She also exhibited baskets made by the famous Washoe weaver Dat-So-La-Lee. Specifically: Private Memorial, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/110560461/lora-josephine-knight. Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight later constructed Vikingsholm, an exquisite 38-room castle on the Emerald Bay shores, in 1928-1929. 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 . They traveled across Scandinavia for research and inspiration before laying the foundation in the late summer of 1928 for Vikingsholm. Lora 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. Harry and Lora were divorced in 1928 and Lora Knight sold her Lakefront estate in Chinquapin to Robert Stanley Dollar Sr., a wealthy San Francisco businessman. There was an error deleting this problem. Oops, something didn't work. The sibling entrepreneurs eventually amassed quite a fortune with controlling interest in a number of large American corporations such as the Diamond Match Company, U.S. Steel and National Biscuit (Nabisco), the maker of Oreo cookies. 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. In 1922, Lora married Harry French Knight. She spent 15 summers in the house and, along with her numerous guests, enjoyed the nature, wildlife and peaceful tranquility of the estate until her death in 1945. Knight had derived design ideas from 11th century wooden churches in Norway and carvings from these ancient church entrances were incorporated into many Vikingsholm door entries. Try again later. Nearby Fannette Island, the only island in the lake, has the remains of Knight's "Tea House" perched atop its craggy peak and is a popular spot for picnics and parties. Their Wisconsin chateau boasted 27 rooms, a wine cellar and a two-lane bowling alley. The horse stable housed 60 thoroughbreds. "[8] She risked losing her entire fortune from her first marriage as part of the divorce. Palme and Knight traveled to Scandinavia that summer to research the design features that would be incorporated into her Tahoe castle. 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. Lora Small (Knight) was born in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 of English descent. James Hobart Moore passed away in 1916 at their home in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. She spent 15 summers at the mansion before passing away peacefully in her home in 1945 (and leaving a thousand dollars for each of her employees for every year they worked for her). Your email address will not be published. It was originally constructed to be the summer residence of Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight who had been impressed by her architect nephew's Nordic-inspired home in New York. To build it, she hired Swedish architect Lennart Palme, her nephew by marriage. After this time, the property exchanged hands multiple times, but after a transaction with its last private owner, Harvey West, the property was . Emerald Bay State Park is one of the most popular destinations in Lake Tahoe. Creator of Vikingsholm, Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe. Despite the expense and effort, the tea house was rarely used, even though Lora spent all her summers at Vikingsholm until her death in 1945. Work on the home ceased at first snowfall in the winter of 1928 and was started up again in the spring of 1929. Emerald Bay also reminded her of a Norwegian fjord with its steep surrounding slopes and deep blue water. Many communities were interested in Licks $2 million estate and several protested the Tahoe location insisting that they were better suited for an observatory than the snowbound lake. The locally quarried granite boulders were ferried by barge to the island where derricks lifted them stone by stone. [4] She died at Vikingsholm in 1945 at the age of 82. She commissioned her nephew by marriage, Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect, to design the . Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Edge Country Club as well as stunning views of Smith Mountain Lake and the spectacular golf course, which sits like an emerald surrounded by the blue waters of the lake and lush mountain scenery. Palme and Knight traveled to Scandinavia that summer to research the design features that would be incorporated into her Tahoe castle. Astronomers suggested that a high-altitude mountain location above atmospheric dust and away from city light would be the best location. Dinner was at 6:30 p.m. On most evenings after dinner, Mrs. Knight and her guests were driven by limousine to the top of the road at Highway 89, Smith said. One could and still can only get to the island by boat, kayaks or canoes. In the 1960s, the property was vandalized, especially the teahouse, which is now only four rock walls and empty squares for windows. 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 . There was a problem getting your location. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Today, the historic estate feels almost as much a part of Emerald Bay as Eagle Falls, Fanette Island or the centuries-old trees. The natural setting of Lake Tahoe reminded her of Northern Europe. To use this feature, use a newer browser. He grew up much like youd think the single heir to a fortune would, but his time was short. [1][3] She also built a small teahouse on Fannette Island inside the bay. The castle was constructed as a summer home for the very wealthy Lora Josephine Knight. In summer months, you can tour the castle to discover what led the original owner, Lora Josephine Knight, in 1928 to make her summer home an ode to Scandinavian architecture, down to the sod roofs and six fireplaces. Nathan Moore apparently knew how to have a good time, dying at the age of 25 of natural causes after spending the previous night at Chicagos most famous and expensive house of prostitution. Subscribe to Envato Elements for unlimited Stock Video downloads for a single monthly fee. