website watertownhistory.org
ebook History of Watertown, Wisconsin
Concordia Island
Tivoli Island
Tivoli Garden
Nestled
in an elbow of the winding path of the Rock River rests Tivoli Island, known
earlier as Concordia Island, and before that was one of many nameless islands
in North America's wilderness.
Long
before the Europeans first settled in the Watertown area, the island flourished
with lush vegetation and a wide variety of wildlife. Indians of the Potawatomi
and Winnebago tribes frequently visited this area hunting for game. By the time
the French fur traders canoed up the river, many of the Indians found living
here had come from eastern lands, having been forced to migrate due to western
expansion of the pioneers.
French
fur traders were some of the first white men to come upon these forests of
maple and basswood, and prairies scattered with oaks. Setting their traps along
the river, the island may have served as a place to camp for the night.
Timothy Johnson
In the
1830's pioneers used the Rock River for a means of travel in their pursuit of a
new place to settle. Watertown's first settler, Timothy
Johnson, described the area surrounding the island as containing "a
combination of woodlands, prairie openings, and natural meadows. The banks of
the river were fanged with red cedars, the background being thickly wooded on
the west side with stately oaks and the east with a forest of maples, elms, and
ashes.”
Two
other early pioneers, John and Luther Cole,
arrived at the settlement and referred to the west side of the river as being
occupied by Winnebago and the east side by Potawatomi. They described the area
surrounding the island as having "several acres of cleared land scattered
here and there cultivated of corn by the Indians."
In
1835 the town lines were run by the government surveyor, John Mullet, on whose
map this island is clearly drawn. Soon after, Wisconsin became a territory and
in 1839, Jefferson County was formed. On the land to the west of the island, a
little settlement began to grow and by 1837 seventy strong-willed people had
made this beautiful area their home. Land could not be purchased until February
of 1839, after which the population began to increase, and by 1840 rose to 218
persons. From this time on the little island that we today call Tivoli Island
has played its part in the story of the city of Watertown.
First Owner
The first
owner of the island was Jesse Decoy. He later presented the island as a gift to
the first son of John Cole, one of Watertown's founding fathers. Many years later, Mrs.
John Cole gave a speech on the island telling of its beauty and how her son
had acquired it. She said, “Before my
baby was 24 hours old I had a deed for the boy of this little island, the
beauties and loveliness of which we so much admire and enjoy today.”
In the
1840's an earthen and timber dam was constructed directly above the island by Joseph and Calvin Boughton. The power was used to run a saw mill on the
east side of the river and a grain mill on the west side. A wall was built from the dam to the island
to create a mill race around the island.
In decades following construction of the dam, city maps show the island
enlarged and developed a peninsula extending to the dam. These changes were
caused by silt from the river building up along the wall and along the island's
shorelines.
It was recorded in 1908 that a Benkerdorf
family once owed the island.
1857
Concordia Island
1874
The
Watertown Musical Society, Concordia, has purchased Tivoli Island north of the
Rough and Ready Mills in the Second Ward and will proceed at once to fit up the
grounds as a grand summer resort. A
bridge will be built from the bank of the river to the island and a ball alley
and suitable buildings erected. When the
improvements contemplated are completed, Tivoli Island will be a beautiful and
enchanting spot for pleasure seekers.
The scenery in the vicinity is charming and the grounds so convenient to
the city that it must at once become a popular place of resort for those in
quest of rest and amusement." WR, 07
15 1874; WD, 07 16 1874
________________
In
1874 a German singing group, the Concordia
Music Society, purchased the island, and named it Concordia Island. The society had been formed in 1862 under
direction of Mr. Gaebler. Concordia Island served as a host to many
saengerfests, music festivals in which most of the singing organizations of the
state would take part. Local citizens
held picnics and heard frequent band concerts on
Concordia Island. Unions, clubs, and
trade guilds from throughout the state rented the island for annual gatherings.
Concordia
members landscaped the island, planting many trees and shrubs of various
varieties, some of which are mature trees today. Members constructed numerous buildings
including a beautiful central pavilion.
The island was graced with one of the first fountains in this area. Located in front of the pavilion, it sent
sprays of water splashing into a circular basin in the center of which stood an
ornamental statue. A secluded water tank
kept the fountain at play, while a windmill pumped water into the giant
container. It also had a circular
bandstand with beer, candy and ice cream sales on ground level and quarters for
musicians on the second floor.
Bowling Alley
A
long, narrow building housed a two-lane bowling alley where the old game of
ninepins was played. A wooden, narrow
foot bridge spanned the Rock River on the island's north side, quite near the
present-day bridge. Concordia Island was known far and wide, and as some of
Watertown's old timers once recalled, the island was at one time so popular
that even Riverside Park cannot compare with the fame that Concordia Island
once knew.
Cross Reference: The Concordia Society also purchased the
Tivoli island, planted trees on it, built a pavilion, and painted it
themselves. In 1879 an octagon band
stand was built on the island, forty feet in diameter and was first used for
the band convention for which occasion Mr. Sleeper was director and Mr.
Mulberger, field marshal. Many concerts
and picnics were held on the island, a windmill supplied water power for the
large fountain, a garden, and a fine bowling alley helped make this a very
popular place.
Cross Reference: Among the memories of 1938: The days when Tivoli Island had a saloon, a
bowling alley and a dance hall on it . . . and the swings at the far end [south
end] of the island that seemed to carry you half way across Rock river at that
point when you had them in full operation.
WDTimes, 08 16 1938
1875
06 02 ARTESIAN FOUNTAIN CONSTRUCTED
The Watertown Musical Society has commenced the work
of sinking an artesian fountain in their pleasure grounds on Tivoli Island near
the Rough and Ready Mill. A flowing
fountain will add much to the beauty of the gardens. Watertown
News
06 03 BOAT INSTEAD OF FOOT BRIDGE
The
Concordia Society now has a boat which will be used to convey frequenters
across the stream to that pleasant resort on their island instead of allowing
all to pass over the foot bridge as they have done heretofore. They expect the bridge to be insufficient
during the coming Saengerfest.
