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Built
shortly after the Civil War, Orchard Lawn has stood for 136 years.
It is truly a landmark and it continues to inspire all who hear
the story behind its stone walls. Designed by renowned architect
S.V. Shipman, the stately house on the hill and its eleven acres
of grounds reflects the classic, pastoral image of the Italianate
style. For its first 68 years Orchard Lawn was home to three generations
of the Gundry family. In 1936 the last Gundry in Mineral Point
passed away. After three years of trying to sell or even give the
house away, the family heirs hired a wrecking contractor. The barn
and carriage house of the great estate fell, and when the ball
was ready to hit the house, eleven concerned Mineral Point residents
collected $800, formed the Mineral
Point Historical Society, and bought out the demolition contract.
The Gundry family deeded the property to the newly formed organization
and, for 65 years, Orchard Lawn has served as its home.
In 1999, Orchard Lawn was literally saved again. Faced with staggering
maintenance problems and declining membership, the historical society
board of directors decided to embark on a two-phase restoration
and increase community use of the property. Thanks to generous
donations, phase one of the current restoration surpassed everyone’s
expectations. Foundation repairs, a new roof, upgraded utility
service and restoration of the sagging front porch were completed.
In addition, a formal garden was established and the Orchard Lawn
library was restored to its elegant Gilded Age appearance.
But perhaps as important as the restoration work was the way
the community and the region embraced the project. In the two years
since it’s re-opening, Orchard Lawn has hosted weddings on
the formal lawn, live music on the front porch, and theatre performances
in the double parlor. The house and grounds of Orchard Lawn have
indeed come alive again.
The story of Orchard Lawn is about more than just saving an old
house – it is the story of how historic architecture can
be used to create a richer cultural life in southwestern Wisconsin. |