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. During construction of the main house Lora turned her attention to Fannette Island in the middle of Emerald Bay. Everyone heads for Emerald Bay, with its waterfall, beach and famed Scandinavian mansion, Vikingsholm, built in 1928 by Lora Josephine Knight and open for tours. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. 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. Find the . Life was good for the Moores, but after their purchase of the Tahoe property, James health began to fail. 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. A sod roof was installed on the north and south wings, so that grasses and wildflowers could grow. Knight had become acquaintances with the Armstrongs through church affiliations and after the purchase she would build her majestic Vikingsholm the following year. They also spent time at their luxury homes in Illinois and Wisconsin. For as long as I can remember, Ive been fascinated by the mysterious widow who built the castle at Emerald Bay. Most of the materials came from the Tahoe Basin, trees were cut for their size and lack of knots, and the granite for the foundation and walls was quarried from behind the house. Experienced and knowledgeable guides take you on a 30-minute touryou'll learn about owner Lora Josephine Knight, who thought that Emerald Bay resembled the fjords. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Search above to list available cemeteries. It took 200 workers to complete the building. Friends spent many summers with Mrs. Knight at Vikingsholm, swimming, boating, and hiking . There is a single-lane dirt road that connects Vikingsholm with Highway 89. Lora 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. by BlackBoxGuild on Envato Elements Stock Video by BlackBoxGuild. Not a lot to do there, except hike up to the Tea House and take some photos. Timber was hand-hewn, though Mrs. Knight specifically demanded that the footprint of her house be built around the old-growth trees on the property. She was born Lora Josephine Small in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 - one of a family of four daughters and one son. Lora Josephine Knight was a philanthropist from California who was at one time one of the wealthiest women in America according to newspaper reports. The house is available for guided tours . Brown grew up on Tahoe's West Shore. She then commissioned Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect to whom she was related by marriage, to design Vikingsholm. Today, Lora Knights Viking castle is considered perhaps the finest example of Scandinavian architecture in North America. The family spent most of their time in Chicago but vacationed in California often. Lora had a life-long reputation for her generous hospitality, philanthropy and numerous financial contributions to youth groups in California and Nevada. Try again later. They also spent time at their luxury homes in Illinois and Wisconsin. Despite its ancient motif, Vikingsholm had all the conveniences available in the 1930s, including electricity, modern fixtures and private baths in the bedrooms. This tour passes by many beautiful spots around the lake shores, including the shores of beautiful Emerald Bay, Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight's Vikingsholm Castle and Tea House at Fanette Island, Eagle Waterfall and more. 9 Mar 1997 26 Oct 2021 California's Gold. After Edward Smalls death, William and James took over the firm and formed the Moore Brothers partnership. Knight had become acquaintances with the Armstrongs through church affiliations and after the purchase she would build her majestic Vikingsholm the following year. Von Schmidt chose a site 300 feet above Lake Tahoe on the Chinquapin point, renaming it Observatory Point in anticipation. ). Vikingsholm was designed by Lennart Palme in 1928 as the summer home of Lora Josephine Knight, with construction completed in 1929. Add to your scrapbook. In 1922, Lora Moore married Harry French Knight, a stockbroker. Today, Lora Knights Viking castle is considered perhaps the finest example of Scandinavian architecture in North America. He had planned to make the area into a development for Hollywood elite, but the plan never materialized and he sold the property to Harvey West. She commissioned her nephew by marriage, Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect, to design the home. Burial Details Unknown. His nationally reported death led to a crackdown on Chicago brothels and morphine abuse. This spectacular site was originally built to be the summer residence of Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight. She then commissioned Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect to whom she was related by marriage, to design Vikingsholm. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? Emerald Bay reminded her of fjords she had seen on quite a few travels to Scandinavia. She writes about Lake Tahoe and mountain communities throughout the West. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. It was built in a single summer. In a fjord-like setting at Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay State Park, the 38-room Vikingsholm castle is a rare masterpiece of Scandinavian architecture. Currently it is used as a hiking trail by those wishing to visit this remarkable castle. . Touring Vikingsholm is a must. Unfortunately, they were not happy together and divorced after just a couple of years. