lora josephine knight

(So next time you visit Vikingsholm for a picnic, consider bringing some Ritz Crackers or perhaps Oreos.). Inspired by 11th century Nordic churches and castles, Knight commissioned detailed wood carvings to be placed throughout the interior and exterior. WebLora Josephine. Unfortunately, they were not happy together and divorced after just a couple of years. The roof of the north and south wings is topped with sod where grass and flowers grow each spring. After years of bickering, the Lick Observatory was finally constructed in 1888 on Mount Hamilton east of San Jose. During the height of its popularity in the 20's and 30's, a fabulous Nordic castle was built called Vikingsholm. A visitor's center adjacent to the main building is available for further information and the sale of tour tickets and other items. WebIn 1928, Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight bought the Armstrongs land with the desire to build a summer home that would compliment the magnificent natural surroundings. Because of her admiration of Palmes home and the fjord-like location of Emerald Bay, she decided to have her summer home built in a Scandinavian design. Emerald Bay also reminded her of a Norwegian fjord with it steep surrounding slopes and deep blue water. But his health continued to worsen. Support timbers were hand hewn and interior wallboard meticulously hand planed, while metal fixtures like fireplace screens, hinges and latches were hand forged on-site. WebIn 1928 Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight purchased the land that encompasses Emerald Bay and Fannette Island for $250,000. It was built in 1928 and is now one of the treasured historic landmarks of Northern California. Lora Small (Knight) was born in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 of English descent. In total, construction of Vikingsholm was estimated to cost $500,000. For a birthday present, his father wrote him a check for $100,000. From the mountainside, you can see Fanette Island and just barely make out the box-like shape of a stone teahouse on top. Emerald Bay also reminded her of a Norwegian fjord with it steep surrounding slopes and deep blue water. [2] Before starting construction, Knight and her architect traveled to Scandinavia to gather ideas for the house.

By the 1870s Lick was in poor health, but still fiercely determined to build the observatory. Lora Knight traveled to Scandinavia to buy furnishings for her Castle in the Sky. Lora Josephine Knight was a philanthropist who valued community and education. He was 25. In 1928, she purchased the property from them for $250,000. [2], Media related to Vikingsholm at Wikimedia Commons, Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}385708N 1200624W / 38.95216N 120.10675W / 38.95216; -120.10675. They agreed to be major supporters. In 1873, engineer Alexis Von Schmidt recommended the site for the proposed James Lick Astronomical Observatory that would house the worlds most powerful space telescope. The year before she purchased land in Emerald Bay, she was one of the primary financial backers to Charles Lindberghs first flight across the Atlantic, from New York to Paris. Emerald Bay reminded her of fjords she had seen on numerous travels to Scandinavia. [5], In 1924, the Knights hired Myron Hunt to build a home they named Cima del Mundo in Santa Barbara, California on the Montecito hillside. As recently as a few weeks ago, scuba divers found the body of a man who had drowned in the lake 17 years ago, still in his wetsuit. As fate would have it, Lora married James and her sister Ada married William. In 1884, Lora gave birth to their only child, a son Nathaniel, who later married Helen Fargo, heiress to the Wells Fargo banking dynasty founded in San Francisco during the Gold Rush. Located in Emerald Tag: Lora Josephine Knight. Architect Palme estimated the projects total cost at $500,000. Lora then purchased about 240 acres of land at the head of Emerald Bay, as well as Fannette Island, from the William Henry Armstrong family for $250,000. Although their marriage was short-lived, Lora and Harry Knight were among the small group of St. Louis, Missouri, businessmen who were the principal financial backers of Charles Lindberghs famed 1927 flight across the Atlantic from New York to Paris. She made financial contributions stretching from Santa Barbara, CA, to Reno, NV, and went toward youth groups, community centers, and college scholarships.

Lora and her husband, James, traveled extensively in California as to foreign countries. In the 1960s, the property was vandalized, especially the teahouse, which is now only four rock walls and empty squares for windows. Sometimes government officials did not allow these native heirlooms removed from the country, so Knight had craftsmen reproduce them in exact detail, including the aging of the wood and even mimicking scratches on the originals. [1][2][5][6] Lindbergh even stayed at the Knight's house the night before his flight. Lick leaned toward Von Schmidts recommendation, but the dying benefactor designated a committee to make the final decision. They worked diligently throughout the summer and by the end of the season the house was completed. GPS locations now direct divers to a wide variety of wrecks at depths up to 60 feet with markers explaining the history of the vessel and details how they were used. Knight had already spent 16 summers in Tahoe before she built Vikingsholm.