Uncertain date
1876
07 24 The excursionists who came up from Jefferson on
board the Florietta, Saturday morning, having spent a few hours quite
pleasantly in this city, started on their return trip shortly after 5 o'clock
in the afternoon. Busses were provided
at the Tivoli to convey passengers to the little steamer, which stood waiting a
few rods south of Boomer's dam to receive her cargo of human freight. Before the boat started some sixty persons
were on board, including a band of musicians, and several individuals from this
town . . . The boat reached her destination at half past eight o'clock in the
evening, and as she slowly entered the dock, the band played "God save the
Queen." Hundreds of people stood waiting
for the boat's return, and before she fairly landed, loud exclamations of joy
went up from the gay and merry throng.
The boat will be here some time during the present week, to carry
passengers to Jefferson and back. WD
08 23 Excursion train of Milwaukee Turners
picnic on Concordia Island. WR
1879
06 19 The Tivoli Garden has been recently fitted up
in a tasty and convenient matter, and is now the finest resort for pleasure in
this city. Hoper's Tyrolean Troupe has
been engaged by John Heyman to give concert entertainments every evening. Admission to garden 10 cents – good also for
refreshments. A New York troupe has been
engaged for the 4th of July. All who
wish to hear excellent music should go and hear these musicians. WD
c.1880
Unknown celebration (perhaps 4th of
July). May pre-date installation of
fountain
1882
-- -- FOUNTAIN PURCHASED
[article, written on 03 03 1932, refers to
1882] <> H. B. Gaebler recently turned over to Col. W.
F. Reichardt a letter written in 1882 relative to the fountain statute which
graces the center of Tivoli Island, now the property of Col. Reichardt.
The
letter was written by officials of the Wassall Fire Clay Co. of Columbus, Ohio
from whom the statue was purchased by a local committee of which Mr. Gaebler's
father, the late Max H. Gaebler was chairman.
The letter written in fine long hand is well preserved and the original
envelope bearing a green 3 cent stamp with a portrait of Washington is still
intact.
The
Wassall Fire Clay Co. was at the time one of the leading manufacturing concerns
of such statues and fountains and many of their works are still to be found in
parks and on private estates throughout the nation. The letter to Mr. Gaebler pronounced the
fountain for Tivoli Island ready for shipping and the company was awaiting
instruction. For many years the fountain
was the central attraction on the island and old timers as well as some of the
younger folks of the community will recall the display it made with its streams
of water shooting out from several places on the base. The fountain at the time was considered the
last word in such ornamentation and although it is still in position [1932],
its glory has long been dimmed.
Col.
Reichardt will preserve the letter.
Later on it could be passed on to the proposed museum which is hoped to
be established. At the time it was
purchased it was known as the Concordia Island fountain.
05 03 WATER SUPPLIED TO FOUNTAIN
E.
A. Mendenhall has just taken the contract from the Musical Society to put up an
Eclipse wind mill on Concordia Island to draw the water from the Rough and Ready Mill dam. A 700-barrel tank will be erected which will
furnish a supply of water for a fountain and all other purposes. The Watertown Republican,
05 03 1882
06 27 THE FOURTH AT CONCORDIA
Concordia
Island will be an attractive spot on the Fourth
next Wednesday. Picnicking will be the
order of the day amid the sylvan shades in this favorite retreat and the hours
will be enlivened with sweet chords of music from the Philharmonic Cornet
Band. Arrangements have been made for
grand balloon ascensions and other amusements during the afternoon. WR
07 04 SCHOOL
PICNIC
Saturday
was a gala day for the children of the public schools. They turned out to the number of nearly nine
hundred and with their teachers marched to Concordia Island. The grand procession formed in front of Union School No. 1 and headed by the Philharmonic
Band moved fine array to the picnic grounds.
The long line of scholars, from the tiny toddler to the mature boy and
girl, decorated with flags, and carrying cups and other picnic apparatus, their
faces beaming with delight in anticipation of the pleasures ahead, was indeed a
beautiful sight. The arrival at the
island was the signal for the vast throng of juveniles to enter into the most
boundless ecstasies of joy. The little
ones amused themselves in various ways during the afternoon and they produced
loud and positive proof of their appreciation of the occasion. The luncheons provided for the children found
eager partakers and there was a rapid disappearance of sandwiches, cake, lemonade,
candies, ice cream and other things good for little stomachs. With the going down of the sun all returned
to their homes having every reason to remember with gladness the picnic of
1883. WR
08 01 YET
ANOTHER PICNIC
A most
pleasant and agreeable picnic party was held at Concordia Island last Friday
evening. The weather was all that could
be desired giving those in attendance a fine opportunity of enjoying the quiet
shady retreats of the lovely grounds decked so beautifully with nature's gifts
of grass, flowers, trees and shrubbery.
After tea was served the party repaired to the pavilion and danced away
dull care for a number of hours, choice music for the happy occasion having
been provided by the management of the delightful affair. WR
1885
Portion of birdseye view
1886 Fountain
and Pavilion, Concordia Island Park, [Tivoli Island]. This building was removed in 1961
looking south, 1886 
looking north, ____ 
Concordia Island, pavilion and fountain,
1880's
c1920 Remains of fountain?
1888
1890
06 18 BALLOON
ASCENSION FROM ISLAND
The renowned
Prof. E. E. Graig will make one of his marvelous balloon ascensions from
Concordia Island next Sunday afternoon.
From the height of 6,000 feet the aeronaut leaps to the earth and by the
aid of a parachute lands in seventy seconds, forming a most thrilling and
wonderfully daring spectacle. Read the
last number of The North American Review. WR
06 25 BALLOON ASCENSION
Prof. E. E. Craig made a beautiful balloon ascension from Concordia island Sunday
afternoon. He descended from a great
height with a parachute, alighting at the Bohemian garden. WR
06 26 LOCATION FOR GRADUATION
CLASS EVENT
07 02 FOURTH
OF JULY IN THE PARK
It is
proposed to have our citizens partake of their dinner on Fourth in the city
park, and enjoy a good old-fashioned Fourth of July time
among the flowers and in the shade. Let
everybody come who can and spend a jolly time with some patriotic feelings and
perhaps speaking and singing mixed in.
Bring your baskets well filled.
Seats and tables will be provided for the many. Dinner will be ready to serve at 1
o'clock. The ladies' committee will sell
lemonade and ice cream for the benefit of the park fund.
