Special historic elements of the inn incorporate items of past family fun and entertainment, such as the hundreds of 78 r.p.m. records begging to be spun once again as you lull by the fire. The large, well-stocked galley kitchen invites gourmet exploration. Unusual books and original artworks will capture your imagination. A four-season porch offers an airy hideout. This five-bedroom house sleeps 9-10 guests in private revival. Plenty of off-street parking is available at this truly unique environment. There is no place else like the Whisper Garden Inn.

Special Features of the Inn

The conversion of the Whisper Garden Inn into a guesthouse was done so with our client’s comfort and relaxation in mind. The simplicity that early pioneers families enjoyed are still available. You need not stay long, climb too many stairs or sit for long to get the true feeling of being “at home”. A reservation at the Inn is accompanied with an invitation to a peaceful experience and revitalization.

Many of the antiques and treasures at the Inn have resided here for many decades. Enjoy them and use them as they were intended. There’s nothing like a comfortable old chair, a melody on a scratchy classic record or the fragrance of cherished books and games. Allow yourself the luxury of setting aside your hectic daily life and indulge in a bit of the past. Modern science may not have fine-tuned the time machine but a trip to the Whisper Garden Inn is close.

The kitchen is fully stocked with the utensils and tools necessary to create a gourmet meal. You may eat in the formal dining room or for a more casual meal, in the kitchen or on the porch. Weather permitting, picnic in the yard. A portable dishwasher will clean up that mess.

It would be hard to miss the extensive collection of vintage records -33’s, 45’s and 78’s will take you back. You’ll find it all: jazz, classical, swing, oration and comedy. The living room audio equipment will play it all, including the CD’s you’ve brought from home. The Steinway built in 1916 loves to be tickled by experienced players. Please use with care. To fully convey the ambiance of the early days, there are no televisions at the Inn.

The walls of the Inn are decorated predominately with the wistful artwork of Kay Johnson. Kay, a former house resident and close family friend and mentor of the Lee’s, sought to explore the possibilities of handmade paper. Her pulp, made of a special banana fiber, was dyed, hand cast and pressed to make the sheets she would later alter into whimsical and airy symbolic shapes. Her work was shown extensively in galleries and museums. As wonderful as her artistic talent was, it was her loving and open acceptance of everyone that made her a master of life. The current owner’s necktie collection adorning the numerous tie-racks throughout the house speak of several past eras, times of prosper and of pain. Pottery and trinkets abound, explore and enjoy. We simply ask that all items be treated with respect and replaced where they were found. There is no indoor smoking at the Inn. Outdoor smokers, please discard of waste sensibly.

The bedrooms are furnished to accommodate couples and singles. Sleep late, nap and escape. You’ll surely find a bed to please you. Lounge in the upstairs sitting room, read or daydream. There is only one shower so draw straws and plan your turn. Remember, this is the way our predecessors lived.

Books new and old may be found in “The Man’s Room” library/den. Feel free to browse. The donation of your used book would be greatly appreciated.

The grounds that encircle the house will be in a constant state of change. When the flowers are in bloom and the veggies are ripe, please cut and enjoy. Each time you return expect to see the next phase. A new perennial bed, fruit trees, ponds or pergolas, gardeners know that outdoor projects never come to an end.

The Whisper Garden Inn is centrally located to many amenities. Take a peak at the following chapters to find out where to golf, eat, play and shop. The Chamber of Commerce is located four blocks away at the corner of Terrace Street and Walworth Avenue.

History
10,000 years ago glaciers ruled the neighborhood. With the ices retreat fertile soil remained, plants grew, animals thrived and it became the domain of numerous Native American people, the most recent residents being the Potawatomi. These are the people who met and interacted with the first settlers in what was to become Delavan.

February 25th, 1839 is the day that the United States Government granted ownership of 314.38 acres of Wisconsin Territory to Henry and Samuel Phoenix. The Phoenix brothers had arrived two years earlier envisioning the formation of a temperance colony. Thus begins the story of the Whisper Garden Inn.

Unfortunately the Phoenix brothers died a short time later, Samuel on September 6th, 1840 and Henry on February 27th, 1842. Being co-owners complicated matters for the Phoenix families and years of litigation to divide property ensued. Many smaller parcels of land were created. The water rights to Swan Creek, the outlet stream from Swan Lake, now known as Delavan Lake, was the sole power source of a gristmill and sawmill that had to be protected for the well being of the families and the community. Inheritor of the largest portion of the land was Franklin K. Phoenix, son of Samuel and Sarah. A portion of this land is now home to the Whisper Garden Inn. In addition, other memorable sites include Old Settlers Cemetery on McDowell and North Third Streets and The Wisconsin School for the Deaf on Highway 11 west, towards Janesville.

The property changed hands many times over the years, has been involved in many court battles as a result of foreclosure and probate. The dwelling has seen numerous additions and alterations and the grounds had been host to a plant nursery and a mink ranch. A small chicken coop in the rear yard is a reminder of the family farm setting.

Prior to the Lee’s acquiring the current structure the home was owned for nearly half a century by Arthur (Art) and Kathleen (Kay) Johnson. Here they lived with their four sons, Peter, Larry, Eric and Mark. The Johnson’s are a unique and interesting family.

Art and Kay were strong advocates of improving the quality of life for the residents of Delavan. At the time of World War II the population of Hispanics mushroomed and the Johnson’s saw the need to make sure that these non-English speakers gained opportunity and education. They also were advocates of world peace and culture.

Art had a nonstop creative bent and was always inventing and attempting to provide a unique home environment. Kay was a natural visual artist, worked in many mediums including fiber, drawing, painting, quilting and handmade paper. Upon meeting this fine couple a mentorship evolved and led to a loving relationship with the Lee’s, your innkeepers.

As time moved on the home became available for sale and the Lee’s seized the opportunity to make the home their own. Here was an opportunity to continue the warm feelings that were nurtured over the years. We now offer it to you as the Whisper Garden Inn.