November 2022 Spirit

IT’S COMIN’ UP

Editor’s

With uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic and its potential to disrupt events throughout the area, readers are advised to call ahead to verify dates and times.

3 Topsy Turvy Brewery Trivia Night, 727 Geneva Street, Lake Geneva; 6 to 8 p.m. Recurs every Thursday night.

4-5 Tom Petty Tribute at Belfry Music Theater. The Breakers are the country’s premier Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band. Established to let the fans of the late great Tom Petty continue to enjoy the live experience of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The members of The Breakers all come from a background of recording and touring with original bands and perform the music of The Heartbreakers with the same passion and dedication. See website for tickets and show times: www. belfrymusictheatre.com

5-6 Holiday open house at Cornerstone Shop and Gallery: Discover the heart of the holidays at Cornerstone’s biggest event of the year. The annual Holiday Open House showcases the latest in holiday décor, fashion, and gift ideas, and features special guests, drawings and giveaways, gifts with purchase offers, refreshments, and holiday cheer. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cornerstone Shop and Gallery, 214 Broad Street, Lake Geneva; 262-248-6988

10-13 “Big Fish” fall musical at Badger High School: Big Fish is a musical with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and book by John August. It is based on Daniel Wallace’s 1998 novel, Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions, and the 2003 film Big Fish written by John August and directed by Tim Burton. Big Fish revolves around the relationship between Edward Bloom, a travelling salesman, and his adult son Will, who looks for what is behind his father’s tall stories. Badger Community Education, 220 East South Street, Auditorium, Lake Geneva, 262-348-2006. Time: 7 p.m.

12 An intimate evening with Country Music Legend Kathy Mattea. This two-time Grammy Award winner has numerous top 10 hits on country radio. Fans might remember her hit “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses”. Mattea’s music has spoken to millions of people during her 20-plus years as a singer, songwriter, and recording artist. Advance tickets $55 at www.bigfootfinearts. ticketleap.com or (262) 275-2117

18 Murder Mystery Dinner and Show: The Brown-Ullstrup Players present their dinner theater performance at Lake Lawn Resort. Participants interact alongside the cast of characters to figure out who committed the crime. This show is paired along with a meal, making it a great night out. Lake Lawn Resort, 2400 E. Geneva St., Delavan. Show time: 6 to 10 p.m. Price: $70 www. lakelawnresort.com.

20 Streets of Lake Geneva Holiday Window Display Competition: Storefronts throughout downtown Lake Geneva will create dazzling displays of holiday fun. Window displays will be up until Dec. 30. This year’s theme is The 12 Days of Christmas.

26 Breakfast with Santa at Lake Lawn Resort: Enjoy breakfast with the jolly old elf himself! Santa will be stopping by Lake Lawn for a breakfast buffet featuring all the brunch bites and delights fit for the holiday season. 2400 E. Geneva St., Delavan, 9 to 11:30 a.m. www.lakelawnresort.com

Ongoing events

East Troy Electric Railroad – 202 Church St., East Troy. Take a 14-mile train ride on the only remaining electric interurban tracks in Wisconsin. Historic museum and carefully maintained rail cars from 90 to 100 years ago. Stops at the Elegant Farmer. 15 miles north of Lake Geneva on Highway 120. Several trains depart each day on weekends from the East Troy Depot.

Tristan Crist Magic Theater – 609 W. Main St., Lake Geneva. One of a kind performer that wows audiences with with, jaw-dropping illusions and gut-wrenching escapes! For show dates and times call 262248-0505 or visit www.lakegenevamagic.com.

Dancing Horses Show – at The Dancing Horses Theatre, 5065 Highway 50, Delavan. This dazzling spectacle features an array of horse breeds that perform alongside their trainers in this cavalcade of equestrian artistry. Visually stunning, and performed in a state-ofthe-art, 300-seat theatre. For show dates, ticket prices and additional information call (262) 728-8200, or visit thedancinghorses.com

The calendar of events is compiled from a variety of sources including area chambers of commerce and the Walworth County Visitors Bureau, and contains events available as of press time. Events, dates and times may change or events may be canceled. We suggest you visit verify event times, dates and locations prior to making travel plans.

GENERAL MANAGER Sue Z. Lange

EDITOR IN CHIEF Ed Nadolski

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Vanderwerff

DIRECTOR

Ruenz

Hansen

Hamilton

DIRECTOR

Sweet

The Spirit of Geneva Lakes is a

publication, distributed from I-94 through west Kenosha County, to and including the Geneva Lakes area in Walworth County, Richmond Illinois, plus Burlington and Waterford in Racine County.

Christmas at Duesterbeck’s

Microbrewery hosts holiday market at rural barn

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

While there are many craft brewing companies to be found in Wisconsin, there are few that have as interesting a history or location as Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company

The brewery is located on the Duesterbeck family farm, County Highway O near Elkhorn.

The Duesterbeck Farm is 150 years old and has been in the family for five generations. According to the family, over the past years the farm had started to deteriorate and the family was looking for a way to restore it so that the farm can continue for future generations.

Laura Duesterbeck Johnson and her husband Ben Johnson came up with the perfect plan to restore the farm and hopefully eventually transition it back to an agribusiness. The plan was beer, handcrafted Wisconsin

inspired beers, created by brew master Ben Johnson. As owners of Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company, the Johnsons work together, Laura as the creative visionary for the project, and Ben, as the brew master.

For Ben Johnson, opening the brewery was a dream come true. Since 2001, brewing craft beer has been a hobby for Johnson. Over the years, he has perfected his beer recipes while he has dreamt of producing his beers commercially. Now his beer production has become a reality offering his small batch, handcrafted beers to the public. The beer is known for its great flavor and he offers a variety of flavors, which change throughout the season.

