According to McLaughlin, Lora Knight was known for her hospitality and philanthropy. Knight had become acquaintances with the Armstrongs through church affiliations and after the purchase she would build her majestic Vikingsholm the following year. 9 Mar 1997 26 Oct 2021 California's Gold. First, Huell . Lora had a life-long reputation for her generous hospitality, philanthropy and numerous financial contributions to youth groups in California and Nevada. [5] Despite the divorce, Lora continued to use her ex-husband's last name. In total, construction of Vikingsholm was estimated to cost $500,000. 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. The house is open for tours during the summer months and the magnificent scenery may be enjoyed all year around by those wishing to visit this beautiful setting. Lennart Palme said: The problem of placing Vikingsholm without disturbing the trees was perhaps the trickiest I have had to solve either abroad or in these United States.. This is a BETA experience. 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. But the story of Mrs. Knight and her Vikingsholm stand apart from the rest. There was a boathouse for Knights largest boat, a beautiful mahogany cabin cruiser named the Valkyrie. Mosquito Fire in Tahoe National Forest balloons to 5,000 acres, Burning Man aftermath leaves mounds of trash in Tahoe area, 'Don't be a hero': The bomb that nearly destroyed a Tahoe resort. They worked diligently throughout the summer and by the end of the season the house was completed. She had inherited a fortune from her first husband. Whether its delightful dining options, fun things to do or amazing outdoor recreation opportunities, we have you covered. Lora had a life-long reputation for her generous hospitality, philanthropy and numerous financial contributions to youth groups in California and Nevada. According to McLaughlin, Lora Knight was known for her hospitality and philanthropy. Lora Small (Knight) was born in Galena, Illinois, in 1864. It is now a part of the Harvey West Unit of the Emerald Bay State Park. In the winter, Vikingsholm is quiet. Knight. In the 1960s, the property was vandalized, especially the teahouse, which is now only four rock walls and empty squares for windows. 
First, Huell . It was built in 1928 and is now one of the treasured historic landmarks of Northern California. [2], Media related to Vikingsholm at Wikimedia Commons, Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}385708N 1200624W / 38.95216N 120.10675W / 38.95216; -120.10675. Readers around Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and beyond make the Sierra Sun's work possible. Lora and her sister Ada married two brothers, William and James Moore, who worked as partners in their fathers law firm. WebIn 1928 Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight purchased the land that encompasses Emerald Bay and Fannette Island for $250,000. EDITORS NOTE: This article was originally published in the Summer 2017 edition of Tahoe Magazine. She had a granite teahouse that resembled a small castle built on the crest of the island. In 1922, Lora Moore married Harry French Knight, a stockbroker. Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. Lora Josephine Knight bought the land to build a summer home similar to those she had seen on her travels to Scandinavia. Search. 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. Mrs. Knights Emerald Bay castle, called Vikingsholm, is an homage to Scandinavian architecture. The William Henry Armstrong family acquired the property in 1892 and they used the cabins as their summer residence for over 32 years. As recently as a few weeks ago, scuba divers found the body of a man who had drowned in the lake 17 years ago, still in his wetsuit. Those wishing to know more can enjoy one of the daily guided tours through the end of September. James Hobart Moore passed away in 1916 at their home in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. I've heard stories about the wealthy woman who built the teahouse on the island. Promotional Rates were found for your code. Mrs. Knight had traveled Scandinavia with her architect where they were inspired by the architecture. Welcome! They visited Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. Mrs. Knight had traveled Scandinavia with her architect where they were inspired by the architecture. "[4], Vikingsholm, along with Knight's "Tea House" on Fannette Island, is a part of Emerald Bay State Park, which has been declared a National Natural Landmark. In early 1916 they bought a home near Santa Barbara hoping that the mild Mediterranean climate might improve his condition, but he died on July 20, 1916, leaving Lora an estate worth $15 million. Ben Holiday, stagecoach magnate and early-day transportation king, constructed a home there in the late 1860s. 
