The name William Wrigley Jr. is synonymous with the global expansion of the chewing gum industry, but for architectural historians and enthusiasts of the Gilded Age, his name evokes images of sprawling estates and sun-drenched summer retreats. Wrigley did not merely build houses; he curated environments that blended industrial wealth with natural splendor. To understand the man behind the brand, one must look at his summer “cottages”—a term used modestly for what were, in reality, palatial architectural feats.
The Crown Jewel: Mt. Ada on Santa Catalina Island
Perhaps the most iconic of all Wrigley residences is Mt. Ada, situated on the high ridges overlooking Avalon Bay on Santa Catalina Island. After purchasing the majority interest in the Santa Catalina Island Company in 1919, Wrigley sought to transform the island into a world-class resort. He chose the highest vantage point for his own summer home, ensuring he could survey his “kingdom” from his balcony.
Completed in 1921, Mt. Ada was designed by David M. Renton. The Georgian Colonial style stands in stark contrast to the rugged, Mediterranean-inspired landscape of the island. The home features six bedrooms, a sprawling sun parlor, and a formal dining room that has hosted presidents and dignitaries. The photos of the exterior reveal a pristine white facade with symmetrical columns, a hallmark of the era’s taste for classical refinement.
The Interior Elegance of Mt. Ada
Interior photography of the cottage showcases a mastery of light and space. Because the house sits on a ridge, Wrigley insisted on large windows that allowed the Pacific sun to illuminate the mahogany woodwork. The “summer cottage” feel was achieved through the use of hand-painted tiles—many produced at Wrigley’s own Catalina Pottery factory—and breezy, open-floor plans that encouraged the flow of ocean air.
The living spaces were designed for hospitality. Wrigley was known for his “open-door” philosophy during the summer months, often inviting Chicago Cubs players (the team he owned) or business associates to escape the mainland heat. The photographs of the library show floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and heavy leather armchairs, providing a glimpse into the private life of a man who balanced intense industrial labor with a deep appreciation for quietude.
Green Gables: The Lake Geneva Retreat
While Catalina Island was his western escape, William Wrigley Jr. also maintained a significant presence in the Midwest. “Green Gables,” his summer estate on the shores of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, represents a different facet of his personality. This region was the premier summer destination for Chicago’s elite, including the Swifts, the Mortons, and the Cranes.
Green Gables was characterized by its massive scale and intricate shingle-style architecture. Unlike the verticality of Mt. Ada, the Lake Geneva cottage spread horizontally across the shoreline. Photos from the early 20th century show the meticulous landscaping—lawns so perfectly manicured they resembled velvet, and flower beds arranged in geometric patterns. This was the site of grand garden parties and high-society gatherings that defined the “Western Newport” era of Lake Geneva.
The Functional Beauty of the Wrigley Greenhouse
A recurring theme in the photography of Wrigley’s summer estates is the presence of elaborate gardens and greenhouses. Wrigley was a horticultural enthusiast, believing that a summer cottage was incomplete without a vibrant botanical display. On Catalina Island, the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens stand as a testament to this passion.
Even in his private residences, photos show “conservatory rooms” where exotic plants were cultivated. This wasn’t just for aesthetics; it was a display of power over nature. To grow tropical species in the temperate climate of Wisconsin or to maintain lush greenery on the arid hills of Catalina required immense resources and engineering, both of which Wrigley possessed in abundance.
The Legacy of the “Summer Cottage” Concept
Why did a billionaire like Wrigley refer to these mansions as “cottages”? In the context of the early 1900s, the term signified a departure from the formal, rigid lifestyle of the city. These homes were places of “leisure,” though they were staffed by dozens of servants and featured every modern luxury of the time.
Photos of the Wrigley estates today often show them in various states of preservation. Mt. Ada now serves as a high-end bed and breakfast, allowing the public to experience the views that Wrigley once cherished. Green Gables, though modified over the decades, remains a symbol of Lake Geneva’s golden age.
Preservation and Modern Perspectives
Modern architectural photography of these sites focuses on the sustainability of the materials used. Wrigley was a pioneer in using local resources. On Catalina, he used local clay for tiles and local stone for foundations. This “site-specific” architecture is one reason why his summer cottages have survived the elements so well.
The enduring fascination with William Wrigley Jr.’s summer cottage photos lies in their ability to transport us to a time of unbridled optimism. They represent the “American Dream” realized on a gargantuan scale—where a salesman of soap and baking powder could eventually build palaces on both coasts of the continent.
In conclusion, the summer cottages of William Wrigley Jr. are more than just historical landmarks; they are the physical manifestations of a business empire. Through the lens of historical and contemporary photography, we see a blend of Georgian formality, shingle-style comfort, and a deep, abiding respect for the natural landscape. Whether looking out over the Pacific or the waters of Lake Geneva, Wrigley’s vision of the “perfect summer” remains etched in the stone and timber of these magnificent estates.
