The Restaurant That Takes You Back In Time
At Dawn Manor, we bring all the comforts of the present to the past. Travel back in time to dine, drink, and shop in a real 19th century mansion turned American restaurant in Wisconsin Dells.
A Timeless Wisconsin Dells Restaurant… And More
Five unique, themed dining rooms inspired by Dawn Manor’s history
Patio deck seating with scenic, panoramic views on Mirror Lake
Prohibition Era speakeasy and wine cave
Gift shop offering goods for all ages
Secluded dining rooms ideal for private events of all kinds
Delicious American restaurant serving lunch and dinner daily
History of the Art and Displays at Dawn Manor
Lobby and Entryway
These areas of Dawn Manor feature your view of the beautiful staircase which has a historical display showing photos and stories of the grand stairs of the mansion. This staircase has the original newel post and cut string supports from the house. The original steps and spindles from the grand mansion stairs now form the unique wooden benches in the lobby.
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You will also see the original servants bell mounted in the entryway. Helen Raab may have used it to call her longtime maid Elsa. Imagine listening to the unique tone as you transport yourself back into Victorian America. The ethereal yellow impressionistic painting of the original mansion is easy to spot as is the classic metallic sundial which decorated the outdoor yard of the mansion for many many years. Notice the doorknobs and hinges to various rooms which are originals from the old house as well.
Finally, take note of the detailed grid plan made by the Amish craftsman who carefully and methodically took the old home down stone by stone, organized and labelled each piece of the unique pattern, and then used this grid to meticulously reconstruct beautiful 1855 Dawn Manor.
The Wall of Honor and Vanderpoel Bar
Several framed pieces near the patio door and immediately off of the lobby recognize former Dawn Manor owner William J. Newman, the noted Chicago contractor who brought up the large classic stone statuary found outside of the building from famous Chicago landmarks, like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Midway Gardens and the former Chicago Board of Trade, to the Dells area in the late 1920’s. The two largest stone reliefs in front of the building Newman used to form the grand front gate entrance for the mansion. The Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner, & Smith membership certificate back inside, on the wall by the patio door, gives you an idea of the immensity and grandeur of the old Board of Trade building prior to Newman taking it down.
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In the hallway directly across from the Vanderpoel Bar, you will find detailed plaques and photos of Dawn Manor owners and famous visitors on the Wall of Honor. Take time to read about these remarkable people who are a key part of the mansion’s history.
Another piece in this area specifically commemorates actress Agnes Moorehead and her frequent visits to Dawn Manor for tea with Helen Raab. The Mooreheads spent much of their life in nearby Reedsburg.
The Vanderpoel Bar features a beautiful George Raab original of a crystal pitcher and glasses, and vignettes of the first Dawn Manor owners and residents, Christina and Abraham Vanderpoel.
The large Delton Township map from 1936, located here and in the lower-level hallway near the staircase, commemorates the grand plan of William J. Newman to develop the 2000 acre “Dawn Manor Resort” stretching from Lake Delton, built by Newman and excavator Ralph Hines, to the current location of the mansion here on Mirror Lake.
Lower-Level Hallway
These are a series of historic articles and artifacts from the 1920s and 1930s showing Helen Raab’s work in the world of art, culture, and her connection with emerging artists and noted lecturers of all genres. Wisconsin sculptor Louis Mayer was a longtime admirer and confidant of Mrs. Raab, and here you will see several personal pieces of unique correspondence shared by Mayer with Helen over the years.
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A Native American fishing spear from the original house is mounted above the series of Mayer related curated displays. The framed segment of a letter from Wolo is a part of a series of letters found in Dawn Manor indicating how Helen encouraged and supported this young caricaturist from San Francisco who went on to become a very successful artist, puppeteer, and children’s author. Finally, notice the community theater photo of Helen’s only grandson Proctor Raab appearing as a gangster.
Various Interior Hallways
These walls show historical articles and photos of Helen Raab and her famous animals, a tribute to her third husband Herman Breitenbach, plaques and historical displays about Kirby Raab’s competitive diving and boat racing hobbies, plus Helen Raab’s involvement with the Wisconsin Boating Association. Additional artwork features George Raab’s grain elevator sketch and a 1900 image of “Dawn”, as it was first named by Mrs. Annie Kerfoot, who summered here over 20 years with her family and husband Samuel. The antique mirror at the foot of the stairs on the lower level is an original piece from Dawn Manor.
Discover More History
Explore the Themed Rooms at Dawn Manor and learn about their respective art and displays.