Lora J. Knight and her former husband financially supported Charles Lindberghs history-making flight over the Atlantic. Emerald Bay Overlook: In 1928, Lora Knight purchased Emerald Bay for $250,000. She exhibited Indian baskets, including some by the noted Washoe weaver Dat-So-La-Lee, also known as Louisa Keyser. Brown grew up on Tahoe's West Shore. GPS locations now direct divers to a wide variety of wrecks at depths up to 60 feet with markers explaining the history of the vessel and details how they were used. Vikingsholm in 1932, soon after construction. Read More. Tours are given of the American Craftsman Vikingsholm museum home for a nominal fee. Lora Knight filled her castle with original antiques she picked up in Scandinavia. 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. Breakfast was at 8 a.m. sharp, but afterwards, time was for the taking to read, hike up to the waterfalls or go fishing off the dock, Smith said. 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. It was first published on this website in August 2018 and is presented in its original form. 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. While Mrs. Knight is known for building Vikingsholm, she and her businessman husband Harry were also primary backers of Charles Lindbergh's non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927. Birth. Tag: Lora Josephine Knight. 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. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Wisconsin Lake Geneva The property passed through two more landowners before California State Parks bought 177 acres, including the island and the structures, in 1953 for $150,000. WebLora 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. Small. 
Today, Lora Knights Viking castle is considered perhaps the finest example of Scandinavian architecture in North America. 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. His award-winning books are available at local stores or atwww.thestormking.com. Their Wisconsin chateau boasted 27 rooms, a wine cellar and a two-lane bowling alley. The estate was sold to Lawrence Holland, a rancher from Nevada. In 1922, Lora married Harry French Knight. [1][2] She hired Swedish architect Lennart Palme, who she was related through marriage, and chose a Scandinavian motif based on Palme's own home in New York. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Wisconsin Lake Geneva Thank you for reading! In later years, Charles Lindbergh frequently visited Lora Knight at her Santa Barbara estate and the Vikingsholm castle as well. Palme and Knight traveled to Scandinavia that summer to research the design features that would be incorporated into her Tahoe castle. Lora Small (Knight) was born in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 of English descent. [1][2][3][4], In 1884, the two had a son, Nathaniel Moore, who later married Helen Fargo, heiress to the Wells Fargo fortune. You have permission to edit this article. Mrs. Knight (right) with Lennart Palme and family. These young men eventually grained controlling interests in a number of large companies, including National Biscuit, Continental Can, Diamond Match, Union Pacific, and Rock Island Railroad. His nationally reported death led to a crackdown on Chicago brothels and morphine abuse. Astronomers suggested that a high-altitude mountain location above atmospheric dust and away from city light would be the best location. [4] She died at Vikingsholm in 1945 at the age of 82. On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. 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. Her Vikingsholm Castle was completed in 1929 and reflected Scandinavian style of construction and architectural design. She also was a major benefactor to the Christian Science churches in Santa Barbara, Reno, and South Lake Tahoe. In 1915, they purchased a home in Santa Barbara, but had little time to enjoy it together since Mr. Moore died in 1916. 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. Utilizing 200 workers the home was constructed during the Summer of 1929. He grew up much like youd think the single heir to a fortune would, but his time was short. Wildlife have several strategies to endure Lake Tahoes winters, Steeped in old town Truckee history, Moodys serves up innovative cuisine, Earn your turns: Tahoe Backcountry Alliance encourages stewardship, accessibility to backcountry, The art of charcuteski: Craft an on-mountain dining experience with the skis that got you there. "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, Pages using infobox person with multiple spouses, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 28 July 2022, at 22:31. Loras marriage to Harry Knight didnt last for more than a couple of years before they divorced. 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. With her first husband, she had a 27-room estate at Lake Geneva, a retreat for Midwestern tycoons, according to the Chicago Tribune. Theres A Breathtaking Castle Nestled In The Mountains Of Northern California. WebIn 1928 Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight, purchased about two hundred acres of land at Emerald Bay in the Lake Tahoe region of California. Mrs. Knight commissioned Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect and her nephew by marriage, to design Vikingsholm. WebLora 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. As fate would have it, Lora married James and her sister Ada married William. Pieces of wood resembling spikes adorn the gutters in a nod to the Scandinavian custom people used to ward off evil spirits. [1] She became one of the wealthiest women in America according to newspapers at the time. Knight. Those wishing to know more can enjoy one of the daily guided tours from Memorial Day weekend until the end of September. 