continued growth and progress, with a focus on providing high-quality guest experiences at an affordable price.
Key Facts about Twin Lakes, Wisconsin
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kenosha County, Wisconsin, along the Illinois-Wisconsin border, east of U.S. Highway 12 |
| Founding | Named after the twin lakes of Mary and Elizabeth, which were named after the first set of twins born on the prairie to Mary Rae and Jonathan Imeson |
| Early Inhabitants | Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi people |
| Early Settlers | European immigrants, primarily of German and Irish descent, in the mid-1800s |
| Economic Activities | Farming, logging, and fishing |
| Tourism Industry | Began to flourish in the 1850s with the construction of Akerman’s Resort and The Lake House |
| Incorporation | Officially incorporated in 1937 |
| Recent Developments | Construction of a new Village Hall in 2022 and major upgrades to the sewer plant in 2023 |
References:
- Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 19, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_Lakes,_Wisconsin
- Summer enchantment : the history of Twin Lakes. (1994). In Library Catalog. Retrieved June 19, 2024, from https://search.library.wisc.edu/catalog/999755328502121
- History | Village of Twin Lakes, WI. (n.d.). Retrieved June 19, 2024, from https://www.twinlakeswi.gov/government/history/
- History – Twin Lakes Country Club. (n.d.). Retrieved June 19, 2024, from https://www.tlccgolf.com/golf/history
- Village of Twin Lakes, WI. (n.d.). Retrieved June 19, 2024, from https://www.twinlakeswi.gov