Page "Crystal Lake, Illinois" Paragraph 7

Back in the 1860s, when the town of Crystal Lake was about 25 years old, Charles S. Dole purchased over of land overlooking the lake.

It was his dream to construct an elaborate estate that would reflect his position as a successful businessman.

He was an early member of the Chicago Board of Trade, being associated with Armour, Dole & Co. in Chicago.

To carry out his plan, he built a three-story mansion with adjoining gardens and stables.

European craftsmen were imported to lay parquet floors, fashion archways and carve interior wood work from black walnut trees grown on the property.

As a final touch, he brought in Italian artisans to build several marble fireplaces.

According to Mr. Dole's obituary, construction costs exceeded $ 100, 000, an enormous amount of money in those days.