1 May 1864. 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. For many years fishermen have claimed to see dead bodies floating on the surface of the lake when the waters warm up. She also clearly had an eye for real estate. Sometimes government officials did not allow these native heirlooms removed from the country, so Knight had craftsmen reproduce them in exact detail, including the aging of the wood and even mimicking scratches on the originals. WebLora Josephine Knight constructed Vikingsholm in the Scandinavian style because Emerald Bay reminded her of the fjords she visited on trips to that region. According to McLaughlin, Lora Knight was known for her hospitality and philanthropy. Mrs. Knight would arrive for the summer in the middle of June and stay until the middle of September. Shes recalled some of those memories in a booklet and, more recently, as a park ranger. Tag: Lora Josephine Knight. 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. Meals were sumptuous and occupied a good part of each day. Lora and her husband, James, traveled extensively in California as to foreign countries. 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. WebVikingsholm was built by Lora Josephine Knight as a summer home. This is a carousel. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains on the border of California and Nevada, the water is extremely cold and impossible to explore its deepest caverns, contributing to the many expeditions that have taken place to unveil the mysteries and legends of the Lake. 
He was a stockbroker in St. Louis, Missouri, and an aspiring pilot. 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. Mrs. Knight and the Palmes traveled to Scandinavia in the summer of 1928 to gather ideas for the construction of the house at Emerald Bay. Photographs taken on that trip show how faithfully Mr. Palme reproduced specific features of these Scandinavian buildings in the design of Vikingsholm. The house included stables for 60 horses and a bowling alley. Nathaniel later married Helen Fargo, of Wells Fargo Bank. His land was eventually sold to Paul Kirby in 1880. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference. There have been countless sightings of the beast starting throughout the decades beginning in the 50's when divers reported finding a cave and spotted a creature exiting it, also in the 90's when kayakers saw a black hump in the water, a story that was repeated often including a crew member aboard the famed Tahoe Queen boat who photographed it. And in this episode, Huell visits three of the most fascinating of these rocks. By the 1870s Lick was in poor health, but still fiercely determined to build the observatory. Vikingsholm is administered by the California Park System. Despite its ancient motif, Vikingsholm had all the conveniences available in the 1930s, including electricity, modern fixtures and private baths in the bedrooms. Visitors varied in age from young children to the very elderly. But Vikingsholm is the house that Lora will always be known for. Now part of Emerald Bay State Park, Vikingsholm was once the summer home for Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight. Newspapers reported that Nathaniels death had a devastating impact on his parents, especially his father, who grew ill soon after. 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 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. 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. Unfortunately, they were not happy together and divorced after just a couple of years. 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. Mrs. Knight enjoyed entertaining and invited many friends and family members to visit during the summer months. The locally quarried granite boulders were ferried by barge to the island where derricks lifted them stone by stone. 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. For many years locals of Lake Tahoe have heard stories of dead bodies, possibly the victims of mobsters from the nearby casino's being dumped. Currently it is used as a hiking trail by those wishing to visit this remarkable castle. Read More. She made financial contributions stretching from Santa Barbara, CA, to Reno, NV, and went toward youth groups, community centers, and college scholarships. They also spent time at their luxury homes in Illinois and Wisconsin. Their Wisconsin chateau boasted 27 rooms, a wine cellar and a two-lane bowling alley. Despite its ancient motif, Vikingsholm had all the conveniences available in the 1930s, including electricity, modern fixtures and private baths in the bedrooms. