The Water tower, now known as Judson Tower, was built in 1907-1908 by a Chicago Firm. It had a 75,000-gallon tank, stood about 135 feet from the ground, had 121 spiral steps, and rose about 200 feet above the lake level. Mrs. Lawson had a small tearoom built in the tower, with an Oriental Rug, wall hangings, bookcase, a fireplace, furniture, lamps, and a window for lake views. A water powered elevator was installed for easy, fast access to the top where an observation platform offered panoramic views of the lake.

When the Baptists purchased the property, the tower was named in honor of Ann and Adoniran Judson, the first American Baptist Missionaries to Burma. The large neon-lighted cross on the tower was donated by the Kansas Youth delegation attending the first youth conference in 1944. The chimes were made possible by the Schulmerich Carillons, Incorporated, who furnished the equipment free of charge.

The large tank in the tower functioned until the mid-1990s when it was replaced by a new tower located just to the west. Visitors today are offered the same breath-taking view. All that is necessary is to check out the key, climb the 121 steps and bring your camera. The elevator belongs to history.

This information was collected from

“Just Do It Jessie’s Way” by Kathleen Kleinpaste – pages 40-41.

“A Heritage History of Beautiful Green Lake Wisconsin” by Robert & Emma Heiple. Page 229