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Marketing and University Communication UW-Green Bay, CL 815 2420 Nicolet Drive Green Bay, WI 54311-7001 (920) 465-2626 E-mail: hildebrs@uwgb.edu Last update: 9/26/07 |
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In
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November 27, 2005 Lambeau cottage gets makeover UWGB alumnus/Green Bay fan puts up cash to repair Packers founder's getaway By Mike Hoeft
A stylish "L" in the entryway floor is about the only sign left that the modest two-bedroom cottage was built by Green Bay Packers co-founder and coach E.L. "Curly" Lambeau. It was his part-time home and entertainment retreat from 1941 to 1956.
The waterfront cottage, which has needed repairs for years, is undergoing a $150,000 renovation by the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, thanks in part to contributions by UW-Green Bay alumnus and Packers fan Craig Mueller.
"I love the bay shoreline. My heart and soul is in this area," said Mueller, a former airline pilot who lives in San Diego. The 1971 Phoenix graduate learned to sail on the bay of Green Bay and later crewed for an America's Cup boat.
Now a philanthropist, Mueller established a $1 million endowment to generate scholarships for UW-Green Bay students. He started the endowment with proceeds from an out-of-court settlement after he survived a near-fatal airport forklift accident in 1998.
When the university embarked on an effort to save the Lambeau cottage and make it an integral part of the campus, Mueller said he responded, "Let's do it."
Improvements will include new flooring, lighting, furniture, kitchen cabinets, plumbing and windows.
The cottage will be used for campus meetings, community events and outdoor recreation and instruction. The university bought it in 1978 as part of the expansion of what is now the Cofrin Memorial Arboretum.
The university had used it as a bay shore arboretum center, headquarters for the sailing team and, most recently, as a retreat site for the philosophy program.
"It's a beautiful location and probably will be the only campus building on the bay shore," said Dean Rodeheaver, UW-Green Bay assistant chancellor for planning and budget. The building has an "up north" rustic feel distinct from other sites on campus.
"Obviously a major reason for renovation is the connection to a major icon with the Packers," Rodeheaver said. "The university takes that connection very seriously. Having a cottage built by and used by Curly Lambeau is very important, and we respect that."
Packers team historian Lee Remmel applauded the university's commitment to restoring the cottage.
It's part of Green Bay's history, he said.
"If not for Earl Lambeau, there would have been no Packers," Remmel said.
At the time he built the cottage, Lambeau was nearing his last hurrah with the Packers, writes David Zimmerman, author of "Curly Lambeau: The Man Behind the Mystique."
The flamboyant Lambeau was at the height of his coaching career, though his personal life had become an issue for many. He was criticized for womanizing and spending off-seasons in California.
By the summer of 1940, Lambeau's second marriage was failing. His wife, Susan, stayed behind in Los Angeles while Lambeau arranged to have the cottage built in anticipation of being single.
In early spring of 1943, Lambeau's son, Don, 23, married his high school sweetheart, Nancy. The couple spent their honeymoon in Curly's cottage because freezing rain kept them from leaving Green Bay.
"It was the most unique house that he designed," Nancy is quoted as saying in the book.
The cottage featured a great room with a stone fireplace, a breakfast nook overlooking the bay and an alcove with two round porthole-type windows. Lambeau was known for throwing parties at the house. A wet bar is built into a corner of the great room. A large barbecue was outside the cottage. The location was convenient, near the former Rockwood Lodge, now the site of Bayshore Park, where the Packers held summer training camp from 1946 to 1949.
Les Raduenz, director of facilities management, said the university is fortunate to have the original house plans for the cottage.
The building was designed in 1940 by local architect Harry Williams, whose daughter, Genie, kept the plans, Raduenz said. The plans are titled "Residence for E.L. Lambeau" and give details on trim and finish.
"That provided significant background as to the original structure," Raduenz said.
Not much else is known about the cottage.
Rodeheaver asked for help in finding old photos or memorabilia concerning Lambeau and the cottage.
"If anyone has photos of Curly Lambeau at the cottage we would love to display them in the building. Other than a sign outside, we need something that says this is his."
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