One of the unique beers is the named the Bentist Candy. It is a juicy IPA with citrus, peach, and grapefruit flavors named after brew master Ben Johnson who when he is not working at the brewery is a full time dentist in Delavan.

rural setting

The brewery is on the grounds of the farm, which has undergone many changes to turn it into the up-to-date, attractive brewery it is today.

“When we first began to ready the farm to become a brewery, many changes had to be made,” Laura Johnson

A day at the Christmas Market with vendors set up out on the patio. Enjoy strolling through the patio and take in each vendor’s display.

said. “We had to upgrade the grounds and tear down the old barn and replace it with the beautiful new barn on the grounds today.”

The bright red barn with the Duesterbeck Brewing Company logo and the attractive barn quilt, is not a barn that has ever been the home of livestock but rather it is the home of a bar, filled with tables and visitors enjoying the delicious craft beers and pub snacks produced here. The barn can be easily seen on County Highway O near Elkhorn as visitors are driving by. Bright red and white, it stands out.

The distinctive barn quilts were designed by Laura Johnson according to Erica, who works in the Brewery’s gift shop, located in the Grainery.

“Laura has a degree in horticulture and enjoys working with plants and making the grounds more beautiful. She is very artistic,” said Erica. “The gift shop carries a variety of items from home décor to brewery swag and has been the place to pick up some unique items for your home or for gifts. The gift shop has been open for approximately a year.”

Meandering the grounds of the brewery there are several areas that will attract your attention. The main barn with a bar and many tables, offers indoor seating to

enjoy your choice of the beers created here.

The flagship beers are created with interesting names that reflect their unique flavors such as Crop Duester, Bees Be Crazy, Pig Farmer, Roosterbeck, and Dairy Air Hazy IPA. Imagine trying a Nutty Bill’s beer made with milk porter, chocolate malts, and sweet peanut butter. This beer is perfect for the true peanut butter lover.

There are also a variety beers and hard seltzers which change with the season.

There is an outside seating patio with a large stage where music is presented on Saturdays and sometimes on other weekend days. The music is performed by some of the best local musicians. Music is mostly year round except they discontinue performances the second week in December and resume again in January to allow for Christmas celebrations. Most performances are held out on the stage but in truly inclement weather they do move indoors.

christmas market

December is a special time at Duesterbeck’s as it is the time of the Christmas Market. The market will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday Dec. 2, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 3.

This will be the third year of the Christmas Market, a time of holiday fun and cheer. The market will be spread out both indoors and outdoors with 50-plus vendors offering a variety of items for your holiday shopping.

Many of the items are hand made by local craftsmen and include such items as pottery, ceramics, wood crafted items, crocheted and knitted items. Their fine quality will be appreciated by both the shoppers and those who receive them as gifts.

But the vendors are not limited to just a few items. Each vendor is unique. Many vendors will offer other types of merchandise such as candles, yard ornaments, and clothing. Several vendors will carry baked goods, old

Do you enjoy reading this publication?

We sure enjoy bringing it to you.

readers who have sent a donation to help underwrite the increasing costs of producing The Spirit of Geneva Lakes magazine,

would like to help assure future editions,

mug or CD of Elvis Presley’s Greatest Hits. But you will get

won’t get a tote bag, T-shirt,

satisfaction

that

helped to support your favorite local magazine.

What’s on Tap? From the number of taps seen her, almost everything. Pick your favorite beer or try a new one.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

These are just a few of the items that

be presented.

In addition to the vendors there will be two food trucks and a coffee truck on the grounds to provide refreshment. The two bars will be open to provide visitors with Duesterbeck’s special beers and pub foods. And the sounds of the holiday season will resonate through the area.

With vendors, food trucks, and the bars open for food and beverage it will be an enjoyable time. Indoors or outdoors, there is something to enjoy and according to Duesterbecks.

There are also two nearby holiday events that Duesterbecks invites visitors to attend. The Christmas in the Country event at the Apple Barn Orchard and Winery, just a short distance away will be open that weekend Friday and Saturday, also from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It’s a good place to spend a Sunday and make it a whole weekend of Christmas fun and cheer. Terra Yard Creations, also in Elkhorn, will present its Christmas Market at the Barn on Friday, Dec. 2, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Stop by after your visit to Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company’s Christmas Market which will be closing at 4 that day. Terra’s Market at the Barn will also be open on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m.

What’s on the menu?

Foods available include items created

by popular local businesses such as pizzas created by Sperinos in Elkhorn, who make and freeze them, allowing the Brewery’s staff to cook them on site. Pretzels with dipping sauces are always popular pub items and here you have a choice of a small pretzel or a very large one. Choose your favorite dipping sauce from a queso cheese sauce to a traditional mustard sauce, the pretzel will be enjoyed with a favorite beer.

Trout spread or smoked salmon spread from Rushing Waters Fisheries in Palmyra is another good choice to enjoy while sitting out on the patio enjoying your beer and perhaps listening to the live music. Of course, there are also cheese curds, cheese wedges and beef sticks. For the youngsters an uncrustable PB and J sandwich may be their choice.

Duesterbeck’s encourages families to visit. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, they offer live family game nights commencing at 6:30 p.m. All games are free to play and offer prizes to the winners.

Tuesday nights are Trivia Time. Come test your knowledge against other trivia masters as you all compete.

For bingo, it’s Wednesday. Starting at 6:30 p.m., 10 rounds of bingo will be played with increasing prizes each round. Traditional play, four corners, blackout, and other games will be called. A special feature is the two rounds of Singo played each night. This unique game combines a themed playlist with normal bingo.