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. WebLora Josephine Knight purchased the property encompassing the head of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island in 1928 for $250,000. The foundation was laid in 1928, and the building was constructed in 1929 by around 200 workers. From there they strolled back down to Vikingsholm.. A caretaker and his family lived on the property year around and four or five yardmen were hired locally each season to care for the grounds. After Edward Smalls death, William and James took over the firm and formed the Moore Brothers partnership. Fannette Island, located in Emerald Bay of Lake Tahoe, California. Finnish carpenters were then brought in to hew timber, while a Scandinavian craftsman was hired to create the intricate exterior wood carvings. Lora had a life-long reputation for her generous hospitality, philanthropy and numerous financial contributions to youth groups in California and Nevada. [2], In 1922, she married stockbroker Harry French Knight of St. Life was good for the Moores, but after their purchase of the Tahoe property, James health began to fail. There is dramatic history in the Emerald Bay area of Lake Tahoe where the new dive trail is located. 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. Mrs. Knight had it graded in 1929 for $10,000 so that she and her guests could arrive by automobile. Their Wisconsin chateau boasted 27 rooms, a wine cellar and a two-lane bowling alley. The property on which Vikingsholm is built includes 232 acres of Tahoes most beautiful vistas, the only island in Lake Tahoe, and the only waterfall that flows directly into the lake. Lora Knight filled her castle with original antiques she picked up in Scandinavia. She and Mr. Knight actively promoted Charles Lindberghs flight across the Atlantic and were the prime financial backers of that flight. Sometimes government officials did not allow these native heirlooms removed from the country, so Knight had craftsmen reproduce them in exact detail, including the aging of the wood and even mimicking scratches on the originals. Lick leaned toward Von Schmidts recommendation, but the dying benefactor designated a committee to make the final decision. Its manicured gardens offer panoramic views of the Pacific. WebLora Josephine Knight constructed Vikingsholm in the Scandinavian style because Emerald Bay reminded her of the fjords she visited on trips to that region. 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. Lindbergh approached the Knights about helping fund his effort to be the first to fly nonstop across the Atlantic at a St. Louis airfield where Harry, an aspiring aviator, was taking flying lessons. The legacy of Lora Knight and why Vikingsholm is one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America. Mrs. Knight is probably known best for the building of Vikingsholm, but many still remember her because of her generous contributions to youth groups in California and Nevada and the provision of educational opportunities for young people who otherwise could not have afforded them. In the early 1920s, Lora Small Moore married Harry French Knight, a stockbroker from St. Louis. It was built in 1928 and is now one of the treasured historic landmarks of Northern California. Lick leaned toward Von Schmidts recommendation, but the dying benefactor designated a committee to make the final decision. WebVikingsholm was built by Lora Josephine Knight as a summer home. The roof of the north and south wings is topped with sod where grass and flowers grow each spring. 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 summer retreat Vikingsholm, for which she is most known. Located in Emerald The roof of the north and south wings is topped with sod where grass and flowers grow each spring. She commissioned her nephew by marriage, Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect, to design the home. 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First, Huell . It was built in 1928 and is now one of the treasured historic landmarks of Northern California. [2], Media related to Vikingsholm at Wikimedia Commons, Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}385708N 1200624W / 38.95216N 120.10675W / 38.95216; -120.10675. Readers around Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and beyond make the Sierra Sun's work possible. Lora and her sister Ada married two brothers, William and James Moore, who worked as partners in their fathers law firm. WebIn 1928 Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight purchased the land that encompasses Emerald Bay and Fannette Island for $250,000. EDITORS NOTE: This article was originally published in the Summer 2017 edition of Tahoe Magazine. She had a granite teahouse that resembled a small castle built on the crest of the island. In 1922, Lora Moore married Harry French Knight, a stockbroker. Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. Lora Josephine Knight bought the land to build a summer home similar to those she had seen on her travels to Scandinavia. Search. 