History enthusiasts and Lake Minnetonka locals are in for a treat as the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society hosts an engaging event to delve into the legacy of Charles Gibson, a Missouri capitalist who significantly shaped Deephaven’s early development.
Event Details:
- When: January 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)
- Where: Excelsior Brewing Company, 421 3rd Street, Excelsior, MN 55331
- Cost: Free registration requested; $5.00 suggested contribution appreciated
Deephaven historian Barb Sykora will present the life and work of Charles Gibson, who first visited Minnesota in the 1850s to escape the summer heat of St. Louis. Over the years, Gibson not only encouraged friends to experience the beauty of the area but also invested in its future. In the 1870s, he constructed Northome, one of the lake’s first grand homes, and played a pivotal role in creating the Hotel St. Louis, the region’s first grand hotel.
Attendees will learn about Gibson’s multifaceted life as a lawyer, landholder, businessman, hotelier, political enthusiast, and supporter of public parks. The presentation will also highlight his personal story as a husband and father of eight. A historical photograph of Gibson with his grandson in front of Northome will provide a visual connection to this fascinating era.
About the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society Formed in 2023 through the consolidation of several local historical organizations, the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society has become a central hub for preserving and sharing the area’s rich history. With extensive archival collections and museums in Excelsior, Mound, and Wayzata, the Society is dedicated to making Lake Minnetonka’s past accessible both in-person and online.
The Society also champions unique initiatives like restoring the 1906 streetcar steamboat Minnehaha to serve as a floating museum. Through public programs, publications, and interactive experiences, the organization brings the lake’s vibrant history to life.
For more information or to register for the event, visit LakeMinnetonkaHistory.org or contact the Society at info@LakeMinnetonkaHistory.org or 952-474-2115. Capacity is limited, and seating is first-come, first-served. Register here.
Don’t miss this opportunity to step back in time and discover the vision and influence of Charles Gibson, a key figure in shaping the Deephaven we know today.