DescriptionCornelius “Con” Kelley and Orvis Evans, aspiring young attorneys for the Anaconda Company, purchased this former homestead site in 1908 as a seasonal retreat. Both men rose to positions of great power and wealth. Kelley became the Anaconda Company’s president and Standard Oil’s vice president. Evans became chief counsel for both the Anaconda Company and the Montana Power Company. Together they expanded their rustic family retreat between 1914 and 1928, transforming it into a sprawling $2 million, 2,700-acre vacation spot for business associates and company executives. The finely crafted, elegantly appointed collection of log buildings and exquisite landscaping represents a most unusual juxtaposition of urban opulence and Arts and Crafts–inspired Western Rustic–style architecture against a backdrop of remote mountain timberland. Upturned rooflines on lakeshore arbors, “yin and yang” placement of outdoor flagstones, and peaceful gardens radiate Japanese charm. Etchings in concrete around the main lodge’s courtyard are attributed to cowboy artist Charlie Russell, once a regular visitor. During the hard times of the 1920s, the lodge bolstered the local economy, employing many area craftsmen and 70 domestic servants. In 2005, the property, listed in the National Register, was sold to a Florida developer. Personal NamesKelley, Cornelius "Con"Evans, OrvisContributing InstitutionMontana Historical Society Library and ArchivesGeolocation[1] Elevation3085 ft.CountyLake County