1890s Image of boys fishing along river bank
c.1890
Swimming hole, area SW side of Tivoli Island, looking south
c.1902
-- -- WINDMILL ON TIVOLI ISLAND
< 1902 views
1895
06 19 ANNUAL
SCHOOL PICNIC
Last Thursday
was a gala day for the country people of this vicinity, the occasion being the
first picnic given by the Watertown Farmers’ Club on Concordia Island. The city had a festive appearance, and many
of our residents took a half-holiday and joined with their country friends in
the afternoon's outing. Some of the
principal streets were decorated with greens, while the business houses
generally were festooned with bunting, flags, etc. Preceding the picnic an industrial parade,
abounding in amusing features, took place. . . . In the lead was the Watertown Cornet band,
attired in most ludicrous costumes after the style of the proverbial
"hayseed." The chief idea of
the parade was to depict the old and new modes of farming, and this was done by
a complete display of agricultural implements both in and out of use.
06 26 ANNUAL
SCHOOL PICNIC
Yesterday
afternoon the annual school picnic took place on Concordia Island, but it was
rather a sorry outing for the children, the hard rains spoiling all their
fun. The procession of some 900 children
in line, headed for the island, after the first shower had passed, about 2:30
o'clock, but the destination had scarcely been reached when the lowering clouds
again opened and thoroughly drenched many of the young folks, the sheltering
places not being sufficient to accommodate all.
The picnic broke up and the children regretfully wended their way
homeward with anything the present recollections of the school picnic of 1895,
an event so long and so joyfully anticipated.
The festivities were concluded this forenoon at the different school
houses, and the good things in the eating line disposed of. WR
c.1895
1898
06 29 RAIN
SPOILS ANNUAL SCHOOL PICNIC
The-rain which began to fall about 4 o'clock last Friday afternoon had
the effect of spoiling much of the enjoyment of the annual school picnic being
held at Concordia island and drove the participants home in flocks. The school children, in gay holiday attire,
marched to the island at 1:30 o'clock accompanied by the Sinnissippi band, but
were only allowed about two hours of fun before the rain came. WR
1899
06 27 ANNUAL
SCHOOL PICNIC, Concordia Island
Friday
was an ideal day for picnicking, and the children of the public schools hugely enjoyed their annual outing
on Concordia island. The procession of
some 1,200 pupils in charge of their teachers and attired in holiday garb, made
a pleasing picture as it wended its way to the island where the afternoon was
passed with various kinds of games and pastimes. The Sinnissippi band furnished music for the
occasion. WR
08 22 DELIGHTFUL
ENVIRONMENTS OF THE ISLAND
The
Misses Emma and Clara Shasky entertained their friends to the number of nearly
four score in a charmingly hospitable manner Friday evening at a dancing party
the Concordia Island pavilion. The
delightful environments of the island, enhanced by the favorable weather and
the mellow light of the full moon, made the occasion truly enjoyable to all who
had the good fortune to be present.
Music was furnished by the Blaesius orchestra and light refreshments
were served. A considerable number of
guests were from out of town. WR
Cross Reference:
Miss Clara was the Goddess of Liberty in the 1901 Fourth of July parade.
1900
06 17 LEISURE
TIME AT CONCORDIA ISLAND
06 26 ANNUAL
SCHOOL PICNIC, Concordia Island
Owing
to the threatening weather of Friday, the annual picnic of the public schools was postponed until the following
afternoon. The necessity of postponing
it was a sore disappointment to the children, but they were nevertheless
handsomely rewarded for waiting, as a more perfect day for picnicking than last
Saturday could not be imagined. The
pupils marched to Concordia Island shortly after 1 o’clock in charge of their
teachers and to the music of the Sinnissippi band, and during the afternoon
parents and friends joined in the festivities.
There was plenty of good things to eat and drink, and what with various
games and pastimes the hearts of all were made glad and happiness reigned
supreme. This yearly outing provided by
the board of education for the special enjoyment of the scholars after their
school-room labors is long anticipated with a great degree of pleasure, and it
is an institution which it is hoped may always be maintained. WR
06 29 The annual picnic of the public schools
was held on Concordia Island last Saturday afternoon. The picnic had been arranged for Friday, but
the day being rainy, it was postponed to Saturday, which was an ideal day for a
picnic. About 1600 children were in line,
accompanied by their teachers and the Sinnissippi band. The children of the different schools met at
the Main Street bridge, where the procession was formed, and all marched to
Concordia Island, where a fine feast was in waiting, and all passed a most
delightful afternoon together. A large
number of parents were present as well as friends of the school. WG
1904
09 09 LABOR
DAY CELEBRATED on larger scale than ever before.
Monday was Labor Day, and it was celebrated
here on a larger scale than ever before.
The weather was pleasant and all who possibly could turned out to join
in celebrating the event at Tivoli Island, where a fine program was arranged by
the Central Labor Union. All the unions
of the city turned out and the parade started to the island at 1 o'clock from
Union hall west to Fountain Street and back again to West Main and Main
Street. It was an interesting sight to
witness. The streets were crowded with
people to witness the parade, and those taking part in it were highly
complimented all sides. Each union wore
a distinguishing mark of their trade. It
was made up of one of the finest bodies of men that has ever taken part in a
parade here . . . Labor day, 1904 will pass into history as one of the most
enjoyable that Watertown people have ever enjoyed.
1905
Third Annual Homecoming
The
afternoon was spent in perhaps the most natural picnic grounds in all America -
Tivoli Island. Situated in the middle of Rock River, containing several acres
of fine wooded land, and within walking distance of the city, it is an ideal
spot. The beauty of the scene is
enhanced by the renowned Rough and Ready waterfall, which stretches the whole
breadth of the river just at the end of the island and within full view of it .
. . full
article
c1905
1906
Bridge
The
current bridge, originally built around 1877 was
part of a four-span structure over the Crawfish River in the village of Milford. Two spans of the bridge were moved to the
present site in 1906. It is the last
remaining example in the state of a tubular iron arch design which was patented
in 1866 by Zenas King of Ohio.
By
1906 the bridge at Milford had begun to deteriorate, so the village of Milford
auctioned it off. Ernest and Fred Ohm
acquired half of the bridge--two spans, one six feet longer than the other--and
moved this shortened version to its current location, creating pedestrian access
to the Ohms’ Tivoli Island bowling and beer garden on the Rock River. The revelry ended with the advent of
Prohibition, but in 1961, the city of Watertown purchased the island,
established a city park, and redecked the bridge.