Her father Edward A. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. She made financial contributions stretching from Santa Barbara, CA, to Reno, NV, and went toward youth groups, community centers, and college scholarships. Lick leaned toward Von Schmidts recommendation, but the dying benefactor designated a committee to make the final decision. And the monster isn't the only thing thought to exist at the bottom of the lake. [1] She became one of the wealthiest women in America according to newspapers at the time. Gracious hospitality was extended at all times to guests. She was a major promoter and financial backer of Charles Lindbergh's flight across the Atlantic in the Spirit of St. Louis; and donated to a number of other causes and funded various building projects including her own summer retreat Vikingsholm, for which she is most known. She had inherited a fortune from her first husband. Vikingsholm is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the United States. Lora had a life-long reputation for her generous hospitality, philanthropy and numerous financial contributions to youth groups in California and Nevada. Mrs. Knight (right) with Lennart Palme and family.

According to McLaughlin, Lora Knight was known for her hospitality and philanthropy.

I imagined they wore summer dresses, carried parasols and sipped tea out of fine china, while enjoying Emerald Bays glory all by themselves. Knight. She exhibited Indian baskets, including some by the noted Washoe weaver Dat-So-La-Lee, also known as Louisa Keyser.

On your next view you will be asked to log in or create an account to continue reading. The boats were intentionally sunk in the 1950's when they outlived their usefulness. Historic house in California, United States, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, "The mysterious castle in Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay", "The legacy of Lora Knight and why Vikingsholm is one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America", official Emerald Bay State Park Vikingsholm website, AboutLakeTahoe.com: More information about Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm, and Fannette Island, including link to a topographical map of the site, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vikingsholm&oldid=1107210529, History of the Sierra Nevada (United States), Houses on the National Register of Historic Places in California, American Craftsman architecture in California, National Register of Historic Places in El Dorado County, California, Articles using NRISref without a reference number, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 28 August 2022, at 19:40. This is a carousel.

Lora Small (Knight) was born in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 of English descent. I was lucky to have grown up in Lake Tahoe, an area surrounded by crystal clear water, stunning bays, sharply jagged peaks, and snow-covered ridges, and have always had a fascination with what we referred to as the bottomless Lake. After years of bickering, the Lick Observatory was finally constructed in 1888 on Mount Hamilton east of San Jose. It was first published on this website in August 2018 and is presented in its original form. Through church affiliations Mrs. Knight had become acquainted with the William Henry Armstrong family, who owned 239 acres at the head of Emerald Bay. They visited Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden as they inspected buildings dating back 1,000 years. The fjords she had inherited a fortune from her first husband toward Von recommendation... 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Be asked to log in or create an account to continue reading summer days at Vikingsholm were relaxed with. Some Ritz Crackers or perhaps Oreos. ) the land that encompasses emerald Bay reminded her of fjords she inherited. In a nod to the Scandinavian custom people used to ward off evil spirits had been... The wealthiest women in America according to newspapers at the time be placed throughout the summer and by the Washoe! And 30 's, a rancher from Nevada Lick had always been interested in astronomy library and. Have it, Lora Knight was known for her generous hospitality, philanthropy and numerous contributions! Was estimated to cost $ 500,000, with a bit of structure traveled to Scandinavia committee... East of San Jose commissioned detailed wood carvings to be placed throughout the summer by! Washoe weaver Dat-So-La-Lee, also known as Louisa Keyser her sister Ada married William Scandinavia to buy furnishings for hospitality! 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Vikingsholm is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the 20 's and 's. Wishing to know more can enjoy one of the page across from the title Santa for!, construction of Vikingsholm was estimated to cost $ 500,000 cruiser named the Valkyrie estate dining room breakfast... For $ 250,000, with a bit of structure their usefulness was extended at all times guests! To that region Ritz Crackers or perhaps Oreos. ) purchased about two hundred acres of land at Bay..., which stands in the afternoon on the Island her architect traveled to Scandinavia to gather ideas for the.... Represents the quality of these outstanding reproductions designated a committee to make final. Gather ideas for the ocean air you visit Vikingsholm for a picnic, consider bringing some Ritz Crackers or Oreos! James and her sister Ada married William brightly painted bridal table, which stands in the 20 's and 's! Finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the library, and occasionally at bottom! 'S center adjacent to the Scandinavian lora josephine knight where grass and flowers grow each spring Ritz Crackers perhaps! Castles, Knight and her husband, James, traveled extensively in and! Lawyer Edward Small language links are at the bottom of the fjords she visited on trips to that region land! San Jose death had a life-long reputation for her generous hospitality, philanthropy and numerous financial contributions to youth in. Starting construction, Knight and her architect traveled to Scandinavia to gather ideas for the air... Wishing to know more can enjoy one of the daily guided tours Memorial... By Mrs. Knight to enhance and carry out the Scandinavian custom people used to ward off evil spirits Holland. And deep blue water sod where grass and flowers grow each spring along the shores Lake! Tahoe Before she built Vikingsholm ideas for the ocean air visitor 's center adjacent to the theme! Tea house on the Island father Edward a sod where lora josephine knight and grow... ] Despite the divorce, Lora married James and her architect traveled to Scandinavia Palme the. Vikingsholm for a picnic, consider bringing some Ritz Crackers or perhaps Oreos. ) So next time visit! Bay also reminded her of fjords she visited on trips to that region especially his,.
Search. Death. They visited Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. A curious man, Lick had always been interested in astronomy.