Thursday nights it’s Pub Poll a Team

game in which pre-polled results from online surveys are compiled and teams are asked to submit their best guesses as to what the first place, second place, and third place answers were on the poll. Teams are awarded points for each correct answer. How good is your team?

Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company is located at N5543 County Road O, Elkhorn. Visit them on line at www.dbcbrewery. com for a full list of available beers and activities. Contact them at 262-729-9771 or on Facebook or Instagram. Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company is open Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 9 p.m., Friday from noon to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

How do you like your beer? Small, medium, or large?

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

meat and cheese, homemade soups, salads and pizzas, wine, beer and cocktails. Dine in, Carryout or delivery. Open 7 days a week. L, D, $-$$

EAST TROY BREWERY • 2905 Main St. on the Historic Square, East Troy. 262-6422670. Go to www.etbrew.com for an updated menu. Historic 1892 bank turned brewery/ restaurant. Craft beer and a great menu with seasonal specials. Find us on Facebook. Wed.-Thurs. 4-9pm; Fri.-Sat. 12-10pm; Sun. 12-6pm. L, D, $$, GF, FF 

WATERFRONT PUB & GRILL • 408 State Rd. 50, Delavan. 262-728-4700. www.waterfrontdelavan.com Like us on Facebook and join us on Untappd. Serving fresh salads, wraps, signature sandwiches, juicy burgers, Friday Fish Fry & Saturday Prime Rib. Full wrap around bar with 20 beers on draft and gaming corner. Dine-in, take out and drive-thru available. L, D, $-$$, FF, 

LUISA’S • Just off Hwy. 50, 12 mi. east of Lake Geneva. 262-537-4795. Superb Italian & American cuisine. Dine in, carry out, delivery, catering avail., call ahead & will have it hot ready to go. D, $$ 

CHRIS’ USA • 724 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington. 262-763-9968. Popular Friday Fish Fry. Beer Battered or Baked Cod with your choice of potato pancakes or french fries and coleslaw. Perch Dinner Available. $$, FF

LOCAL FOLKS RESTAURANT & PUB • 39601 60th St. (Slades Corners), Burlington. 262-539-3200. Open 6am every morning! B, L, D, $, FF,  

MARS RESORT • W 4098 S. Shore Dr., Lake Geneva. A classic Wisconsin supper club “nestled on the shores of Lake Como.” Open 7 days a week at 11am. Out of this world ribs and spectacular sunsets! Reserve one of our Igloos on our “Fire and Ice” Deck for a truly unique experience. We created special platters that are sure to please all of our guests. Enjoy our Piano Bar for fun Friday and Saturday nights. Call 262245-5689 today and visit www.mars-resort. com to view our menu. L, D, FF, $$

PINE STREET CAFE • 141 N. Pine St., Burlington, WI 53105. 262-763-9800. Homestyle food made from scratch daily using only the finest, freshest ingredients. Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner. Fish Fries Every Friday. Sunday 6am - 3pm. MondaySaturday 6am - 8pm. B, L, D, FF, 

THE BAKER HOUSE • 327 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva. 262-248-4700. Lake side dining in an elegant 1885 Queen Anne Victorian. Full Bar. Sunday Brunch. L, D, $$$, GF,  (

CHANCES • 205 W. Main St., Rochester. 262-534-2772 . An establishment of Fine Food & Spirits. Closed on Monday. Weekday Specials $13.00. We serve dinner Tuesday - Saturday, 4:30 - 9pm. Lunch Wednesday - Saturday, 11am - 2pm. Friday Fish Fry & Saturday Prime Rib. Visit us on our website: www.chancesfood.com. L, D, $$$, 

GINO’S EAST OF CHICAGO

• 300 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva. 262-248-2525 www.ginoseastlakegeneva.com. Chicago’s original deep dish pizza, Italian sandwiches, salads and entrees. L, D, $-$$

Finding the right cheese

Hill Valley Dairy helps customers fill charcuterie boards

by Jason Arndt STAFF WRITER

Assembling a charcuterie board, much like a jigsaw puzzle, presents many key components for the fixture to become complete.

Charcuterie boards, a common element at special occasions, typically includes cured meat, crackers, nuts, fruits and vegetables and multiple cheese varieties.

At Hill Valley Dairy, LLC, which opened a retail shop in Lake Geneva, co-owner Ron Henningfeld said his establishment can satisfy the cheese component.

Henningfeld, who grew up on a dairy farm in East Troy, states customers often come in seeking ideas on how to fill their charcuterie boards.

Customers typically seek variety, including differing consistencies, when deciding on a cheese to include on a charcuterie board.

“Usually people are looking for variety, so I say like a hard cheese, a semi-soft cheese and then a soft cheese. It is really what a lot of people do,” said Henningfeld.

Hill Valley Dairy specializes in cheese curds, multiple cheddar varieties and Gouda, all produced from a third-generation family farm known as Romari Farms.

Presently, in the Lake Geneva cheese shop, along with common cheeses, Hill Valley Dairy offers wash rind gouda, black pepper cheddar, mountain rind alpine, shallot and herb alpine, floral alpine, Luna

and Alina.

“At least from our cheese shop, our most common cheeses we are selling are the cheeses that I make at Hill Valley Dairy,” Henningfeld said.

Additionally, Hill Valley Dairy brings in products from other regional cheese producers, such as Hoard’s Dairy, Roelli Cheese, Landmark Creamery, Blakesville, Cedar Grove, Alpinage Creamery, and Hook’s Blue.

With multiple options, Hill Valley Dairy staff assists customers, and even allows them so sample products before they bring them home for assembly on a charcuterie board.