Historic
American Buildings Survey, 1987, ["moved from Milwaukee" is an
error], 15 pg pdf file
Historic
American Buildings Survey, 1987, six images
1907
Beer Garden
As the
Victorian age ended and the first Model T rolled into Watertown, the Concordia
Society disbanded and the island was sold. Around 1907 the Ohm brothers, local
saloon operators, purchased Concordia, and changed its name to Tivoli,
and for a short time opened a beer garden (a news item using the name
"Tivoli Island" instead of "Concordia Island" appeared in
the June 29, 1906 issue of the Watertown
Weekly Leader.
Tivoli Name
The
name Tivoli is said to have come either from an ancient summer pleasure resort
near Rome, Italy or from the Tivoli Gardens which had opened in Copenhagen in
1843.
The
Ohm brothers enclosed the pavilion and added on nine rooms. In 1907 a new concrete electrical dam was
constructed just down stream from the old earthen and timber dam. The older still remains but is submerged in
the pond of the new dam. The "Rough and Ready Dam," as the structure came
to be called, produced power for the electric railway that ran from Watertown
to Milwaukee.
1907
03 19 Tivoli Island will continue to be a
popular place of amusement, at least for the coming summer. When Ohm Brothers recently sold this resort
property, there were all kinds of rumors as to what disposition the purchaser
would make of the property. One even
went so far as to carry the impression that the land would be used for farm
purposes by William Strehmel of Columbus, the purchaser. It will be pleasing news to many to know that
the property has been leased by local parties and that it will continue as in
the past to be a scene of recreation and pleasure for many of our Watertown
people. As has been the custom in the
past, the island will be leased for picnics and other social gatherings. William J. Bethke has been engaged to manage
the island during the coming season and will put forth every effort to make the
spot even more popular than it has been in the past. It is understood that several improvements
will be made preparatory to the opening of the season. WL
04 26 Laborers will start at work this
morning putting Tivoli Island, our popular place of resort, in shape for the
season of 1907. A number of improvements
are to be made. The place will be opened
informally on the first of May. The
formal opening will occur on the 19th of May, when the members of the Watertown
Band will give their annual picnic. From
that time on there will be a picnic every Sunday and there will be music every
Tuesday and Friday evening. As previously
stated, Manager Bethke is arranging to secure some vaudeville attractions for
the summer, it being the intention to make the island even more popular than it
has been in the past. The Sunday dates
for Tivoli are fast filling up and if there are any who are planning on a
Sunday outing this summer, it would be advisable to get in their order early. WL
1908
06 13 Rural route No. 10 was
"specially" established yesterday between the city and Tivoli island
and Robert Irving "specially" appointed as rural
carrier and performed his first, last and only duty. He carried a single letter addressed to H. T.
Eberle, upon which there was no postage stamp, which, of course, was conclusive
evidence that it was only a "special" arrangement and Mr. Irving
performed his duty with promptness and dispatch, demonstrating that he is a
faithful and reliable official. WL
1909
08 06 Site of Homecoming celebration
gathering
08 27 Labor Day / Union Labor
Annual Picnic WG
1910
07 22 Homecoming Day reception WG
08 26 Labor Day celebration WG
08 26 Band concert and dance WG
1911
06 01 TIVOLI ISLAND CHANGES
PROPRIETORS
Gustave Teteschlag of
Waterloo has sold Tivoli Island to Henry M. Billinger of the same place. The latter was formerly one of the managers
of Wonderland, Milwaukee, and he intends making Tivoli Island a popular and high-class
resort this summer. WG
08 05 SITE OF 1911 HOMECOMING
CELEBRATION gathering
Bridge to island, south
from Smith Bridge, 1911
c1911
1912
07 11 TIVOLI ISLAND SOLD TO EMIL DOBBRATZ
Emil Dobbratz of Lebanon has purchased Tivoli
Island from A. Billmeyer, the consideration being $10,000. WG
1913
07 25 DISTURBANCES AFTER TIVOLI ISLAND DANCES
Considerable complaint
has been heard from citizens residing at the east end of Main Street because of
the disturbance caused by frequenters of the Tivoli Island dances when
returning late at night. If the city
authorities are going to allow these dances to continue they should see that
they are properly supervised by a policeman.
There should be no recurrence of the disturbances which have occurred in
the past at 1 and 2 o'clock a.m. after these dances. Watertown Weekly Leader
1917
09 03 AN IDEAL PLACE FOR PICNICS AND GATHERINGS
Tivoli
Island, ho my harties,
An
ideal place for picnic parties;
Open
to public day and night,
You’ll
always find things just about right.
Here
are served refreshments galore,
Always
on tap and then some more.
Proprietor
is Sommers—none better.
And ranks
A1 as a business getter.
Service
and quality of the best,
Cheerfully
given while you rest,
Family
gatherings or no matter who,
Or
social parties and a dance or two.
Tivoli
island under the management of Mr. Sommers has become a choice place in which
to while away the afternoon or evening.
It can be occupied as well by picnic parties and there is plenty of
opportunity for dancing. — Advertisement, The
Watertown News, 09 03 1917
1920
03 29 TIVOLI ISLAND DESTINED TO BECOME POULTRY FARM
Tivoli
Island, famed for years as a pleasure resort, is about to be converted into a
model poultry farm according to the plans of Roy F. Knowlton of this city, its
new owner.
Last
summer the property was sold at a sheriff’s sale to satisfy a mortgage
encumbrance and became the property of Greenwood’s Bank of Lake Mills, which
held the mortgage.
A deal
was consummated Saturday whereby the same was sold to Mr. Knowlton and he
intends to remodel the business house and dance hall into a residence, and use
the other buildings in the construction of a first class hennery.
The
premises have not been occupied since July 1, when Mr. Sommers, who conducted
the same as a beer garden and recreation park for a number of years, decided to
quit his lease. The island consists of
about four acres of land and the environments are such as to make it a paying
proposition in the poultry line
11 08 Melvin Max Wolf
was born on Tivoli Island.
1924
07 19 MANY TOURISTS VISIT CAMPING GROUNDS
Watertown’s
tourist camp is drawing many visitors these days, the grounds at times being a
regular tented city. In conversing with
these visitors one hears the general comment from them of the beauty, comfort
and hospitality of the camp.
