Vikingsholm Castle With Cyndi...

For my volunteering drive down to Emerald Bay, my friend, Cyndi, joined in all the fun.

Friends who have been here with me know that this is my favorite tree. I call it the perseverance tree because even though it is filled with cement, it still lives. And why is it filled with cement? I was told that, at some point, this several hundred year old tree was hit with lightning. It is an Incense Cedar and is fire resistant. The lightning most likely struck at the top and the fireball worked its way down the tree, stopping and smoldering at the bottom. A hole was then burned into the base. In order to save it, the trunk was filled. I was told by an arborist that they stopped doing this technique in the 1940s. Yes, that is one stubborn tree.

Often I come to Emerald Bay with guests and rarely do I tour the Castle. Today, Cyndi and I had a lakeside picnic lunch before embarking on a wonderful history lesson.

In 1928, Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight bought this land (239 acres for $250,000) with the desire to build a summer home that would compliment the magnificent natural surroundings. Emerald Bay reminded her of fjords she had seen on numerous travels to Scandinavia. She commissioned her nephew by marriage, Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect, to design the home.

More than 200 highly-skilled workmen were brought to Emerald Bay and housed in temporary barracks on the property. They worked diligently throughout the summer and by the end of the season the house was completed (it took 5 1/2 months). During these months of 1929, the timbers were hand hewn, the exterior wall boards were planed, intricate wood carvings were executed, and metal fixtures, such as fireplace screens, hinges and latches, were hand forged.

I absolutely love this door mechanism. So dang clever, cute and ancient.

Furnishings were carefully chosen by Mrs. Knight to enhance and carry out the Scandinavian theme. “Selma” the clock, one of the most striking pieces, stands in the hallway. Many antiques were purchased abroad for the home. Mrs. Knight greatly admired some pieces seen in Norwegian and Swedish museums, which were not available for purchase. When she encountered such situations she hired craftsmen to make copies of the museum pieces. They were reproduced in exact detail, including aging of the wood and duplication of scratches found on the originals. Fortunately many of Mrs. Knight’s original furnishings remain in the home today.

Vikingsholm is noted for its outstanding architecture and scenic location. It also represents an era from the past of lavish but gracious living. A relaxed, unhurried atmosphere typified the style of life one experienced when visiting the home. And I'm pretty sure most guests hugged one of the many old growth trees that can be found here. It was another fun day in Emerald Bay.

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