“At our cheese shop, you can taste cheese before you buy them, so you know you are walking out of the door with something you really like,” he said.

Rich history

Henningfeld, who co-owns Hill Valley Dairy with his wife, Josie, worked on his family farm as a child.

While he grew up on Romari Farms, Henningfeld became heavily involved in agriculture, including serving as an active member of 4-H and FFA, Wisconsin FFA state officer and later pursuing a career in agricultural education.

Henningfeld said he sought a way to reconnect with the family farm through a cheesemaking venture.

“I got this adding cheesemaking to connect back with the family,” he said. “It was a way to expand the farm without having to build a bigger farm.”

Romari Farms, in its third generation, is run by Ron’s brother, Frank, and sister-inlaw, Colleen.

The farm features more than 60 milking cows producing 480 gallons of milk on average per day as well as other livestock.

“We use milk from my brother’s dairy farm to make our cheeses,” Henningfeld said.

Recent opening

It wasn’t until February 2022 when Henningfeld opened the cheese shop, 510 Broad St., Lake Geneva.

Since opening the shop, according to Henningfeld, Hill Valley often sees repeat customers.

The Cheese Bar, open three times per week, offers several cheese boards, side options, children’s options, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages like wine and beer.

“My wife and I wanted a place to gather around cheeses and have good experiences,” Henningfeld said.

above: Ron Henningfeld, co-owner of Hill Valley Dairy, helps two customers with menu selections in the Lake Geneva cheese bar on Sept. 23. below: Hill Valley Dairy, LLC, which has a retail shop in Lake Geneva, offers many cheese varieties for customers looking to assemble a charcuterie board.

JASON ARNDT Spirit of Geneva Lakes

SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes

GOING LIKE Hot Cakes

Baker Meister opens in Elkhorn to huge sales

By Jennifer Eisenbart STAFF WRITER

It didn’t take Baker Meister long to become a hit in Elkhorn.

The bakery, which had moved from Okauchee this year because of a fire, opened at 6 a.m. Oct. 1 to a primed audience. The bakery was sold out by 1:03 p.m., according to a Facebook post by an Elkhorn resident.

Actually, the bakery had run out of items not once, not twice, but three times that day.

“By the third time doing that, the guys were so tired,” said Gwendolyn Schuerstedt, co-owner of the bakery with her husband Michael. The couple and their sons brought the new bakery to life this week, bringing back a welcome option for devoted followers.

“We’re a damned good bakery,” she said the day before the opening.

She had expected the bakery’s following to travel to Elkhorn, which is roughly an hour from the couple’s previous location in Okauchee (near Oconomowoc).

“The customers that we had? We tried our best to remember their names,” Gwendolyn said.

After a fire March 1, Gwendolyn and Michael were left without their family business. Ironically, they were making paczkis for Fat Tuesday when the fire happened. It left the couple without a place of business, as repairs and renovation would take time.

Gwendolyn praised property owner Hans Weissgerber for helping them get their start in Okauchee, as he helped promote them in the community and support them with orders. But the bakery had to look for a new home.

Gwendolyn said she was reminded of an old saying when the couple was out driving in the area, looking for an RV.

“When one door closes, another door opens,” she said.

She and Michael happened to be traveling through Elkhorn when they saw the “for sale” sign in front of the old Lakeland Bakery building, located at 421 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. The former bakery, open for 63 years, was a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic, closing in May of 2020.

It turned out to be a near-perfect location, though, for Baker Meister, which was unable to reopen any time soon at the previous location.

“It’s huge in here,” Gwendolyn said. “We fell in love with it right away.”

She added that when they called the number on the “for sale” sign, “light bulbs went off.”

Judging by the turnout opening day, it was a bright bulb. The couple offers everything from savory Bavarian pretzels – in two sizes, regular and the oversized “fun” size – to everyday cookies and breads.

The pretzels, though, have a reputation for being the best. The Schuerstedts use handmade dough, dipped and shaped by hand, in a secret “sauce” before baking.

“You can dip it in cheese, or whatever,” Gwendolyn explained, adding that in-shop dips for the pretzels will be coming.

The bakery will also be offering Bienenstich torte cake, Black Forest cake and a large variety of puff pastries. Those include apple and cherry turnovers, cream horns, elephant ears, cinnamon twists and cherry cheese pockets, as well as coffee cakes, streusel and cringle.

“We’re going to add to it as we go,” Gwendolyn said. “Those are our best sellers.”

Baker Meister Bakery, at 421 N. Wisconsin St. For more information, call 262-379-1463.

top: Co-owner Michael Schuerstedt shows off the handmade Bavarian pretzels that the store is famous for. above: The first customer for Baker Meister was Scott McClory, District IV alderman in Elkhorn.

SUBMITTED

Sugar Creek Mutual Insurance Company

Elkhorn 262-723-3244

“Ichoosemutualinsurance

“Ichoosemutualinsurance

Banco Insurance Agency

Palmyra 262-495-2118 Whitewater 262-473-7334

Policyholders who work with a

becauseiknowwe’re

becauseiknowwe’re inthistogether.”

“Ichoosemutualinsurance

purpose: getting the

becauseiknowwe’re inthistogether.”

a

delivers because mutuals serve

Breck Ward Elkhorn 262-215-5633

Policyholders who work with a mutual insurance company have a shared purpose: getting the best coverage and protection available. And mutual insurance delivers because mutuals serve policyholders, not shareholders. Our decisions are always based on what’s best for you. Plus

decisions are always based on what’s best for you. Plus local agents offer

inthistogether.”

shareholders.

becauseiknowwe’re inthistogether.”