State
inspectors of camp sites, here recently, say that it was one of the finest
located sites they know of and outside of minor recommendations said that
everything is O.K.
During
the past few days there has been a general cleaning up about the premises. Weeds have been cut, outbuildings and table
tops painted and carpenters are building a kitchen. In the kitchen will be Installed two-2-burner
electric hot plates, to be operated on the coin-in-a-slot plan. A quarter inserted in the meter gives about
two hours service. The work of
installing the plates will be started today.
Heretofore, two outside brick fireplaces were provided for the use of
the tourists, also a plentiful supply of dry wood. Hereafter no more wood will be supplied but
the stoves will remain.
To a
veteran tourist camper the first sight of the grounds is most appealing. The entrance is right off the main
highway. Coming in on No. 19 from the
east, near the city limits, on the autoist’s right hand, looms up a large
signboard bearing the legend: “You are in Watertown—A regular town,” and
an advertisement of A. W. Bailey, ideal Ford dealer. About three-tenths miles more and the driver
crosses the beautiful new Memorial bridge.
Just after crossing, to the left, is the entrance to the camp site. Here are two welcome signs, one addressed to
everybody and the other erected by Watertown’s Elks, inviting visiting Elks to
enjoy the hospitality of the local club rooms.
Crossing
the bridge onto Tivoli island, is one of the prettiest groves imaginable and
being surrounded by water, the scene is most pleasing to the eye. There is plenty of room and many arrangements
for comfort, such as cooking places; a large shed under which cars can drive
during wet weather; electric lighted grounds, good water supply and
toilets. A couple of hundred feet away
is the new gas and oil-station just completed by Arthur Bursinger.
The
grounds are worth visiting by local residents—in fact many people drive down of
an evening and eat a picnic supper there.
Evening is when most of the campers arrive. Reaching there about sundown they pitch their
tents, cook supper and remain for the night.
Up again with the birds, they get breakfast, pack camping equipment and
take to the open road again.
When
they cross the bridge to leave another sign says: “Good-bye, Come Again,” which
has a tendency to make one think: “Watertown is a regular town. It must be a fine place in which to live.” And it is!
1925
TOURIST CAMP
After
prohibition was put into effect the beer garden closed and the Ohm brothers
sold the island to Carl and Mary Wolf.
For some years the city rented the island for a tourist camp. At that
time sanitary facilities were also built, of which the cement foundation still
remains.
-- TIVOLI ISLAND SOLD TO COL. W. F. REICHARDT
In
1926 Col. W. F. Reichardt, a civil engineer, later city engineer, mayor, and a
WPA director, purchased the island.
Reichardt improved the bridge by building concrete middle piers, upon
which iron beams supported a wooden floor.
Reichardt also published a booklet with photos and a detailed
description of the island to promote its sale.
08 08 TIVOLI
ISLAND FOR SALE
“Ideal
for the man or club wishing a country place, or for platting into lots with a
community building now on the island.
Also a wonderful site of a Summer Hotel and Tea Room, Roadhouse or an
Amusement park. Nothing like it perhaps
in the entire Northwest.”
1927
12 24 TIVOLI TREE WITH LIGHTS PRETTY SIGHT
Tivoli
Island, owned by Col. W. F. Reichardt, is this year carrying the message of the
spirit of Christmas by means of a brilliantly lighted tree which is situated on
the island. One of the largest natural
pine trees on the property has been equipped with 40 powerful colored lights
and the tree presents a brilliant spectacle at night. It can be seen for a long distance in every
direction towering above the surrounding trees.
Motorist and others who travel the highway nearby have stopped to look
at it at night when it is illuminated, and it is an impressive sight to behold.
Year
after year the practice of equipping a tree out of doors with brilliant lights
is growing and in many cities in the residential districts the practice is
carried out on a large scale.
Tivoli
Island this year presents a real holiday spirit when the large tree is
illuminated, and it is a sight worth seeing.
Several
smaller trees have been placed in front of residences here. Among the prettiest is that to be found on
the premises of the Dr. W. S. Waite home at 210 E. Water Street.
1931
05 13 PENNY SHOWER DANCE
Henry Schaller is new manager
Penny
Shower Dance at Tivoli Island Tonight.
Alton F. Gritzner and his Casino Band will play. Henry Schaller is the new manager of the
island and this is the first of a series of special novelties. The penny shower dance is something new in
dances and hundreds of pennies will be given away during the course of the
evening.
05 20 DEAD BABY IS FOUND ON TIVOLI ISLAND
05 21 BIRTH CERTIFICATE SOLVES MYSTERY
Birthday
certificate solves mystery of finding dead baby. Father of dead baby found on
Tivoli Island was P. J. MacKinney.
1933
WDTimes / 03 29 1933
Tivoli Island---Paradise of the Past
Nestled in an elbow of the winding path of the Rock river at the eastern limits of Watertown rests Tivoli island, known earlier as Concordia island, pleasure spot of the past, playground of children, meeting-ground of their elders, an arboreal retreat of old.
Tivoli island today is little changed
materially from what it was in the late nineties and early part of the present
century, however, for no longer does it play the part in the community life of
Watertown that it did in its earlier years.
To the return of beer, now, the island looks for its "new
deal" hoping that with the advent of the legalized beverage former
visitors to this sylvan paradise will regain some of that lost spirit of gemuetlichkeit which was ever evident in the past.
Prospects Seem Appealing
While its present owner, Col. W. F. Reichardt, has planned nothing definite for the future of the island, prospects of its transformation into a typical European biergarten present themselves as all the more alluring as each new day comes and goes.
What of this island paradise of which Watertown residents speak with a hushed awe, a sigh and a twinkling eye? Whence did its appeal come? How did it grow to be one of the most famous resort spots in the state, a mecca for the tired city residents searching a quiet spot for re-pose and relaxation, a haven for the people of Watertown in the simple life of a simple era?
Recall Early Period
Turn back the calendar, invert the hour-glass and let the sands of conquering time flow backward. Put aside thoughts of present trying times and journey back 50 years to a Watertown of another era, a Watertown whose days and nights are spent in hard, careful work, and simple home-ly entertainment. S tep away from the era of the automobile, the radio, the speakeasy, the airplane, the motion picture and stroll down the road of the past back to the island!
