Island Retreat

Island Retreat. . Imagine owning your own island. , In 1910, inventor and industrialist Chester Thordarson began to realize that dream by acquiring most of Rock Island except for the lighthouse area. , Thordarson with the Icelandic work crew in front of the cookhouse, 1920s., Thordarson renovated a 19th century log house from the fishing village near the southeast shore, and initially used it as his residence. , In 1924, he hired a crew to clear 30 acres on the west side of Rock Island. One of the first buildings erected was a log lodge for his many guests. Other buildings followed in the 1920s. , Thordarson entertained his Chicago employees and friends in this one and a half story "chalet," built in 1925., Thordarson had a deep interest in nature. , He created landscapes based on different themes. The unique greenhouse featured a fieldstone foundation, cornerstone pillars and an attached cobblestone cottage with a green Spanish tile roof. Known for his preservation of the natural landscape, native animals and wildflowers, Thordarson limited development on the island. , In his greenhouse, Thordarson conducted botanical experiments and grew the fragile species he enjoyed protecting. , Thordarson ordered the Japanese garden destroyed after the attack on Pearl Harbor to show his patriotism., The island's buildings and grounds reflect Thordarson's romantic vision replica of his native Iceland. , Made of local wood and stone, the structures included everything he needed to entertain guests on the island. Guests boated, fished, and hiked the island. Thordarson even build a cottage for Chicago mayor "Big Jim" Thompson. , Female employees from Thordarson's factory visited the island in September 1927. Chicago mayor "Big Bill" Thompson (center) and two Chicago cronies on Rock Island.