Policyholders who work with a mutual insurance company have a shared purpose: getting the best coverage and protection available. And mutual insurance delivers because mutuals serve policyholders, not shareholders. Our decisions are always

solutions for all your insurance needs. Find out how

solutions for all

insurance can work for you.

insurance needs. Find out how

Policyholders who work with a mutual insurance company have a shared purpose: getting the best coverage and protection available. And mutual insurance delivers because mutuals serve policyholders, not shareholders. Our decisions are always

Patricia Lauderdale Elkhorn 262-742-3818

insurance can work for you.

Policyholders who work with a mutual insurance company have a shared purpose: getting the best coverage and protection available. And mutual insurance delivers

Policyholders who work with a mutual insurance company have a shared purpose:

SugarCreekMutualInsuranceCompany www.sugarcreekmutual.com 262.723.3244

Member of

Creating memories

Antique shop offers wide variety of vendors

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

For more than 20 years, Always Remember That Antiques has been the place to go to for unique items to add to a home’s décor.

Located on Highway 50 in Salem, it’s a 16-mile ride east of Lake Geneva at 26301 75th St., Salem – its tall sign along the highway alerting drivers to the entrance.

Always Remember That Antiques is not a small, dark, dusty shop. Instead, it boasts a bright, cheery interior stocked with unusual items for both pleasure and home. With 10,000 square feet of space filled with merchandise from more than 100 individual dealers, there seems to always be something to please everyone.

“This business actually began not as a business but as a hobby for me when I was a stay at home mom with small children,” said Judy Kutzler, who along with her husband Jim owns Always Remember That Antiques.

Judy recalled that often at the end of the week, she would have $5 or $10 left in her household budget and would go to local garage sales for something to do. She would find small items to add to the household or toys for her children.

It wasn’t long before her husband, Jim, was sanding and refinishing furniture items she had picked up. Finally, he said that he could help her turn her garage sale activity into a profitable business.

This wasn’t her goal, but to Judy’s chagrin, her husband’s idea proved right.

“I just wanted a little hobby,” Judy Kutzler said. “I continued shopping garage sales and we began to attend estate sales for other items. We opened the antique store in a smaller space which we outgrew after five years and moved to this location.”

New building

With so much space, it was obvious that they needed help filling it with merchandise to attract buyers. In addition to buying additional pieces of furniture, they began renting out spaces to individuals to display and sell their own collections and merchandise. This brought more diverse items into the store and helped to bring in a greater array of shoppers.

“Carrying a variety of items, in different genres and from different eras, is important to bring in a variety of shoppers,” said Judy. “We carry jewelry, antique furniture, and of course, a variety of collectibles. We continue to carry a variety of items from Civil War-era collectibles to today’s hottest collectibles.”

top: Imagine a ride in this authentic one horse open sleigh as was popular in years gone by. All you need is the horse for this sleigh to begin an old-fashioned sleigh ride. at right: Military items remain collectible throughout time. Check the authentic items on display and add to your military collection.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

With 100 vendors, there is plenty of variety – and each vendor seems to specialize in different items. Antique furniture, books – especially children’s books such as the Little Golden Books – vinyl records, seasonal decorations, collectibles such as Lladro statues, Mary Moo cows, Breyer collectible horses, kitchen items from times past and almost any other item one could think of can be found here. It’s just a matter of looking around.

Toys are always good sellers, and there is always a variety of them from different times. Shoppers in their 40s are often looking for toys from their childhood. Perhaps this is just to bring back memories or to provide them for their children or grandchildren to enjoy as they once did.

Items that are often thought of as good antique items such as fine china, crystal, china teacups and teapots can still be found but are not the top sellers they have been in years past as younger people develop a more casual lifestyle.

Browser’s paradise

While some shoppers may come looking for a particular item, the majority come just “to shop.” They browse through the many displays and something unique will catch their eye making it impossible for them to leave without it – and often it is more than one item.

Alexandra Manolos is one vender who has a small space. She offers tie-dyed t-shirts which she said are very popular. She also enjoys selling vintage-type signs, and dog magnets.

“Dog adorned items such as the magnets with a variety of dog breeds on them, are good sellers,” said Manalos.

The vendors rent their spaces on a monthly basis. The spaces vary in size as does the ren,t which is calculated by size. Some vendors have more than one space. Many will take on another space as they become available. The vendors often wish to increase their space as they add more types of inventory.

Vendors are responsible for caring for their own space, making sure the displays are attractive and clean. While at some venues the vendors are expected to spend a day or two a week or a month working in the shop that is not the case at Always Remember That Antiques.

“We don’t expect our vendors to staff the store, although it is always nice to have them here for customers to speak to them and ask questions about their merchandise,” said Judy. “We have employees that have worked here for several years. They get to know the customers and the vendors and know what types of things the regular customers are looking to find.”

Venders are stable

The vendors also have a long history here. According to Judy, there are two vendors that have been with them since they opened the first store 25 years ago. There are also several who have displayed and sold items here since this location opened 20 years ago. Turnover of the spaces is not frequent.

At this time of the year, many homeowners are looking

top: A hand-painted sled and a number of hand painted shovels for a winter holiday display are good not only for Christmas but throughout the winter season. at left: Remember the days before the camera was a part of your cell phone? These cameras were carried by everyone hoping to get the perfect picture of an event, their children, or their vacation.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

for items to decorate their homes for the season. They begin in early fall to shop for fall decorations but also leave with special Christmas holiday items.

There are several booth areas that display a variety of antique Santas, snowmen, and other decorative looks. There is also an old-fashioned children’s sled such as many remember from the days before plastic sleds became the norm.

