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Summary
Forest Lodge Library
13450 County Highway M, Cable, Bayfield County
Architect/Builder: Allen H. Stem and Elmer McKay
Date of Construction: 1925-26
The village of Cable became a popular tourism and vacation site in the late 19th and early 20th century. Wealthy vacationers, mainly from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, were attracted to the recreational value of nearby lakes and woods. Cable was created by the railway, starting out as a train depot and expanding into a small village. In 1925, Mary Livingston Griggs, a prominent member of society in Minneapolis/St. Paul, donated and designed the Forest Lodge Library. She dedicated it to her mother in memory of their family lodge and estate at nearby Lake Namekagon.
Her original idea was to build a warming place for winter visitors, a meeting place for the community and a library to improve the social and educational life of the village. Although the library is located near the center of the village, its log construction blends into the wooded setting. Mary Livingston Griggs was inspired by the Rustic Style of her family lodge, based upon the wealthy summer camps that flourished in the Adirondacks in the early 20th century. Mrs. Griggs donated the library out of concern with the social development of the village. It served as a meeting place for various community groups such as book clubs and the Lutheran church. The library also provided opportunities for women and girls. Mrs. Griggs started a Girl Scout Troop and a 4-H Club for girls. The Women's Club, which had existed before the library was built, took over library operations.
The library is now attached to and owned by the Cable Natural History Museum built in 1971. Mrs. Griggs daughter, Mary Griggs Burke, continues to support the activities of the library and the museum. The building is open during regular business hours.
Property Details
| Criteria | Event,Architecture/Engineering |
|---|---|
| Area Of Significance | Architecture,Social History |
| Period of Significance | 1925-1950 |
| Architectural Style | Late 19th And Early 20th Century American Movements |
| Architect | McKay, Elmer,Stem, Allen H. |
| Resource Type | Building |
| Historic Use | Clubhouse,Library |
Resources Within The Property
| Contributing Buildings | 1 |
|---|---|
| Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Contributing Objects | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Buildings | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Objects | 0 |
Designations
| Historic Status | Listed in the State Register |
|---|---|
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Apr 20, 2001 |
| Historic Status | Listed in the National Register |
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Jul 11, 2001 |
State & National Registers of Historic Places
The State Register and National Register recognize buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that are significant in national, state, or local history. The State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the National Park Service maintains the list for Wisconsin and makes the data available to the public for research and education.
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Email UsAttribution
For a credit line: Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Unique Identifier.
The Unique Identifier can be found at the top or bottom of the page for each item. The name of a downloaded file is NOT the unique identifier.
For bibliographic citations please consult the UW-Madison Libraries Citation Research Guide to ensure compliance with appropriate style guidelines.
Mary Livingston Griggs and Daughter Mary Griggs
1952
Mary Griggs and her daughter Mary are standing outside of the Forest Lodge guesthouse in a phlox flower garden. Both Marys are wearing white dresses. A corner of the guest house screen porch is in...
Mary Livingston Griggs by the Tennis Court
1956
Mary Livingston Griggs is standing next to the flowered edged fence of the Forest Lodge tennis court. Mary is wearing a dress with a short-sleeved cardigan over her shoulders.
Taking a Stroll Over the Brule River
1956
Mary Livingston Griggs and her daughter Mary are walking over the Brule River on a wood bridge with iron railings. Three men and one woman are walking with the Mary's and everyone except Mary Livin...
Mary Livingston Griggs on Snowy Boardwalk
1926
Mary Livingston Griggs is standing on the birch-lined boardwalk leading to the Forest Lodge boathouse. Mary is wearing a wool dress, coat and leather boots. Lake Namakagon is in the background.
Mary Livingston Griggs on Boathouse Second Story Deck
October 1960
Mary Livingston Griggs, dressed in a black dress and coat and using a cane, is standing on the second story outside deck of the Forest Lodge Boathouse on Lake Namakagon, next to a green canvas and ...
