Hubbard Park Lodge
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- 3565 N. Morris Blvd.
- 414.332.4207
- www.hubbardparklodge.net
Hubbard Park Lodge is nestled in a lovely setting in Hubbard Park, along almost five acres of terraced, wooded terrain on the east bank of the Milwaukee River in Shorewood. Part of the charm of getting there is entering through a pedestrian tunnel (where it’s a tradition to give a holler and test the echo effect).
In just a short walk - almost magically - visitors step into a secluded, north woods, river retreat setting. Stately oak trees flatter the landscape, beautifully manicured lawns roll down to the glistening Milwaukee River, and benches and tables tempt visitors to linger awhile and enjoy the lovely scene. In the heart of it all is the enchanting and rustic Hubbard Park Lodge.
The history of the Lodge and the park is a fascinating story that dates back more than a century to the 1870s. Long before anyone thought of water parks, Milwaukeeans were enjoying entertainment along the river. One of the most popular spots was Luedemann’s-on-the-River, which featured a beer garden that extended from the inn down to the river. The next owner came along in 1876 to create Mineral Spring Park, promoting a nearby spring used to make soft drinks. Through the years, there were always amusement parks - Coney Island, Wonderland and Ravenna Park – boasting attractions such as a scenic railway, Ferris wheel, zoo, ostrich farm, shooting gallery, circus acts, and even a giant water slide.
In those days, you could choose to arrive in style by horse and buggy, hop a streetcar or take a leisurely cruise on the passenger launch that carried passengers from Conner’s docks (just below the North Avenue bridge) to stops along the river. In 1913, there was even more to see and do when the Milwaukee Metrodome for motorcycle racers was built – a bathing beach also was constructed and you could watch women students from Milwaukee Downer College rowing up and down the river in racing sculls.
By 1916 competition from show houses, dance halls and other city attractions forced the amusement park to close. But the valuable property was soon put to use. Part of the land was acquired by the Electric Company for a terminal yard and cow barns. The Village of Shorewood purchased some of the property for a park and named it in honor of William J. Hubbard, a highly respected Village Board President. The remaining land was subdivided for private buyers.
In the mid-1930s an exciting new addition came to the park when Hubbard Park Lodge was constructed. Building began in 1936, during the years of the Great Depression as a Federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) project initiated by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration. It was one of numerous WPA projects in Shorewood sponsored by the federal government. The Lodge was designed by architect Henry C. Hengles and completed in 1938 at a cost of about $30,000. During this time, the Village of Shorewood also had begun its own work-relief initiative in 1930, known as the “Shorewood Plan” to cope with unemployment.
The Lodge building was originally designed for use by the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and first called the Scout Cabin. Erected in a blockhouse style reminiscent of pioneer days, the building’s bricks were salvaged from the Lighthouse Squadron Armory, which had been dismantled in 1929. The building included an observation tower for scout signaling, and the remnants of an archery range once located in the basement can still be seen.
Hubbard Lodge was one of 13 identical structures built across the United States during this era, and it is one of only two left standing (the other houses the United States Department of Agriculture’s research station outside Washington, D.C.)
Over the years, Hubbard Park Lodge became a place where memories were made at dances, teas and other special events. In the 1940s on Friday nights, young people would pay 50 cents to $1 to dance to the music of red-haired DJ Pinky Mueller and his timeless collection of 78s. The rhythmic strains of such tunes as “In the Mood,” “Dipsy Doodle” and “Stardust” filled the Lodge and flowed out to fill the park with happy sounds. Just to the north and on the west of the Lodge, a spring cascaded under an arched wooden bridge to meet the river. Lifelong Shorewood resident Dorothy Hoffmann remembers the Lodge in all its grandeur. “We loved the music drifting out of the Lodge as we hung out down by the bridge,” Dorothy recalls.
This rustic setting with its moonlit shadows was the traditional spot for teenagers to wander off while attending a sock hop or dance. For couples, it was often the place to get “pinned.” USO dances were also held in the Lodge during World War II, and couples swayed to “I”ll Be Seeing You,” “I’ll Walk Alone” and other sentimental favorites.
Another lifelong Shorewood resident, Virginia Palmer, remembers the band concerts held in the park and the old boathouse along the river. “We enjoyed the many races along the river,” she says, “and picnics and cooking out in the little fireplaces located just south of the Lodge.”
The Village of Shorewood managed the Lodge for many years working with a number of concessionaires. Since 1986, the Lodge has been operated by Margaret Cibulka, owner of Culinary Artists Ltd., a specialty catering service well-known for excellent catering for weddings, meetings, business functions and other events (such as weekly meetings of the Shorewood Men’s Club and the North Shore Kiwanis). The Lodge is also open to the public for Sunday Brunch and Friday dinner. Throughout the month of September, the Lodge will feature a special menu of food items popular in the 1930s as part of the Lodge’s 70th birthday celebration.
Partnering with a variety of Village groups, including the Shorewood Foundation, the Village of Shorewood and the Shorewood Men’s Club, the Lodge has been lovingly restored by Margaret Cibulka to include new lighting, an outdoor veranda, interior upgrades and new landscaping. Secluded and private, yet centrally located, the Lodge’s architectural details are complemented by a gorgeous river view; the cathedral ceiling, stone fireplace and balcony add a rustic, yet elegant touch.
The Village of Shorewood is honored to be part of the restoration and preservation of Hubbard Lodge. We are proud to be the home of one of the country’s architectural treasures. For over seven decades the Lodge has been a place for fun and happy times. We look forward to Hubbard Lodge being part of our community for many generations to come.
Make plans now to visit Hubbard Park Lodge for the 70th anniversary celebration on Thursday, October 9. When you go, be sure to give a holler in the tunnel and start making your own memories.
Directions: Hubbard Park Lodge is located just south of East Capitol Drive in Shorewood at 3565 North Morris Boulevard. For more information and a map, visit www.hubbardparklodge.net or call Hubbard Park Lodge at 414-332-4207.