The open sleigh that is seen on display is a look into the past before the days of automobiles – time when people gathered into the sleigh, wrapped in heavy blankets to stay warm and headed into town, church, or to visit a neighbor. Pulled by a horse, the sleigh can remind one of the song “Jingle Bells.”

Judy said they did have the sleigh in a few Christmas parades when they still had a horse.

Not everything is strictly an antique that is available. One booth is run by a painter who, in nice weather, often sits outside and paints while at the store. Her booth has a variety of beautiful paintings that she has created – some seasonal, others just unique paintings.

There are also creative decorative items such as antique shovels with holiday or winter scenes painted on the shovel. Items like this are available to add a winter decoration to the home.

Different strokes for different folks

How does one decide what is a collectible and what is just stuff taking up room? It depends on the person, but if people collect it, it can probably be a collectible. Bottles from soda, beer cans and other items have value to individuals. Other empty bottles that are often collected are liquor bottles and perfume bottles. Some are unique and attractive and may be kept because of that unique style. Others may be crystal and are kept to be used for another purpose such as a vase.

Some liquor bottles are designed as collectible bottles and collectors may try to collect the whole set. They may find the one they are missing at an antique store such as Always Remember That Antiques.

From Nov. 22 through Jan. 10, 2023, there will be a store-wide sale, with items offering discounts up to 50%. It can be a good time to shop for gifts, items that you may want for yourself or to add that special collectible to add to your collection.

Visit the website at RememberThatAntiques.com for more information.

The new website is also the place to go to get a closer look at some of the dealer booths. With the popularity of the farmhouse kitchens today, this is the place to look for kitchen items to give your

top: Alexandra Manolas with Always Remember That owner Judy Kutzler in Alex’s stall where she sells unique signs and Tie-dye tee shirts. Tie-dye shirts have become very popular again. above: Mary Moos are popular collectibles especially appropriate in the Wisconsin area known for their dairy farms. This Mary Moo sharing a coke with a friend attracts both Mary Moo collectors and collectors of coke memorabilia.

kitchen that farmhouse look. Always Remember That Antiques is at 26301 75th St. (Highway 50), Salem, just 1/2 mile west of Walgreens and

McDonald’s in Paddock Lake. Contact them by phone at 262-843-1786. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Also visit them on Facebook.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Fall at the farm stand

Corn maze, other activities create fall fun at Pearce’s

By Jennifer Eisenbart STAFF WRITER

Pearce’s Farm Stand has always strived to stay a family friendly place.

At no other time during the year is it more apparent than in the fall.

It’s the time of the year the business offers a popular corn maze. The maze is in its sixth year, offering about 12 acres of maze to explore.

There are two “phases” to the maze, both self-contained. The smaller of the two, phase one, is designed to give people a taste of a corn maze without having to walk the whole 12 acres.

The second phase takes a walk on the wild side of American farming, with twists and turns through corn, a jack-o-lantern, a barn, a windmill and more.

“We want it to be family friendly,” said Karen Pearce, one of the many family employees at Pearce’s. “We don’t want it to be overwhelming, with families thinking they have to do the whole 12 acres.

“By having it in two phases, it includes everybody,” she added.

The maze started in 2016, with a theme of “Vote!” Pictures of the two presidential

candidates that year were designed into the maze.

The family meets each year to decide on a theme. This year, it is the American farmer. Last year, the maze honored emergency responders such as EMTs and

firefighters.

“We maybe try to make it relevant to something going on,” Pearce explained.

The cost for a wristband to walk the maze is $8 for adults and $6 for kids, with no time limit. There are rules, though, like

Pearce’s Farm Stand, located at W 5740 N. Walworth Rd., Walworth, offers a large variety of family fun and an annual corn maze at affordable prices. top: Children climb on the jumping bales, one of the free attractions at the farm stand. above: The entrance to the corn maze, which offers two different routes and covers about 12 acres.

JENNIFER EISENBART Spirit of Geneva Lakes

no running and keeping to the path (i.e., no cutting through the corn “walls” of the maze).

But there is more. The farm stand offers a huge variety of free events on site for families as well. There is live music every weekend, plus children’s slides, the “jumping bails” – a miniature maze made out of hay bales – and a lookout post, plus a human hamster wheel and other fun games.

“People call it their happy place,” Pearce said.

The whole area evolved, Pearce said, out of the desire to start something fun for families in the fall.

“There was a need in our area for activities in the fall for families to do,” said Pearce, adding that the business used to do a haunted hayride but has dropped that in recent years.

Pearce’s also offers a large variety of fall farm specialties, including but not limited to homemade caramel sauce, apples, caramel apples, cookies, donuts and, of course, pumpkins.

top left: A family pauses for a photo at one of the 10 “photo ops” in the maze. at left: A family puts on their wristbands before entering the corn maze. top: There are a few rules for the corn maze, shown here.

JENNIFER EISENBART

Spirit of Geneva Lakes

“A huge majority of people are related,” “Not necessarily Pearce family, but maybe cousins or aunts or uncles.

There is also a kitchen that serves fresh food and drinks.

“I think they can come there and enjoy the jumping bales and the live music and get a sandwich for a reasonable price,” said Pearce.

Wisconsin’s Alice in Dairyland Taylor Schaefer recently made a stop at Pearce’s, and offered her thoughts on the importance of a place like the farm stand.

“For the fall, it’s a really great time for families to get out and experience agriculture,” said Schaefer. “There’s so many things to do for families.

“It’s really a fall family fun time,” she added.

Pearce’s Farm Stand is located at W5740 N. Walworth Rd., Walworth, and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Note that the final admissions to the corn maze stop around 4 or 4:30 p.m. to clear the maze of people before darkness falls.

For more information, go to www.pearcefarms.com.

A family works their way through the corn maze.

