Charles Gibson - Early Deephaven Visionary

In the 1850s, Charles Gibson began traveling from his home in St. Louis to Minnesota to escape the summer heat. He encouraged many influential friends to do the same and used his wealth and entrepreneurial spirit to improve the area. In the 1870s he turned his sights to Deephaven and built Northome, one of the first great homes on the lake, and was instrumental in developing the lake’s first grand hotel, the Hotel St. Louis. Deephaven historian Barb Sykora will explore the many roles of this Lake Minnetonka promoter including husband, father of eight, lawyer, landholder, businessman, hotelier, political enthusiast, and supporter of public parks.

Free registration is requested. Capacity is limited and seating is first come, first served. Doors open at 6:30 pm. A $5.00 suggested contribution is appreciated.

[Image: Charles Gibson and grandson in front of his Deephaven "Northome."]

The Society was formed in 2023 through the consolidation of the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, the Museum of Lake Minnetonka, the Wayzata Historical Society and the Westonka Historical Society. The new organization has one of the largest archival and three-dimensional collections of Lake Minnetonka history available in-person and online and maintains a Research Archives in Wayzata, as well as Museums in Excelsior, Mound and Wayzata.​

The Society also shares the history of the lake through a variety of public programs and experiences, publishes and sells a number of books about the history of the area and is committed to returning its historic 1906 streetcar steamboat Minnehaha to active operation on Lake Minnetonka to continue her life as a floating museum.

For more information visit LakeMinnetonkaHistory.org or contact the Society at [email protected], 952-474-2115.

Host or Publisher Lake Minnetonka Historical Society