July 12th the Walking Lake Pepin walkers met at Underwood Park for a walk through the site of the Jewel Nursery which operated in Lake City from 1868 until 1996. Dr. Phineas Jewel started the nursery planting and grafting fruit trees and eventually growing shade trees, evergreens and ornamentals for sale.
The Jewel Nursery grew from 10 acres in 1868 to 1500 acres in 1923 and with the Underwoods becoming leading horticulturists of the early 1900s. The Lindemeier family took control of the nursery until 1997 when the final 800 acres were sold to the developers of the Mississippi Jewel.
The walk included a visit to the site of the former green house that had 50,000 square feet of glass covered plant beds. They also discussed the root cellars that covered 1 acre of storage space in a space that was dug out of the bluff and stayed at a constant temperature year-round.
During the group walk former employees; Jim Schreck, Joe and Sandy Kirkwood and David Danckwart shared stories of their time working at the Jewel during the 1950-60’s.
Many of Lakes City’s youngest citizens had their first jobs at the Jewel Nursery. It was hard work as they often worked on their hands and knees pulling weeds. But worth it when they were able to buy a bike at the end of the season with their earnings.
On Wednesday, July 26th, the WLP group will meet up in Old Frontenac parking on Wells Street off County Rd 2 at 6:30 pm. The group will walk to the Episcopal Church to look their new outdoor amphitheater.
All WLP participants and community members are invited to attend. Watch for updates on Facebook, “Walking Lake Pepin. Questions call Patty Svien 345-4383
The Jewel Nursery grew from 10 acres in 1868 to 1500 acres in 1923 and with the Underwoods becoming leading horticulturists of the early 1900s. The Lindemeier family took control of the nursery until 1997 when the final 800 acres were sold to the developers of the Mississippi Jewel.
The walk included a visit to the site of the former green house that had 50,000 square feet of glass covered plant beds. They also discussed the root cellars that covered 1 acre of storage space in a space that was dug out of the bluff and stayed at a constant temperature year-round.
During the group walk former employees; Jim Schreck, Joe and Sandy Kirkwood and David Danckwart shared stories of their time working at the Jewel during the 1950-60’s.
Many of Lakes City’s youngest citizens had their first jobs at the Jewel Nursery. It was hard work as they often worked on their hands and knees pulling weeds. But worth it when they were able to buy a bike at the end of the season with their earnings.
On Wednesday, July 26th, the WLP group will meet up in Old Frontenac parking on Wells Street off County Rd 2 at 6:30 pm. The group will walk to the Episcopal Church to look their new outdoor amphitheater.
All WLP participants and community members are invited to attend. Watch for updates on Facebook, “Walking Lake Pepin. Questions call Patty Svien 345-4383
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