Brightwood Beach Cottage facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Brightwood Beach Cottage
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Litchfield, Minnesota |
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| Built | 1889 |
| Architect | Phelps, G.B. |
| NRHP reference No. | 78001551 |
| Added to NRHP | May 22, 1978 |
The Brightwood Beach Cottage is a really cool old building with eight sides, called an octagon. It sits on the southern shore of Lake Ripley in Litchfield, Minnesota. This unique cottage was once part of a popular vacation spot called the Brightwood Beach Resort, which opened way back in 1889.
Today, the Brightwood Beach Cottage is a special historic place. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. This means it's recognized as an important part of history!
Contents
What Was the Brightwood Beach Resort?
The Brightwood Beach Resort was a big deal when it opened in 1889. It was a fancy place where people could go for fun and relaxation. The resort offered many exciting activities for its guests.
Fun Activities at the Resort
Visitors to Brightwood Beach Resort could enjoy lots of things. They had concerts and even classes where you could learn about fine arts. There was also live entertainment to keep everyone amused.
For those who loved being active, the resort offered dancing and ball games. You could also go canoeing on Lake Ripley. Steamboat rides were very popular, taking people on tours around the beautiful lake.
A "Gem of a Lake"
People really loved Lake Ripley and the resort. The Minnesota Editorial Association, a group of newspaper writers, once called Brightwood "the most lovely spot in Minnesota." They said Lake Ripley was a "gem of a lake" with "pebbly shores and blue as the vaults of heaven."
Thousands of people visited the resort every year. Many of them were wealthy, dressed in fancy suits and dresses. It was a very popular place for summer vacations.
Why Did the Resort Close?
Even though many people visited, the Brightwood Beach Resort didn't make enough money. It faced some tough times financially.
Economic Problems and Competition
In 1893, there was a big economic downturn across the country, sometimes called the Panic of 1893. This made it hard for many businesses, including the resort, to stay open.
Also, new resorts were opening further north. These resorts became easier to reach because of new railroads. This meant more competition for Brightwood Beach. Because of these challenges, the resort had to close its doors in 1893.
The Cottage's New Life
Even after the main resort closed, the octagonal cottage remained. It was a sturdy and unique building.
From Waiting Area to Home
The cottage was originally used as a waiting area for steamboat passengers. It was also a landing station for the boats on Lake Ripley.
After the resort closed, the cottage was sold. Dr. Frank E. Bissell bought it first. Then, in 1907, Tipton Fester McClure purchased it. McClure was an investor in a local business, the Litchfield Glove Factory.
The McClures made some changes to the cottage. They added screens to the south side. They also created a kitchen and a bedroom inside the main part of the building. After these changes, they rented it out to others.
A Summer Home for Many Years
Later, in 1950, Vern Sederstrom bought the house. He then sold it to Raynold and Myrtle Allen. For many years, the octagonal cottage was the Allen family's summer home. It was a special place for them to spend their summers by the lake.
The Allen family also played a big part in making sure the cottage's history was remembered. They helped get the cottage officially recognized as a historic site.
Becoming a Historic Landmark
The Brightwood Beach Cottage is now a protected historic building. This is thanks to its listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is an official list kept by the United States government. It includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is added to this list, it means it's considered very valuable and worth preserving for future generations.
The Brightwood Beach Cottage was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 22, 1978. This helps ensure that this unique octagonal building and its history will be protected for many years to come.
