The Lush Landscaping of Alexander Mitchell’s Conservatory, 1880s
The famed photographer H. H. Bennett captured the splendor of the Mitchell mansion.
Alexander Mitchell’s conservatory and gardens, 1880s
Beginning around 1880 and over a period of several years, the noted photographer H. H. Bennett, of Kilbourn City (now Wisconsin Dells), would create over 200 stereoviews of Milwaukee. A good number were of the newer fine homes in the city.
Three of the views were of the residence of wealthy banker and railroad man Alexander Mitchell at a time when the landscaping was maturing. In other words, the house was in its prime.
The conservatory would last until 1895. After Mitchell’s death the property was sold to the Deutscher Club, which would demolish the conservatory and replace it with a large dining hall, now the Wisconsin club’s main dining room.
Jeff Beutner is a collector of photographs, postcards and stereoviews of old Milwaukee. This column features these images, with historical commentary by Beutner.
The Mitchell Property Today
We think we have a orig sign from the orig Boston store before it was rebuilt, is there a way to find out? this was in a very old 1800 barn and was used as a lining on a horse stall, we have the sign, we live in Caledonia, any help would be appreciated, the sign thank you so much tom Fontaine