This image is the cover for the book Lake Geneva in Vintage Postcards, Postcard History Series

Lake Geneva in Vintage Postcards, Postcard History Series

An overview of Lake Geneva's rich history.


Lake Geneva was originally called Kishwauketoe by the Oneota tribe, a name meaning clear or sparkling water. Carved out by a glacier, this same crystal water has attracted residents and tourists for centuries, and continues to be a retreat for many in every season. Through a collection of vivid vintage postcards, authors Carolyn Hope Smeltzer and Martha Kiefer Cucco provide an inside look of Lake Geneva's past, rendered in views of mansions, cottages, and camps, and in images of recreation, the surrounding towns, and, of course, Lake Geneva itself.

Carolyn Hope Smeltzer, Martha Kiefer Cucco

Though the authors created this book during a holiday season at Lake Geneva, it represents years of collecting and research. Both authors value learning local history through images, are passionate about lake living, and support lake preservation. Carolyn is a long-term resident of Chicago and has enjoyed Lake Geneva living since 1995. Martha is also a Chicago native and has lived at the lake since childhood.

Arcadia Publishing