OAHT 1624: Kohl Family
This Geocache WAS part of the 2016 Oconomowoc Area Historical Tour:
Kohl Family
Charles Edward Kohl (1855-1910) and Caroline Lewis (1863-1950) were married in 1885 in Chicago. They had four children, Charles, John and twins Caroline and Dorothy. Charles was one of the leading figures in American vaudeville management, president of the Kohl & Castle Amusement Co., and chairman of the executive committee of the United Booking Agency. He was one of the largest owners of the theatrical real estate in Chicago, and owned and controlled the Majestic, the Chicago Opera House, the Olympic, the Haymarket, the Criterion, the Star and Garter, the Academy and the Bijou.
The Kohls visited Oconomowoc and decided to build their 45-room summer home in 1892 on Lac LaBelle between the Shufeldt and Dupee estates. It was named “Brier Cottage”. They also owned numerous properties in Oconomowoc.
After Charles died, Caroline chose to remain in Oconomowoc. Years later in declining health Caroline tried to sell “Brier Cottage” but because of the depression years, it ended up being torn down in 1935. Caroline died January 4, 1950, at the age of 88 and is buried at La Belle Cemetery with husband Charles, and children Charles, Jr., Dorothy and Caroline. Son John is not buried with the family. History and picture courtesy of the book "Oconomowoc Barons to Bootleggers" by Barquist and the Oconomowoc Area Historical Society and Museum.
The Geocache Notification Form has been submitted to of the Wisconsin DNR. Geocaches placed on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource managed lands require permission by means of a notification form. Please print out a paper copy of the notification form, fill in all required information, then submit it to the land manager. The DNR Notification form and land manager information can be obtained at: http://dnr.wi.gov/files/PDF/forms/2500/2500-118.pdf
Permission for placement: Kelly VanBeek
State of Wisconsin, Department of Natural Resources