You've seen the sign just before Hwy. 83, directing you to the Ten Chimneys Historical Site in Genesee Depot. Grab your chance, because time is dwindling for you to pull off and tour this renowned stop on the National Registry of Historic Places.
"Ten Chimneys is unique among historical sites in America. Not only is it an extraordinary example of elegance and beauty but unlike any other place in America, everything looks exactly like it did in the ‘30s and ‘40s. Everyone who was anyone in the arts was coming here summer after summer at that time," says Sean Malone, the President of Ten Chimneys Foundation.
The creation of Broadway legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, Ten Chimneys was the home away from home for American theater giants in the early 20th century. Everyone from Katharine Hepburn to Laurence Olivier spent summers soaking in the intrinsic beauty of the Ten Chimneys estate. Naturally, the estate became a home for the arts, providing a venue for artistic creation and discussion.
"Ten Chimneys is inherently inspirational and moving. Most people who visit have not heard of the Lunts, it's not like visitors to Graceland who are there solely because of a love for Elvis. There are themes and values at Ten Chimneys that connect to everyone. The Lunts modeled a way to create an intricate balance of life and live the life you want to live," Malone says.
The Ten Chimneys tour season, which runs May through November annually, ends Nov. 14 with a final public "Conversations at Ten Chimneys" series event. Author Linda Mutschler will be on hand to discuss her book, "Fast Track to Fine Dining," as guests enjoy the ambience, appetizers and desserts.
"Linda Mutschler will be talking about gracious entertaining and how to get that done in a world that doesn't really allow that to happen and why it's so important. Gracious entertaining and hosting was a key element of what Ten Chimneys was," Malone says.
Tours of Ten Chimneys run Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and are conducted in small groups of no more than 10 visitors.
Reservations are requested and can be made by calling (262) 968-4110. Tour prices are $35 for the full estate and $28 for the solely the main house.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