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. Mrs. Knights Emerald Bay castle, called Vikingsholm, is an homage to Scandinavian architecture. The William Henry Armstrong family acquired the property in 1892 and they used the cabins as their summer residence for over 32 years. As recently as a few weeks ago, scuba divers found the body of a man who had drowned in the lake 17 years ago, still in his wetsuit. Those wishing to know more can enjoy one of the daily guided tours through the end of September. James Hobart Moore passed away in 1916 at their home in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. I've heard stories about the wealthy woman who built the teahouse on the island. Promotional Rates were found for your code. Mrs. Knight had traveled Scandinavia with her architect where they were inspired by the architecture. Welcome! They visited Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. Mrs. Knight had traveled Scandinavia with her architect where they were inspired by the architecture. "[4], Vikingsholm, along with Knight's "Tea House" on Fannette Island, is a part of Emerald Bay State Park, which has been declared a National Natural Landmark. In early 1916 they bought a home near Santa Barbara hoping that the mild Mediterranean climate might improve his condition, but he died on July 20, 1916, leaving Lora an estate worth $15 million. Ben Holiday, stagecoach magnate and early-day transportation king, constructed a home there in the late 1860s. Lora J. Knight and her former husband financially supported Charles Lindberghs history-making flight over the Atlantic. Emerald Bay Overlook: In 1928, Lora Knight purchased Emerald Bay for $250,000. She exhibited Indian baskets, including some by the noted Washoe weaver Dat-So-La-Lee, also known as Louisa Keyser. Brown grew up on Tahoe's West Shore. GPS locations now direct divers to a wide variety of wrecks at depths up to 60 feet with markers explaining the history of the vessel and details how they were used. Vikingsholm in 1932, soon after construction. Read More. Tours are given of the American Craftsman Vikingsholm museum home for a nominal fee. Lora Knight filled her castle with original antiques she picked up in Scandinavia. 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. Breakfast was at 8 a.m. sharp, but afterwards, time was for the taking to read, hike up to the waterfalls or go fishing off the dock, Smith said. 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. It was first published on this website in August 2018 and is presented in its original form. 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. While Mrs. Knight is known for building Vikingsholm, she and her businessman husband Harry were also primary backers of Charles Lindbergh's non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927. Birth. Tag: Lora Josephine Knight. 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. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Wisconsin Lake Geneva The property passed through two more landowners before California State Parks bought 177 acres, including the island and the structures, in 1953 for $150,000. WebLora 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. Small. Today, Lora Knights Viking castle is considered perhaps the finest example of Scandinavian architecture in North America. 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. His award-winning books are available at local stores or atwww.thestormking.com. Their Wisconsin chateau boasted 27 rooms, a wine cellar and a two-lane bowling alley. The estate was sold to Lawrence Holland, a rancher from Nevada. In 1922, Lora married Harry French Knight. [1][2] She hired Swedish architect Lennart Palme, who she was related through marriage, and chose a Scandinavian motif based on Palme's own home in New York. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Wisconsin Lake Geneva Thank you for reading! In later years, Charles Lindbergh frequently visited Lora Knight at her Santa Barbara estate and the Vikingsholm castle as well. Palme and Knight traveled to Scandinavia that summer to research the design features that would be incorporated into her Tahoe castle. Lora Small (Knight) was born in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 of English descent. [1][2][3][4], In 1884, the two had a son, Nathaniel Moore, who later married Helen Fargo, heiress to the Wells Fargo fortune. You have permission to edit this article. Mrs. Knight (right) with Lennart Palme and family. These young men eventually grained controlling interests in a number of large companies, including National Biscuit, Continental Can, Diamond Match, Union Pacific, and Rock Island Railroad. His nationally reported death led to a crackdown on Chicago brothels and morphine abuse. Astronomers suggested that a high-altitude mountain location above atmospheric dust and away from city light would be the best location. [4] She died at Vikingsholm in 1945 at the age of 82. On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. 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. Her Vikingsholm Castle was completed in 1929 and reflected Scandinavian style of construction and architectural design. She also was a major benefactor to the Christian Science churches in Santa Barbara, Reno, and South Lake Tahoe. In 1915, they purchased a home in Santa Barbara, but had little time to enjoy it together since Mr. Moore died in 1916. 