JENNIFER EISENBART Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Tickets still available for Christmas Trains on the East Troy Railroad

The East Troy Electric Railroad is getting set for its 2022 run of Christmas Trains from East Troy to Santa’s Workshop at the Elegant Farmer.

Now that the railroad’s regular operating season has come to an end, the only way to make reservations is online at the railroad’s website, easttroyrr.org/christmas-train. There is no additional convenience fee for purchasing the tickets online.

Christmas Trains at the East Troy Railroad Museum will Saturdays and Sundays, starting Nov. 26, through Dec. 18.

The family friendly rides take passengers from the East Troy Depot at 2002 Church St., East Troy, to Santa’s Workshop at the Elegant Farmer and back. The rides are slightly less than two hours per round-trip and they include a visit with Santa, where families and children can have their photos taken.

Tickets can be purchased online anytime. Tickets for adults are $23, children (ages 3 to 14) are $20, and toddlers are $8.50. Everyone needs a ticket to board and advance reservations are required.

Trains will depart at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays Nov. 26 and 27, and Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18. There is no 3 p.m. train on Saturday, Dec. 3.

The East Troy Railroad Museum operates regular 14-mile round trip excursions from its historic East Troy depot and museum

top: Tickets are going fast for the East Troy Railroad’s popular Christmas Trains, which run from Nov. 27 to Dec. 19. Tickets may be purchased at www.easttroyrr.org. above: The Christmas Trains run on the East Troy Railroad line from the East Troy Depot to the Elegant Farmer and back. The train ride includes visits with Santa at the Elegant Farmer.

Trees on Parade

Main Street at the Lake Geneva Museum will be turned into a holiday wonderland as the fourth annual Parade of Trees opens Nov. 19 on the museum’s Main Street. Main Street will feature an array of lighted Christmas trees to give the spirit of the holidays to the museum. Each tree is unique as they are designed and constructed by individual groups that interpret a vision of the perfect Christmas tree.

The trees are sponsored and designed by businesses or organizations in the area. It can be a traditional tree or one that represents their business or organization. There is no cost to being in the Parade of Trees other than the cost of the tree and decorations. All trees must be artificial with LED lights and preferably pre-lighted.

The day that the trees are assembled is a busy time with boxes of ornaments and other decorative accessories around each tree. But quickly the trees begin to take shape and each displays its own special look.

Throughout the days of the display the trees are judged by visitors of all ages. Each person votes for their favorite tree.

Last year it was the Grinch who stole Christmas and was the winner of the People’s Choice award. The tree was created by members of Glass Schenning Insurance Company and incorporated the Grinch intertwined in the tree. Second place was awarded to the Brick and Mortar Store. There was a tie for third place between Hawks View and the Lake Geneva Balloon Company’s contributions.

The theme of the tree is the choice of the sponsoring company or organization. Some prefer to incorporate business logos or products into their design while others stick with a traditional style of trees.

The Parade of Trees will be on display to the public from Nov. 19 to Jan. 2. The museum will be under winter hours during the Parade of Trees exhibition. The museum will be open Friday through Monday, from 11 am to 3 pm. Stop in to enjoy the spirit of Christmas and vote for a favorite tree.

What’s new at the

Museum?

Geneva Lake Museum offers updated displays

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

Those who haven’t been to the Geneva Lake Museum in downtown Lake Geneva lately, might want to plan a visit to view the changes that have occurred. The museum is always working on a variety of new displays that allow more historical artifacts and historical stories to be shared with visitors.

While many of the larger exhibits such as the map display, Northwestern Military School, and the Ceylon Court exhibit are difficult to miss when in the museum, many of the smaller yet as important displays may be missed with so much to grab your attention.

As always, the visit to the museum begins with a walk down Main Street, a very special Main Street that takes us from the days when native Americans, members of the Potawatomi tribe settled along the shore of Geneva Lake, an area that was rich in fishing and hunting, providing opportunities to provide food and a good life for the tribe.

Moving down Main Street, visitors view representations of early settlers to the area, farms, homes and local stores. One of the first rooms is a representation of a living room has a very special fireplace.

“The fireplace in that living room came from Swinghurst, one of the original mansions along the lake,” museum director Janet Ewing said. “We were fortunate to be able to obtain it for the museum.”

Visit the barber shop

Soon there will be another new exhibit on Main Street called Vern’s Barber Shop, a look back at the time when barber shops were not only the place to get a haircut and a shave, but was also the social center for the men of the area. Ewing said this one will be called Vern’s Barber Shop, in memory of a volunteer who for years wanted to see a barber shop added to the Main Street display. Now that they have obtained a barber chair, the display will become a reality.

Learn about the trains

Trains fascinate almost everyone, and for Lake Geneva they have a special meaning as it was the early trains arriving from Chicago, especially after the Great Chicago Fire, that brought many visitors into the area. Wealthy Chicago families including the Maytags,

Sonja Akright, Geneva Lake Museum Board Member stands next to the Sanitariums historical display which she created. She has researched the Sanitariums for many years.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Wrigleys and many others not only came to visit but also built the beautiful mansions along the shores of Geneva Lake as summer homes where their families could escape the coal laden air of Chicago.

The new display of authentic train memorabilia is seen in a case and includes a hat worn by the train’s collector and labeled as such. Many remember the men who walked through the train collecting money as conductors rather than collectors as they were called in the early days. The train route starts in Chicago and stopped in the northwest suburbs on its five-hour trip to Lake Geneva. This was a far shorter trip than was possible on the roads of the day.

True train lovers will also enjoy the large collection of model railroad trains and the large display track.