The year is 1881. Watertown is a city of 8,000, a bustling little railroad center and city of small industries. Much of its population comprises retired farmers and their families. The city offers few amusements other than those which nature itself provided. Yet even in this small community there is a spot that is as much of an institution in the life of the people as in Schlitz and Pabst parks in Milwaukee, "Over the Rhine" in Cincinnati or Coney Island in New York.
It is a Sunday afternoon in late July or early August. It is warm, yet not intensely so. From a clear, sparsely-clouded sky a summer sun shines down on the brown gravel road that leads eastward from the trading center of the city. Down the road moves a family of five, father mother, one son of about 19, another of 10 and a daughter of 12.
Group Dresses Simply
Clad in a black suit and straw sailor hat, an uncomfortable stiff collar and plain-hued tie the father walks with his wife, assisting her over the edge of the road with his free hand while the other carries a large basket covered with a linen cloth. On the other side of his mother jogs along the elder son, dressed similar to his father, yet his attire revealing more of the spirit of his youth. The mother wears a long, light summer dress, simple in adornment, high leather shoes scarcely visible from under the long ruffles of her gown. Her head dress is a large bonnet of straw bearing garland of highly-colored cloth flowers.
The young lad wears dark pantaloons, white shirt open at the neck and romps along hatless. The daughter wears an abbreviated copy of her mother's garb, her long blonde braided tresses, with ribbons tied to the ends, falling out from under her little hat and draping over her sleeved shoulders.
Buggies Roll Past
Occasionally a horse-drawn buggy rides by and there is an exchange of nods. Only a few pass during the walk to the picnic spot at the out skirts for buggies are costly and wealth is rare in this small city. The passage of a rubber-tired buggy is almost a call for a bow of respect. Only the absolute aristocracy can own buggies with soft tires!
Soon the quintet reaches the hill far in the outskirts and as the crest is crossed, the tall tops of the giant elms come to view. Concordia island is but a few hundred yards away. The lad puts on a final spirt; sister, with childish eager takes up the chase to cross the narrow bridge and find the best spot for the picnic. The elder son in affected dignity stays behind with his parents, nursing in his quickening heart that a certain "she" will be picnicking this day too.
Trees Adorn Site
Once there the island soon reveals all its natural attraction. Here, surrounded on all sides, by the rippling waters of the gurgling Rock river is a plat of ground that Providence must have set aside for just the purpose the early Watertown folk chose. Adorned with a few man-made buildings, nature had blessed it with an abundance of verdant shrubbery, tall, white birches, stately elms and green, fuzzy evergreens.
Back from the bridge that spans this natural moat is a fountain, babbling its aquatic melody to vie with that of the rolling river nearby. Still farther back is the main pavilion, the bandstand and the bowling alleys where the ancient game of ninepins rules the hours. Scattered about these buildings are other small family parties, picnicking, chatting and exchanging greetings and conversant over important subjects the day.
Family Secures Dining Spot
Having chosen a site under a large, shady tree the party of five settles down to enjoy one of those typical afternoons at the island. Once at ease, the father removes his coat, lounges for a time on the green, fragrant sod; the mother busies herself with unpacking the basket. The younger children restlessly roam about. The elder son sits stiffly and uneasily; he has not espied "her" as yet.
Despite the simple pastime, the day seems to pass speedily. Only a few minutes seem to expire before the warm sun starts to descend beneath the horizon of Richard's hill.
The call to lunch comes, but the mother finds her family scatted. Johnnie, the younger boy, she knows, has pulled off his stockings and started wading along the edge of the stream for crabs. The last she saw of Emma, the daughter, she was running races with some of her schoolmates while not dabbling her hands in the cool water of the fountain bowl. Father has been dividing his time between the ninepin alley and the bar, rattling with the knock of large steins upon the wood and echoing the sound of the foamy beer as it spouts from the keg. William, the elder son, is dividing his cake, but not his attention. He has joined "her" family for the day and is lunching from that basket.
Hours Invigorate Appetites
After the family once again has been reunited the pleasant task of disposing of the food is cared for quickly. Crab fishing, bowling and running feed fuel to burning appetites. And even though some of the gossip may have taken mother's breath away, her longing for food still lives.
The luncheon has ended. The entire family joins to help clean and dispose of the slight waste. Once arranged, the party disperses for a time to previous amusements, while mother stays behind and works at her crocheting until the growing dusk makes it impossible. As the caretakers stroll about to light the huge kerosene lamps to illuminate the grounds for the evening, the parties one by one gather up their belongings to return westward along the road. As they cross the bridge with lagging feet at least one from each group says, as he turns back to look at the lighted haven, glimmering there in the reflection of the rolling waters: “I wish it was next Sunday already.” Tis the end of a perfect day.
Boasted No Formality
Concordia island to the Victorian era gave Watertown persons many days described in the above fashion. This quiet spot where friend met friend and neighbor conversed with neighbor offered the city a valuable aid in development of its democratic community life. It boasted no pomp, pleasures and amusements to appeal to a simple folk who worked hard, led simple lives and were really happy. To them an afternoon such as this contained a measure more of thrills and pleasure than does one of this era replete with modern inventions and twentieth century comforts.
The island was not wholly as beautiful by nature as it
appeared to the hundreds who assembled there.
It took great planning and long hours of labor to develop it to the
stage where it stood at the apex of its popularity. The Concordia society, musical organization of early Watertown, supplied that
labor.
Members Erected Buildings
According to members of the society, the charter group purchased the land and set about to level it into the woodland paradise that it was. These rugged men, putting aside their singing talents during spare hours, worked with hand and body, toiled fervently and inspiredly to erect a natural monument to their organization and its friends. Many of the singers were carpenters; others knew landscaping; still others were handy at plumbing.
With these expert tradesmen directing the work, others donated their help in erecting the spacious pavilion, the bowling alleys, the fountain and the bandstand. From all appearances the playing waters of the fountain seemed to be fed by an underground spring. So carefully had these pioneers worked to preserve the pristine naturalness of their meeting ground that they secluded the huge water tank which kept the fountain at play. A windmill pumped the water into the giant container.
Planted Trees, Landscaped
Those white birches, stately elms and bobbing spruces were not always as kempt and pruned as they appeared to visitors at the island. The early Concordians planted them and landscaped the soil over the tract. These shapers of nature's mold knew well their task.