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. Utilizing 200 workers the home was constructed during the Summer of 1929. He grew up much like youd think the single heir to a fortune would, but his time was short. Wildlife have several strategies to endure Lake Tahoes winters, Steeped in old town Truckee history, Moodys serves up innovative cuisine, Earn your turns: Tahoe Backcountry Alliance encourages stewardship, accessibility to backcountry, The art of charcuteski: Craft an on-mountain dining experience with the skis that got you there. "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, Pages using infobox person with multiple spouses, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 28 July 2022, at 22:31. Loras marriage to Harry Knight didnt last for more than a couple of years before they divorced. 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. With her first husband, she had a 27-room estate at Lake Geneva, a retreat for Midwestern tycoons, according to the Chicago Tribune. Theres A Breathtaking Castle Nestled In The Mountains Of Northern California. WebIn 1928 Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight, purchased about two hundred acres of land at Emerald Bay in the Lake Tahoe region of California. Mrs. Knight commissioned Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect and her nephew by marriage, to design Vikingsholm. WebLora 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. As fate would have it, Lora married James and her sister Ada married William. Pieces of wood resembling spikes adorn the gutters in a nod to the Scandinavian custom people used to ward off evil spirits. [1] She became one of the wealthiest women in America according to newspapers at the time. Knight. Those wishing to know more can enjoy one of the daily guided tours from Memorial Day weekend until the end of September. 1 May 1864. 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. For many years fishermen have claimed to see dead bodies floating on the surface of the lake when the waters warm up. She also clearly had an eye for real estate. Sometimes government officials did not allow these native heirlooms removed from the country, so Knight had craftsmen reproduce them in exact detail, including the aging of the wood and even mimicking scratches on the originals. WebLora Josephine Knight constructed Vikingsholm in the Scandinavian style because Emerald Bay reminded her of the fjords she visited on trips to that region. According to McLaughlin, Lora Knight was known for her hospitality and philanthropy. Mrs. Knight would arrive for the summer in the middle of June and stay until the middle of September. Shes recalled some of those memories in a booklet and, more recently, as a park ranger. Tag: Lora Josephine Knight. 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. Meals were sumptuous and occupied a good part of each day. Lora and her husband, James, traveled extensively in California as to foreign countries. 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. WebVikingsholm was built by Lora Josephine Knight as a summer home. This is a carousel. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains on the border of California and Nevada, the water is extremely cold and impossible to explore its deepest caverns, contributing to the many expeditions that have taken place to unveil the mysteries and legends of the Lake. He was a stockbroker in St. Louis, Missouri, and an aspiring pilot. 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. Mrs. Knight and the Palmes traveled to Scandinavia in the summer of 1928 to gather ideas for the construction of the house at Emerald Bay. Photographs taken on that trip show how faithfully Mr. Palme reproduced specific features of these Scandinavian buildings in the design of Vikingsholm. The house included stables for 60 horses and a bowling alley. Nathaniel later married Helen Fargo, of Wells Fargo Bank. His land was eventually sold to Paul Kirby in 1880. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference. There have been countless sightings of the beast starting throughout the decades beginning in the 50's when divers reported finding a cave and spotted a creature exiting it, also in the 90's when kayakers saw a black hump in the water, a story that was repeated often including a crew member aboard the famed Tahoe Queen boat who photographed it. And in this episode, Huell visits three of the most fascinating of these rocks. By the 1870s Lick was in poor health, but still fiercely determined to build the observatory. Vikingsholm is administered by the California Park System. Despite its ancient motif, Vikingsholm had all the conveniences available in the 1930s, including electricity, modern fixtures and private baths in the bedrooms. Visitors varied in age from young children to the very elderly. But Vikingsholm is the house that Lora will always be known for. Now part of Emerald Bay State Park, Vikingsholm was once the summer home for Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight. Newspapers reported that Nathaniels death had a devastating impact on his parents, especially his father, who grew ill soon after. 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 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. 