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Volume 1 • Number 33
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BURLINGTON 33703 59th · Burlingto n, WI Text “Rocket” to 313 131 for directions
147 E. Main Street, Twin Lakes, WI 53185 • Published By Southern Lakes Newspapers, LLC
GENOA CITY 1548 N. Daisy Dr. Text “Pyro” to 313 131 for directions 208514
Simmons Island beckons summer visitors to lake Island remains a showpiece of Kenosha’s lakefront By Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT
In 1835, John Buller ended his search for land to build a new town when he came upon the area where the Pike River empties into Lake Michigan. Finding this area suitable for his new community, the small settlement prospered. It did, however, undergo a series of name changes, including changing from Pike Creek to Southport and finally to its present name Kenosha. Just to the south of this original settlement was an island that was known as just that, The Island. In 1848 the first lighthouse was erected on this island as Southport began to make
its mark as a major port on Lake Michigan. Today a lighthouse remains on this spot although it is not the original one built in 1848. The current Lighthouse was built in 1866 and is the third lighthouse to stand on the island. The wide, sandy beach and access to the Lake Michigan waters attracted local residents to the island in the summertime. A Bathhouse, in the Tudor Revival Style, was designed by Chris Borggren and built in 1934 to accommodate visitors to the beach area. The island was purchased by the City of Kenosha in 1955 where Simmons Island Park was officially established. The park was a popular spot for both residents and visitors to Kenosha. Because of its topography, it was possible to establish a park with many uses. The beach became a popular destination in the 1950s and 60s. It is easy to understand why the beach was popular. The sandy stretch allowed children to play on the shore building their versions of castles, dragging buckets of water from the lake to hold their creation together. The lake itself with its waves lapping up on the shore enticed many into the cold water to swim or just splash. In the summer, the voices and laughter of those on the beach could be heard. The bathhouse underwent several renovations over the years, but it also went through a time of disrepair and at one point was owned by a person who considered opening a restaurant in the bathhouse. The bathhouse was recognized for its historic value in 2003 when it was designated as historical and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Because of its topography, the park has more than one level. On the bluff overlooking the lake in a grassy and wooded area are a playground and an open-air pavilion. The pavilion pro-
See SIMMONS ISLAND, Page 7
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At left: Bruce Niemi’s sculpture, titled “Free to Fly” can be seen in the plaza at the pier and near the beginning of the Boardwalk to Simmons Island beach. The sculpture has been on display since 2013. Above left: The sandy beach on Simmons Island is a popular place to enjoy Lake Michigan in Kenosha. In addition to the beach, there is a playground in the park.
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