History of the sanatoriums

The history of Lake Geneva is not complete without a history of the sanatoriums that were popular in the late 1800s through the 1920s. Geneva Lake Museum Board Member Sonja Akright has been researching the Lake Geneva Sanitariums for many years.

Akright said the sanitariums were opened in 1885 by Dr. Oscar King and Dr. Henry Palmer, physicians from Chicago. They first opened Oakwood Retreat as a private sanitarium. They went on to open several other medical facilities including Lakeside Sanitarium for medical and general cases and in 1896 Lakeside Cottage for the treatment of light nervous disorders, melancholia, and recovering addiction.

The very inclusive display of the history of the sanitariums was created by Akright and follows their history from the beginning until they closed. Spend some time reading about the sanitariums, including the story of the children’s sanitarium, Oak Leigh, founded by Dr. Mary Pogue in 1903 and its history.

Playboy Club memories

Many remember the Playboy Club in Lake Geneva. The Playboy Club was the creation of Hugh Hefner who first created the magazine, Playboy, known for its risqué photographs, at least they were risqué for the time and became more so over the years.

When Hefner decided to build a Playboy Club up in Lake Geneva, he purchased two farms, totaling 1,300 acres, just east of downtown Lake Geneva and built his club. The highlight was the presence of the bunnies, young, attractive women, dressed in tight, strapless corset teddies, bunny ears to match their outfit, black sheer to waist pantyhose, a bow tie, collar, cuffs, a fluffy cottontail, and very high heels while serving customers in the Playboy Club.

The Playboy Club was only in Lake Geneva from 1968 to 1982 but during that time brought in a large number of visitors who came because of the bunnies and also purchased a large amount of Playboy souvenirs

The collection of Playboy paraphernalia collected by the museum has now been again placed on view and includes a pair of bunny ears, souvenir items such as key chains, stirrers, and glasses with the playboy bunny logo, and a continuous presentation of historical photos of the days of Playboy in Lake Geneva. While the Playboy Club is long gone from the area, the memories remain.

Cruising the lake

The story of the Lucius Newberry, the largest and possibly the most elegant steamship that cruised Geneva Lake from 1874

top: A wigwam recreation is among the museum displays that capture the history of the area. at right: A view down Main Street with Santa’s sleigh parked on the street. Is he here waiting to visit with children of the area?

COURTESY OF GENVA LAKES MUSEUM Spirit of Geneva Lakes

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of Geneva Lakes

it burned and sank

John

was

for $16,000,

boat, after

remained at the bottom of the lake until 1981 when it was recovered by TSR, which helped finance the effort.

there is not a lot of the ship that is still in Lake Geneva, the

was retrieved and is on

of the

that were retrieved

the

in Washington

Trees on display

One of the newest displays is that of the oak trees designed by the Geneva Lake Conservancy. The display tells the story of the history of oak trees which once covered most of southeastern Wisconsin.

Oaks play a critical role in the ecosystem, feeding more than 500 caterpillars with their leaves and 100 mammals and birds who eat their acorns. They shelter insects, birds and wildlife and because they sequester

Main Street East

53120 (262)

(262)

Putting the finishing touches on their tree brings smiles to these worker’s faces.

COURTESY OF GENVA LAKES MUSEUM Spirit of Geneva Lakes

more carbon that other trees in North America, they help to slow climate change.

There are photographs of three living oak trees in Walworth County that are estimated to be more than 350 years old. They would have been growing around the year 1670. Visitors can learn about oak trees and the work the Geneva Lake Conservancy is doing to try to replenish the them in southeastern Wisconsin.

Smaller exhibits

Throughout the year the Geneva Lake Museum replenishes their exhibits both large and small. To be opening soon will be A Legacy of Imagination – the Creation of a Culture, which has been under construction for some time, along with the Wizard of Lake Geneva stained glass windows handcrafted by Gilbertson’s Stained Glass.

The Geneva Lake Museum is at 455 Mill St., Lake Geneva. Contact them at 262-248-6060 for further information about exhibits and hours.

Visit the museum online at www. genevalakemuseum.org or follow it on Facebook.

Santa gathers at the fireplace sharing stories with children.

COURTESY OF GENVA LAKES MUSEUM Spirit of Geneva Lakes

SEASON STOP IN AND SEE OUR AWARD WINNING SELECTION OF FRUIT WINES AND PICK UP A BAG OF APPLES WE HARVESTED FROM OUR FIELDS. THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERY TASTE TO DECORATE YOUR KITCHEN OR HOME FROM HAND CRAFTED SIGNS AND SAYINGS TO CANDLES THAT WILL LIGHT UP NOT ONLY THE ROOM BUT YOUR SPIRIT TOO. COME TO THE APP L E BARN ORCHAR D & WINERY THIS SEASON AND LOAD UP FOR THE WINTER WITH JUGS OF OUR FRESH PRESSED CIDER HAND PICKED AND BOTTLED ONE AT A TIME. COME FOR THE EXPERIENCE OF A REAL WORKING FARM AND A PIECE OF AUTHENTIC AMERICAN HISTORY DATING BACK TO 1846 WHEN THE JACOBSON’S SET DOWN ROOTS IN HISTORIC WALWORTH COUNTY. NOW 6 GENERATIONS LATER STEVE & JUDY JACOBSON CONTINUE THAT TRADITION OF HOMEGROWN HOSPITALITY BY OFFERING FRESH LOCALLY GROWN FRUITS AND HAND MADE

THAT SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY CRAFTERS AND NEIGHBORS

CALL FRIENDS. STOP IN

11AM - 4PM

TOO LONG OR YOU MIGHT

OF WINE, WISCONSIN

APPLE BARN ORCHARD & WINERY

AWAY FROM ORDINARY.