Eccentric Millionaire Builds Enduring Tahoe Legacy
Posted on August 10, 2008
Filed Under Cultural Heritage |
The Thunderbird Lodge.
Built in 1939, this magnificent estate was designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings. And, that’s not all.
It also housed flamboyant millionaire George Whittell’s favorite friends. Mingo, the elephant, pet lion, Bill, and over 40 birds that lived in the aviary on the front porch of the estate. Bill- the lion - was his closest friend and companion traveling with him everywhere in George’s convertible roadster.
His love of animals and Tahoe inspired him to bequeath much of his money to animal rights organizations and to sell most of his 27 miles of shoreline to the National Forest Service that helped protect the east shore from development.
What a great story. And, historical site. Kind of like Tahoe’s Hearst Castle.
To learn more about George Whittell’s fascinating life, his boat and lodge, visit the Thunderbird Lodge Historic Site website.
And, don’t miss the tours or special events.
Land and water tours are available June through October by reservation only. $32 adults ,$16 children (6-12). Visitors must be shuttled to the lodge from the Incline Village/Crystal Bay Visitor’s Center. For more information, visit the website or call 1-800-GO-TAHOE.
Detailed information about the estate and George Whittell can be found in the book “Castle in the Sky”, by Ronald and Susan James. To purchase this elegant and informative book online, click here.