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. Unfortunately, they were not happy together and divorced after just a couple of years. 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. Mrs. Knight enjoyed entertaining and invited many friends and family members to visit during the summer months. The locally quarried granite boulders were ferried by barge to the island where derricks lifted them stone by stone. 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. For many years locals of Lake Tahoe have heard stories of dead bodies, possibly the victims of mobsters from the nearby casino's being dumped. Currently it is used as a hiking trail by those wishing to visit this remarkable castle. Read More. She made financial contributions stretching from Santa Barbara, CA, to Reno, NV, and went toward youth groups, community centers, and college scholarships. They also spent time at their luxury homes in Illinois and Wisconsin. Their Wisconsin chateau boasted 27 rooms, a wine cellar and a two-lane bowling alley. Despite its ancient motif, Vikingsholm had all the conveniences available in the 1930s, including electricity, modern fixtures and private baths in the bedrooms. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. WebLora Josephine Knight purchased the property encompassing the head of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island in 1928 for $250,000. The foundation was laid in 1928, and the building was constructed in 1929 by around 200 workers. From there they strolled back down to Vikingsholm.. A caretaker and his family lived on the property year around and four or five yardmen were hired locally each season to care for the grounds. After Edward Smalls death, William and James took over the firm and formed the Moore Brothers partnership. Fannette Island, located in Emerald Bay of Lake Tahoe, California. Finnish carpenters were then brought in to hew timber, while a Scandinavian craftsman was hired to create the intricate exterior wood carvings. Lora had a life-long reputation for her generous hospitality, philanthropy and numerous financial contributions to youth groups in California and Nevada. [2], In 1922, she married stockbroker Harry French Knight of St. Life was good for the Moores, but after their purchase of the Tahoe property, James health began to fail. There is dramatic history in the Emerald Bay area of Lake Tahoe where the new dive trail is located. 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. Mrs. Knight had it graded in 1929 for $10,000 so that she and her guests could arrive by automobile. Their Wisconsin chateau boasted 27 rooms, a wine cellar and a two-lane bowling alley. The property on which Vikingsholm is built includes 232 acres of Tahoes most beautiful vistas, the only island in Lake Tahoe, and the only waterfall that flows directly into the lake. Lora Knight filled her castle with original antiques she picked up in Scandinavia. She and Mr. Knight actively promoted Charles Lindberghs flight across the Atlantic and were the prime financial backers of that flight. Sometimes government officials did not allow these native heirlooms removed from the country, so Knight had craftsmen reproduce them in exact detail, including the aging of the wood and even mimicking scratches on the originals. Lick leaned toward Von Schmidts recommendation, but the dying benefactor designated a committee to make the final decision. Its manicured gardens offer panoramic views of the Pacific. WebLora Josephine Knight constructed Vikingsholm in the Scandinavian style because Emerald Bay reminded her of the fjords she visited on trips to that region. 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. Lindbergh approached the Knights about helping fund his effort to be the first to fly nonstop across the Atlantic at a St. Louis airfield where Harry, an aspiring aviator, was taking flying lessons. The legacy of Lora Knight and why Vikingsholm is one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America. Mrs. Knight is probably known best for the building of Vikingsholm, but many still remember her because of her generous contributions to youth groups in California and Nevada and the provision of educational opportunities for young people who otherwise could not have afforded them. In the early 1920s, Lora Small Moore married Harry French Knight, a stockbroker from St. Louis. It was built in 1928 and is now one of the treasured historic landmarks of Northern California. Lick leaned toward Von Schmidts recommendation, but the dying benefactor designated a committee to make the final decision. WebVikingsholm was built by Lora Josephine Knight as a summer home. The roof of the north and south wings is topped with sod where grass and flowers grow each spring. 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 summer retreat Vikingsholm, for which she is most known. Located in Emerald The roof of the north and south wings is topped with sod where grass and flowers grow each spring. She commissioned her nephew by marriage, Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect, to design the home. 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