Not always was the island just a retreat for the people of Watertown and the immediate vicinage. Now and then the society would be host to a saengerfest, a musical festival in which most of the singing organizations of the state would take part. To the islet they would come with their families, to partake of a sylvan picnic at Watertown’s pleasure spot them all to assemble in a mass chorus to sing the melodies popular at the time.
Band concerts, too, were frequent. Often Bach's or Clauder's bands, musical groups which had established far-flung reputation by their playing in Milwaukee's parks, would journey out to Concordia island for a concert, a meal, a few hours of exchanged greetings with acquaintances here. Conviviality was the spirit of the hour; affected formalities were hurled to the winds.
Visiting Clubs Used Site
When Watertown staged one of its early homecoming festivals, the island was a favorite rendezvous and former residents who returned to the community found it quite the same as it had been when they left. For years it figured in gatherings of this type, not only to organizations from the city but from the entire state. Unions, clubs and trade guilds would find their way to the city to rent the use of this natural park for the day. Here they would find the privacy and carefree gaiety their own localities had failed to provide.
For many years the society operated the island and found it profitable venture. Conditions changed, the appeal declined with the alteration of modes of living and methods of work and play. The society sold the favorite haunt to private operators and for some time continued as an amusement place. The name changed to Tivoli.
Hope For Revival
In later years it fell from use and now stands deserted except for the wild life which still finds it the happy playground that previous human generations did. A sudden change in living modes again offers the island new hopes of restoration. If this scenic resort of another era can be revived once again, all who strolled out to the land in former years join in hopes that it will be reincarnated with the spirit which it fostered in the simple days of long ago.
1938
Fountain pretty much ruined by this time
1941
-- -- CITY CONSIDERED PURCHASE
OF ISLAND
In
1941 the city of Watertown considered buying Tivoli from Reichadt, but the idea
was voted down by the citizens. There
was much debate for and against, and many "Voice of the People” articles
appeared in the Daily Times. The main argument against its purchase was
shortage of money at the time and no desire for an increase in taxes.
Late
that year the island was lost to the county for taxes and purchased from the
county by Flora Gerbitz. For many years
Tivoli had been left alone and buildings remained vacant. In 1946 Henry Scholl purchased the island
from Gerbitz.
1960
Jan CAUGHT IN THE ACT
Officer Leonard Braunschweig
feeding the ducks at Tivoli island
1961
PURCHASE OF ISLAND BY CITY
In
1961 the city of Watertown purchased the island at which time the old run down
buildings that remained were torn down and dead trees removed. The bridge was given a new floor and opened
for foot travel. Other than this initial
clean up, little was done to change the island.
01 11 SURVEY OF TIVOLI ISLAND BRIDGE
Plans
are underway here to make a survey of the bridge which leads to Tivoli Island,
a piece of property which the city purchased last year, before any action is
taken regarding the future use of the island.
City officials will inspect the bridge.
If a new bridge is built to the island it will in all probability be a
foot bridge, since the old type span which used to accommodate carriages and
horses to the island in its heyday as an outing and picnic grounds is not
necessary today. The island was
purchased from the Henry Scholl Estate for $5,000, of which $2,500 was paid
last year with the remaining half to be paid this year. WDT
02 15 Tivoli Island, widely known picnic and
gathering place for this area in the Gay 90s and before that and also some time
after, is being integrated into the city's park system. The island, which was acquired by the city
council last year, has already undergone extensive clearing and
restoration. Other changes will be made
in the months ahead. On the city council
agenda for this week's meeting, Acting City Manager Glenn R. Ferry has included
a “progress report” to keep council members informed on what has been done so
far. Today the full text of the report
was released for publication. The island
is being set aside as an arboretum. It
has long been the center of small wild life and a gathering place for birds as
well as ducks and other water fowl. WDT
02 21 Tivoli Island, once a
popular recreation area for residents of Watertown, may soon again become a
place for relation for city people. The
island sank into disrepair in recent years and was ignored for some time. The area was obtained recently by the city
and placed under the jurisdiction of the park department. Improvement of the island under the guidance
of Ewald Brumm, park superintendent, has been continuous.
The old building that
was located near the center of the isle has been removed and brush and dead
trees have been cleared away. Dense
brush along the stream banks has been trimmed out to open vistas of the stream
and surrounding areas to visitors on the island. A fence has been erected on the south end of
the island to prevent youngsters from reaching any danger areas near the power station or the dam. WDT
1968
10 11 DEVELOPMENT OF ISLAND PROPOSED
Development of Tivoli
Island, once the city’s outstanding recreation and picnic grounds, known
throughout Wisconsin, has been proposed by the City Recreation and Park
Commission. It has been suggested to the
commission by one of its members that a master plan of city parks also be
undertaken and that professional help be engaged for this purpose. Dega and Stluka Associates of Madison and a
representative agency are to be invited to meet shortly with commission members
to discuss such steps.
10 11 DEVELOPMENT OF ISLAND APPROVED
A $30,000 item
providing for the restoration of Tivoli Island which was deleted from the
city’s general budget at Tuesday night’s meeting was restored at an adjourned
session of the common council last night at which the 1969 budget was finally
adopted.
1969
-- -- DEVELOP ISLAND INTO OUTDOOR
RECREATIONAL FACILITY
In
1969 a resolution was put before the city council to develop Tivoli Island into
an outdoor recreational facility. It was
voted down because of the high cost of initial and future development.
03 08 IMPROVEMENT OF ISLAND (1)
< 6 photos, scroll forward
City
park and recreation department employees are continuing their work on the
initial steps for the improvement of Tivoli Island. The diseased trees have been cut down, and
the men cleared the area of fallen trees and brush. The next step will be the planting of grass
and trees. A sum of $30,000 was
placed in the budget this year for the project, half of which it expects will
be replaced by the federal government.
08 17 IMPROVEMENT OF ISLAND (2)
Members of the city
council on Monday evening will discuss a proposed resolution which would
obligate the city for approximately $11,858 for the development of Tivoli
Island. The projects will cost
approximately $23,716, however, under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act,
the federal government will pay half of the cost. The project will be accomplished with
matching Federal Funds, during the three-year period from 1970 to 1972. The project calls for the installation of
sanitary facilities, a shelter building, water supply and park equipment. The resolution also calls for the park and
recreation department to make application with the State Conservation
Department to seek the federal assistance for the program.