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. Read More. The roof of the north and south wings is topped with sod where grass and flowers grow each spring. I often visit Emerald Bay to go hiking. Lora Josephine Knight, who in 1929 built the stone and timber Vikingsholm castle at the base of the bay, said Emerald Bay reminded her of a Scandinavian fjord. In order to preserve the natural environment of Emerald Bay, Knight insisted that local Tahoe materials be used with the exception of the leaded windows with pastel stained-glass panes imported from Sweden. Before starting construction of the summer home late that year, Mrs. Knight and her architect traveled to Scandinavia to gather ideas for the construction of the house. Your donation will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news. 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. Lora Josephine Knight wasn't Scandinavian herself, however; she was born as Lora Josephine Small in Illinois in 1864, and her family claimed English descent. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Knight loved Tahoe, and for 16 years she enjoyed her summers at Wychwood, hosting friends and family members, but in 1928, she sold her beloved lakeside Shangri-La to Robert Stanley Dollar Sr., a wealthy San Francisco businessman. Their Wisconsin chateau boasted 27 rooms, a wine cellar and a two-lane bowling alley. She was born Lora Josephine Small in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 - one of a family of four daughters and one son. He had planned to make the area into a development for Hollywood elite, but the plan never materialized and he sold the property to Harvey West. The coroner said the cause of death was heart disease, but the night before, Nathaniel was up late at a brothel and had been drinking. Lora Josephine Knight purchased the property encompassing the head of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island in 1928 for $250,000. Visitors can hike down to the home and tour it. Carved dragon heads are common as both interior and exterior decorations, as they were used in old Viking castles to divide the main room between the chieftain and his most honored guests from the women and children. Search. [4][10], "The legacy of Lora Knight and why Vikingsholm is one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America", "The mysterious castle in Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay", "The History of Lora Knight and Her Vikingsholm", "Vikingsholm: A Brief History (Nordic Castle at Emerald Bay)", "The mysteries and stories of the Harry F. Knight House", "LORA J. KNIGHT; Former Wife of Stock Broker, Financed Lindbergh Flight", "GETS DIVORCE IN RENO COURT California Digital Newspaper Collection", "Clipping from Reno Gazette-Journal - Newspapers.com", "Historic Vikingsholm at Emerald Bay always in need of attention, support", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lora_Josephine_Knight&oldid=1101022867, This page was last edited on 28 July 2022, at 22:31. The locally quarried granite boulders were ferried by barge to the island where derricks lifted them stone by stone. 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. "A woman ahead of her time, who was remarkable: Forward thinking, generous, and resourceful. His nationally reported death led to a crackdown on Chicago brothels and morphine abuse. Those wishing to know more can enjoy one of the daily guided tours through the end of September. Failed to remove flower. But the story of Mrs. Knight and her Vikingsholm stand apart from the rest. Today, Lora Knight's Viking castle is considered perhaps the . The California landmark is one of the finest Scandinavian structures located outside of the Nordic countries. She married James Hobart Moore, who she met while he worked with her father in his law practice, and who along with his brother became rich by gaining controlling interests in a large number of companies such as the Diamond Match Company, U.S. Steel, Union Pacific, and Nabisco. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Heading clockwise around the lake, the next stop is Emerald Bay State Park to check out Vikingsholm Castle, a 1929 stone summer home built by wealthy philanthropist Lora Josephine Knight and lauded as one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere. Lora Josephine Knight wasn't Scandinavian herself, however; she was born as Lora Josephine Small in Illinois in 1864, and her family claimed English descent. Together, they designed, built, and decorated the castle with authentic materials shipped in from Northern Europe. [2], In 1922, she married stockbroker Harry French Knight of St. If Lake Tahoe was tipped upside-down . In 1928, Mrs. Knight had her mind firmly set on Emerald Bay to build her "castle of the sky." She gave the family who owned the land an offer they couldn't refuse. The house included stables for 60 horses and a bowling alley. In 1922, Lora Moore married Harry French Knight, a stockbroker. She built a castle on the island and served tea to her visitors. This marriage was not successful, and they were divorced prior to the building of Vikingsholm. They agreed to be major supporters. Lora and James Moore moved to Santa Barbara for the ocean air. By the 1870s Lick was in poor health, but still fiercely determined to build the observatory. After traveling to Scandinavia Mrs. Knight along with her architect returned to the Lake Tahoe area and started construction on the Castle with ideas they gathered on their European tour. 11 of 25 11. var obConfig = { footer: 'View All Events | Add your event' }; Douglas VHR panel keeps plugging away at new code, LTUSD: Sierra House Elementary a great place to learn, grow, Kiwanis Club serves South Tahoe community, Caboose of Lake Tahoe storm train in sight, South Lake Tahoe nonprofit Live Violence Free celebrates 45 years. Tahoe historian Mark McLaughlinis a nationally published author and professional speaker and former freelance writer for Tahoe Magazine. Finnish carpenters were then brought in to hew timber, while a Scandinavian craftsman was hired to create the intricate exterior wood carvings. Inside, Knight decorated and furnished with antiques she purchased and shipped from Scandinavia. