LAKE GENEVA – The estate of Lake Geneva resident William C. Madlener, the youngest great-grandson of Chicago beer baron Conrad Seipp, who built the Black Point estate, has donated $1 million to the historical site.
The Wisconsin Historical Foundation announced the donation Thursday in a news release.
“We are deeply grateful for William Madlener’s generous gift, which will help us ensure the long-term stability and continual maintenance and care of this Lake Geneva historic Queen Anne home and its stories for many years to come,” said Christian Overland, Ruth and Hartley Barker Director & CEO of the Wisconsin Historical Society. “Black Point is a well-preserved Victorian summer estate that offers guests an authentic depiction of lakeside living in the late 19th century. It is a privilege for us to have this historic gem as one of our 12 state historic sites.”
Built in 1888 by Chicago beer baron Conrad Seipp, Black Point remained in the Seipp family for more than a century.
In 2005, Bill Petersen, Seipp’s great-grandson, donated the home—along with its original furnishings, surrounding land, and more than 500 feet of shoreline—to the Wisconsin Historical Society. The site opened to the public in 2013.
“Bill was the youngest great-grandson of Conrad Seipp and had really fond memories of time spent at Black Point over the course of his whole life,” said Catherine Mack, cousin of William Madlener. “He believed that Black Point Estate was an important part of Lake Geneva’s past and present and wanted to contribute to its continued success as a place for future generations to learn about history and enjoy natural beauty.”
According to Black Point Estate & Gardens Director David Desimone, this generous gift will provide long term financial stability and change the trajectory of the site. “This additional support to the endowment fund will allow us to continually enhance the guest experience and provide upgrades to the home and gardens. We are so appreciative of William Madlener’s support of Black Point Estate, and belief in its future.”
For further information, visit blackpointestate.org.
About Black Point Estate and Gardens
Black Point Estate and Gardens is one of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s 12 historic sites and museums. The Geneva Lake estate is a 20 room Queen-Anne style mansion built by Chicago beer baron Conrad Seipp with construction completed in 1888. The lakeside summer home is surrounded by seven acres of gardens and natural areas. Visitors reach the site by boat just as family and friends did in a bygone era, and tickets can be booked through the Lake Geneva Cruise Line. For more information and a list of upcoming events visit blackpointestate.org or call (262) 248-1888. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive discounted admission to this site.