08 23 IMPROVEMENT PLAN DEFEATED
Mayor Kenneth Wilkes
Tuesday evening cast the tiebreaking vote to defeat a three-year plan for the
development of outdoor recreational facilities on Tivoli Island. The proposed resolution called for the city
to obligate $11,858 in funds which would be approximately 50 per cent of the
total cost of the first stage of the plan.
The other half would be paid by the federal government under the Land
and Water Conservation act of the federal government.
1975
In
1975 the Jaycees asked the city to consider restoration of Tivoli Island to the
condition it was while Concordia Society owned, it. Plans were discussed for
reconstruction of the pavilion and fountain that existed there at the turn of
the century. This proposal was turned down for several reasons. Limited
parking, availability of other parks of that type, and Tivoli's location near
the flood plain ruled out the possibility of such development.
For
many years Tivoli Island has been left to itself. Its inhabitants have been the squirrels and
many species of birds. Ordinarily a piece of property located so close to a
residential area would have been developed or misused. But because it is an
island with only one bridge as an access point, the Rock River offers the best
natural protection available. Because of this protected isolation, and the wide
variety of existing natural landscaping, an idea was thought of to create
Tivoli Island into a natural park.
An
article requesting support of such a project was published in the Daily Times and the Izaak Walton League
responded by volunteering financial and physical support. This plan includes
the planting of native species and removal of foreign plants. It extends over a five-year period, and will
restore the island with its native vegetation.
In
April of this year the Izaak Walton League and the Octagon Garden Club worked
on the development of this plan.
The
Octagon Garden Club has planted nearly 100 native wildflower plants. Of the
flowers planted some of the species were Virginia Bluebells, Wild Columbine,
Jack in the Pulpit, Wild Ginger, Wild Blue Phlox, Mayapple, Bloodroot, Trillium
and Jacobs Ladder. These flowers were purchased through funds provided by the
club.
Hiking Trail
The
Izaak Walton League has begun laying out a hiking trail which will cover the
island. In order to make a good walking surface, a layer of wood chips was used
to cover the path. These wood chips were made from fallen or dead trees and
provided by the Park and Recreation Department. The Izaaks also cut and piled
fallen tree limbs to provide habitat for small wildlife. Derived in part from Watertown Daily Times, 06 12 1976
1976
Maintenance of Tivoli
Island adopted by the Izaak Walton League in 1976
as part of a bicentennial project
1977
05 11 TIVOLI ISLAND AS A WILDERNESS PARK
The development of
Tivoli Island as a wilderness park will be continued Saturday by members of the
Izaak Walton League. The project will be
a general work day with members planting trees and shrubs, redressing wood chip
paths, installing oak benches and cleaning up paper, cans and other debris on
the island. Donald Hanson, Izaak Walton
League member, said the wilderness park concept does not necessarily mean
cutting down trees, clearing out branches and carefully manicuring Tivoli
Island. WDT
1987
02 08 TICKETED FOR FEEDING DUCKS
Throwing scraps of
bread to a duck at Tivoli Island may cost a Watertown woman up to $50.25 as
police have issued their first ticket for feeding the birds on public
property. A police spokesman said the
ticketing officer was responding to a scene of a minor accident when he noticed
the woman feeding the birds. He then
stopped and issued the ticket, while another officer responded to the
accident. “It was pretty obvious,” the
spokesman said of the feeding. “We
aren’t looking to give out tickets” for feeding the ducks. “We’re just following what we’ve been
told." WDT
1999
08 31 EROSION STUDY
A first-ever erosion
study of Riverside Park and Tivoli Island has
been recommended by the Watertown Park, Recreation & Forestry
Commission. The recommendation to
contract Bonestroo & Associates to study erosion at the park and natural
island preserve at a cost of $9,700 will go before the Common Council in
September. Any construction on an
erosion control program would not take place until 2001. Bonestroo said that Tivoli Island, a heavily
wooded and passive recreational facility, has already experienced significant
land loss. Flat, peninsula-type portions
of the island have disappeared from sight.
WDT
2001
08 12 SHORELINE
RESTORATION, ATTEMPT TO STOP EROSION
Following the
installation of natural landscaping techniques, shoreline restoration along
Tivoli Island is complete. Steffes
Construction of Eden took roughly 2 1/2 weeks to finish the stabilization and
planting project to help combat years of erosion that has gradually reduced the
island’s size. Erosion adds soil and
nutrients to the water causing siltation and contributing to algae blooms. Cost for the restoration project, which
totaled roughly $50,000, had already been figured into this year’s budget. However original recommendations to use
biodegradable logs wouldn’t work with Tivoli’s rock bottom. Since there was no way to anchor the logs,
and bids for this procedure were too high, research began for a different
stabilization approach.
2002
05 16 IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE PROJECT
A 2002 project of the Izaak Walton League is the maintenance of Tivoli
Island which the club adopted in 1976 as part of a bicentennial project. Member Don Hanson, chairman of the project
since its inception, said the island needed considerable cleaning up at the
beginning of its project. Formerly called Concordia Island, the area once had a
pavilion and fountain but had fallen into disrepair. Old lumber, fencing and concrete and other
debris had to be removed. Members also
cut back brush and laid out walking paths.
2006
BRIDGE RE-DECKED
Watertown
Park and Recreation Department re-decked the historic bridge structure in
December 2006.
2008
05 18 SPRUCING UP TIVOLI ISLAND
The Izaak Walton League invited teens from the Watertown Recreation and Outreach Center (ROC) to join them in their yearly
sprucing up of Tivoli Island. “The
island continues to be a wonderful place for people to enjoy as they are able
to walk all over the island on groomed wood chip trails,” Rev. Tim Mueller,
director of the ROC Youth Center, said.
“Folks can walk and enjoy nature on Tivoli Island, especially now, as
many varieties of birds and baby ducks are visible and the spring flowers are
in full bloom.” Every year the Izaak
Walton League cleans up and spreads new wood chips over the many trails.
Cross-References:
How
to Build an Island: An Environmental
History of Tivoli Island, Jesse Koehler contribution (Word doc), 2010
Homecoming
Day celebrations, Tivoli Island site of
History of Watertown,
Wisconsin