Lake Geneva in Walworth County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Riviera
Photographed by Connor Olson, April 22, 2023
1. The Riviera Marker
The Riviera was designed by architect James Roy Allen and constructed during the Depression by the city of Lake Geneva to provide jobs for local workers. The cost of $55,000 was paid by the sale of public bonds. Construction began on March 2, 1932, and the formal opening was on May 22, 1933, featuring Wayne King and his orchestra. Originally called "Northport", the name "The Riviera" was selected from entries in a local contest. From the 1930's to the 1950's, the Riviera Ballroom hosted a number of big bands, including Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and Louis Armstrong. In the 1970's, the ballroom became the Top Deck and featured stars such as Chubby Checker, Herman's Hermits, and Stevie Wonder. In 1983 the city restored the Riviera as a civic events space.
The Riviera was placed on the State and National Register of Historic Places by the Wisconsin Historical Society and the United States Department of the Interior in 1986.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. A significant historical date for this entry is May 22, 1933.
Location. 42° 35.409′ N, 88° 26.167′ W. Marker is in Lake Geneva,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Whiting House & Hotel Geneva (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Andy Gump (about 500 feet away); Main Street Historic District (about 600 feet away); Historic Lake Geneva (about 600 feet away); The Lake Geneva Public Library (about 700 feet away); The Charles Wilson House (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Main Street Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Maple Park (approx. 0.2 miles
Photographed by Connor Olson, April 22, 2023
2. The Riviera Marker
Another marker is no longer nearby. Maple Park (was about 700 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Connor Olson, April 22, 2023
3. The Riviera
Credits. This page was last revised on April 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2023, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 421 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 23, 2023, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
