Old Orchard & the John Wilcox Family

Explore the life of entrepreneur John F. Wilcox and his magnificent "Old Orchard" estate in Tonka Bay's Wildhurst neighborhood. Descendant KC Stabeck will discuss Wilcox's ventures, including the Wilcox Motor Car Company, Wilcox Trux and the early Wilcox fire engine still owned by the city of Wayzata.

The presentation will also cover Tonka Bay history, including the State Fruit Farm, Wildhurst, Birch Bluff and Lockes Point. We will then delve into the evolution of the Old Orchard estate into a 1920-30s summer resort, its return to the Wilcox family, and eventual redevelopment.

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

[Image: Postcard of Old Orchard estate, ca. 1905. ]

The Society was formed in October 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