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. In fact, Vikingsholm was commissioned by Mrs Lora Josephine Knight who had been in love with Scandinavian fjords. . She had inherited a fortune from her first husband. Year should not be greater than current year. [1] Knight often entertained guests such as her friend Charles Lindbergh at Vikingsholm. Many communities were interested in Licks $2 million estate and several protested the Tahoe location insisting that they were better suited for an observatory than the snowbound lake. Tag: Lora Josephine Knight. After years of bickering, the Lick Observatory was finally constructed in 1888 on Mount Hamilton east of San Jose. There is a problem with your email/password. Nearly all of the materials were sourced on site or nearby. Not a lot to do there, except hike up to the Tea House and take some photos. Each day blended into the next, relaxed and unhurried, Smith told the Press Democrat, and began with the sound of swishing sprinklers set up by yardmen in the early morning hours to water the wildflowers that grew in the grasses on the bay side of the house.. It's a steep . 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. The figure the Armstrongs couldnt walk away from was $250,000, about $3.7 million when adjusted for inflation. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. Shes recalled some of those memories in a booklet and, more recently, as a park ranger. It was there in 1914 that Moore built a charming lakefront estate that she called Wychwood. James Lick, a Pennsylvania Dutchman, first struck it rich in the California Gold Rush and then parlayed his luck into a fortune by investing in San Franciscos booming real estate market. Inspired by Scandinavian architecture and 11th century Nordic churches and castles, widowed heiress Lora Josephine Knight built Vikingsholm in 1929. She then had 200 workers build Vikingsholm. She exhibited Indian baskets, including some by the noted Washoe weaver Dat-So-La-Lee, also known as Louisa Keyser. There was a boathouse for Knights largest boat, a beautiful mahogany cabin cruiser named the Valkyrie. Her father, Edward Small, was a corporate lawyer who took on two brothers as partners in his law practice William Henry Moore and James Hobart Moore. Nathan Moore apparently knew how to have a good time, dying at the age of 25 of natural causes after spending the previous night at Chicagos most famous and expensive house of prostitution. In 1928, Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight bought the Armstrong's land with the desire to build a summer home that would compliment the magnificent natural surroundings. 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. - Ranked #2 of 131 attractions in South Lake Tahoe (Emerald Bay). . During the summer months she would take guests to the island for high tea. It is an enjoyable little kayak excursion to the island. Drugs were suspected. [2] Her $3 million estate went mostly to relatives and church and educational organizations. Lora Small (Knight) was born in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 of English descent. For 32 years, the Armstrong family had spent long, golden summers along the shores of Emerald Bay. This is a carousel with slides. She made financial contributions stretching from Santa Barbara, CA, to Reno, NV, and went toward youth groups, community centers, and college scholarships. Readers around the Lake Tahoe Basin and beyond make the Tahoe Tribune's work possible. I highly recommend taking a tour if at all possible, but if that doesn't work for you logistically, still hike down and marvel at its exterior, as well as the views from lake level of Emerald Bay. Family members linked to this person will appear here. The castle was built in 1929 and commissioned by Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight, who drew similarities between Lake Tahoe and the fjords of Scandinavia. Her "Castle in the Sky" features intricate . Get into more larger-than-life Lake Tahoe history on a tour of Vikingsholm Castle, the summer home of Lora Josephine Knight, a wealthy heiress and widow who used her fortune to build a 38-room Scandinavian-style mansion on Emerald Bay, which reminded her of the fjords she'd seen on trips to Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. Lora Small (Knight) was born in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 of English descent. The locally quarried granite boulders were ferried by barge to the island where derricks lifted them stone by stone. They visited Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden drawing inspiration for centuries old buildings and castles.. Construction of Vikingsholm began in the fall of 1928. Louis. The sibling entrepreneurs eventually amassed quite a fortune with controlling interest in a number of large American corporations such as the Diamond Match Company, U.S. Steel and National Biscuit (Nabisco), the maker of Oreo cookies. 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