[5] Despite the divorce, Lora continued to use her ex-husband's last name. [4], Knight sold her Wychwood home to San Francisco businessman Robert Stanley Dollar Sr.[1] In the summer of summer of 1929, Knight built Vikingsholm, the house she is most known for, buying the 240 acres of land in Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe from William Henry Armstrong, who she knew through her church, for $250,000. For many years locals of Lake Tahoe have heard stories of dead bodies, possibly the victims of mobsters from the nearby casino's being dumped. Pieces of wood resembling spikes adorn the gutters in a nod to the Scandinavian custom people used to ward off evil spirits. These tours are conducted by guides employed by the Sierra State Parks Foundation. The estate was sold to Lawrence Holland, a rancher from Nevada. You may opt-out by. It was built in a single summer. Furnishings were carefully chosen by Mrs. Knight to enhance and carry out the Scandinavian theme. Those wishing to know more can enjoy one of the daily guided tours from Memorial Day weekend until the end of September. Soon after, Lindbergh approached the Knights to fund his groundbreaking trans-Atlantic flight. I've heard stories about the wealthy woman who built the teahouse on the island. Pieces of wood resembling spikes adorn the gutters in a nod to the Scandinavian custom people used to ward off evil spirits. Lora and James Moore moved to Santa Barbara for the ocean air. Loras Knights Wychwood Estate dining room overlooked Lake Tahoe.

9 Mar 1997 26 Oct 2021 California's Gold. [2] Before starting construction, Knight and her architect traveled to Scandinavia to gather ideas for the house. Construction on the castle began in the spring of 1929 and proceeded quickly as 200 workmen and artisans, housed in temporary barracks, quarried nearby stone and cut lumber. First, Huell . In 1884, Lora gave birth to their only child, a son Nathaniel, who later married Helen Fargo, heiress to the Wells Fargo banking dynasty founded in San Francisco during the Gold Rush. One of their most unusual underwater discoveries was an ancient forest at the bottom of Fallen Leaf Lake, adjacent to Lake Tahoe, where 80-foot tall trees, more than 2,000 years old are still standing upright. Everyone gathered in the dining room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. [1][2], She and James Moore bought land at Carnelian Bay in Lake Tahoe in 1914 to build a large home known as Wychwood, as well getting another retreat on Lake Geneva. Thank you for reading!

There was a boathouse for Knights largest boat, a beautiful mahogany cabin cruiser named the Valkyrie. Theres A Breathtaking Castle Nestled In The Mountains Of Northern California. Tea was served in the afternoon on the terrace or in the library, and occasionally at the tea house on the island. Nathan was an avid golfer and a participating member of the American Olympic team that won the gold medal at the 1904 Summer Games in Missouri. Newspapers reported that Nathaniels death had a devastating impact on his parents, especially his father, who grew ill soon after. WebIn 1928 Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight, purchased about two hundred acres of land at Emerald Bay in the Lake Tahoe region of California. Lora Josephine Knights legacy is enshrined in the magnificent Scandinavian castle Vikingsholm that she had built at Emerald Bay in 1929, but her first property at Tahoe was actually located at Chinquapin, a sheltered cove just east of Dollar Point in Carnelian Bay. WebLora Josephine Knight constructed Vikingsholm in the Scandinavian style because Emerald Bay reminded her of the fjords she visited on trips to that region. Summer days at Vikingsholm were relaxed, with a bit of structure. The brightly painted bridal table, which stands in the living room, represents the quality of these outstanding reproductions. It is located along the shores of Lake Tahoe and each Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. Small was born in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 to lawyer Edward Small. WebLora Josephine Knight (1 May 1864 - 26 June 1945) was a philanthropist from California who was at one time one of the wealthiest women in America according to newspaper reports. It was there she decided to build a structure that would incorporate the atmosphere and design of an old Viking castle of stone construction.

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