Submitted by LCO History Club
The Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board (TGB) announced that on Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, the historic Al Capone Hideout would be open for visiting. The opening was made possible through the efforts of the LCO History Club. The History Club began working on the Al Capone residence in early March 2019. The LCO Tribe provided support for the work through volunteers and financial support.
On Friday, there were at least 71 people who signed the Hideout Guest Register. The project started when a group of 13 ladies from the Twin Cities area expressed an interest in touring the property. They arrived in a coach bus wearing Roaring 1920’s headwear. The ladies were amazed about the beauty of the main lodge and they had many questions about the man, Al Capone. They walked the property and marveled at the seclusion of the property, as the buildings were constructed in the late 1920’s using local stones. An admission fee was paid by the women’s group. The fee was $195 for 13 women at $15 each.
The TGB announced that tribal members may visit the property without paying an admission fee. Three pieces of 1900 era period pieces of furniture was purchased by the LCO Tribe. Other antique furnishings are graciously loaned by the LCO History Club.
When you enter the grand room of the main residence, you are immediately aware of the twin spiral staircases on each side of a massive fireplace. The log walls are immaculate in their condition and placement. On the upper level, there are four small bedrooms and a bathroom. The great room, which is the living room, was very cozy for the public on Oct. 4. Most of the people sat around the fireplace and visited for several hours that day. The workers discovered original wood under some old linoleum. Sanding of the wood and conditioning treatment is bringing out the beauty of the wood. A very old cast iron stove with teal-blue ceramic was installed in the kitchen.
The LCO History Club wish to continue working on the Hideout Project. The most immediate tasks are to prepare the exterior parts of buildings for the winter season. There is also a rusty 1931 International flat-bed truck that needs protection for the weather elements. Efforts are being made to preserve the vehicle.
