Devon Bell - Haunted Summerwind: A Ghostly History of a Wisconsin Mansion

Published by Haunted America

A Division of The History Press

Charleston, SC

www.historypress.net

Copyright 2016 by Devon Bell

All rights reserved

Cover photo by OMW.

First published 2016

e-book edition 2016

ISBN 978.1.62584.970.0

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016938321

print edition ISBN 978.1.62619.437.3

Notice: The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. It is offered without guarantee on the part of the author or The History Press. The author and The History Press disclaim all liability in connection with the use of this book.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form whatsoever without prior written permission from the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is dedicated to my wonderful grandparents Curt and Veda. When I needed a sanctuary and unconditional love, you both were always there for me. I am proud to be your eldest granddaughter.

I love you both very much.

Dev

CONTENTS

FOREWORD

There is something enchanting and inviting about Wisconsins Northwoods, and somehow its appropriate that it provides the location for what is reputed to be Wisconsins most famous haunted house. These woods and the lakes that dot northern Wisconsin were once home to a number of Indian tribes and various wildlife; today, they are home to seasonal cabins for winter sports enthusiasts, hunters, fishers and folks on vacation who are looking to just get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. It is also home to a past that is as well encompassed as the trees and forests in this region. Several crime barons used to frequent the area (John Dillinger once hid out in Manitowish Waters and narrowly escaped in a shootout with the Federal Bureau of Investigation). Native Americans fought for years over the land. Today, there is still the occasional dispute with neighbors over where ones property line ends and anothers begins (but that doesnt always get ugly). So its only appropriate that this provides the location of Summerwind Mansion.

I first learned of Summerwind at age eleven, when I read my moms copy of Haunted Heartland by Beth Scott and Michael Norman. At the time, I myself was living in a haunted house, and it shared a handful of similarities to Summerwind. One major difference, however, was that our ghost was friendly (but unintentionally scary to us), and Summerwinds ghosts (note the plural) were not. As an adult, I used some of my free time to research Summerwind and examine the similarities of my own experiences in that house of my youth (even though I only lived there for one year). I became more and more fascinated by the history, aura and legend that was Summerwind. Although the fabled mansion was destroyed (most sources cite lightning) in 1988, there were still ruins of the property remainingaccording to some Internet stories, so were the ghosts that haunted the land.

The overcast morning of June 28, 2008, found me guiding my Camry up the steep hill toward Summerwinds remains. To my advantage, I was armed with permission from the (then) owners, my disposable Kodak camera, bug spray and Sinatras Summer Wind running on the CD player. Only a swarm of mosquitoes and a frightened doe stood guard against the ruins as I arrived. When I left thirty minutes later, I had no doubt that something unusual had happened, but I didnt know what. One week later, when I returned from my trip and got my photos developed, I got all the evidence I needed. But my stories are for another time.

I met Devon and her husband, Tony, on Chad Lewiss Unexplained Research message boards prior to their own venture to Summerwind in 2010. As paranormal/historical researchers, they do a remarkable job with their research and their work, and they certainly form a tandemthey know what they are looking for and will root around until they find it. Tony works wonders with a video camera and production, and Devon is an amazing storyteller who will enchant you from beginning to end. Its certainly fitting that you are reading her book and allowing her to be the one who tells you this story.

Although none of us has returned to Summerwind since our original visits, our own experiences continue to mystify and intrigue us to this day. It is through that curiosity and intrigue that Devon presents this book. While mostly dedicated to Summerwinds past, there are stories from people of various backgrounds and all walks of life. Each has his or her own story to tell, all with one common denominator: the mystery of Summerwind. From its origins as a summer retreat for a Chicago business tycoon who became secretary of commerce to sitting empty for years, a familys few months of horror eerily reminiscent of The Shining, a proprietors folly searching for a colonial American deed, the squabbling of friends over a house with no future, the destruction of a once-glorious property and the reputed hauntings that continue to this day, Summerwind is full of surprises.

So please, hum a few bars of the song (rendition doesnt matter), turn on a reading lamp, light either a lavender- or lilac-scented candle, stretch out and allow yourself to be enchanted by the aura and mystique of my fickle friend, the Summer Wind.

ADAM BAUER

Summerwind enthusiast, Cedar Rapids, Iowa,
January 2014

SUMMERWIND

Summerwind Mansion, You disappeared from view, Should we believe The story that was told, Could really be true?

Its all too clear They were afraid of the night! Or was it the ghost that brought fear, That made them uptight?

Perhaps it was the murky shadows, That form when the moon is full? Too bad! Now theres no reflections, To be found in the pool!

LaMonte Estate West Bay Lake, Cisco Chain, circa 1925. Courtesy of Adam Bauer.

Lightning and Fire, Has ended your North woods reign. How foolish for them to think, Your absence can end their pain!

What more can be told, Of a building once so fine? Hastily removed from the Calendar, On which we innocently, record time.

Stand for a moment, Beneath that old Jack Pine. All thats left to protect Summerwind, From the Evil mind!

Too late to appeal, To those that came at night to steal, From this helpless Mansion by the Lake. Just one question, Was the plunder worthy of the take?

Like the story of the Phoenix of old, Will Summerwind Mansion accomplish, Something equally bold? The original plans in detail so fine, Could replace that building, In a very brief time!

But for now we may all wonder, When theres a rumble of thunder, And we turn away from the lightning flash, Protecting our ears from its deafening crash, There is that boat, Entering the harbor, Can that be, Jonathan Carver?

Wolffgang Von Bober, 1996

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to start out by saying thank you to my wonderful husband of seven years, Tony. You are my best friend and greatest supporter and always encourage me to delve into anything in which I have an interest. Thanks to my parents, Lance and Peggy, who have always told me that I can do anything I set my mind to. My friends and family are all great supporters, and without their encouragement and frequent input, I probably never would have started writing.