By Bette Hammel, author of Legendary Homes on Lake Minnetonka

One hundred years after it's founding, the Deephaven Centennial committee arranged a celebration for Russell M. Bennett’s grand estate, Cedarhurst.

The original house, a “northern southern colonial” was located at the top of a …

By Bette Hammel, author of Legendary Homes of Lake Minnetonka

Picture a majestic Lake Minnetonka Hotel opening for 800 guests from neighboring states and the South. Travelers were delighted to find their rooms overlooking the refreshing waters of Lake Minnetonka from their verandas.

Guests enjoyed views of …

Introduction by Bette Hammel, author of Legendary Homes of Lake Minnetonka

Indeed, our Lake is mighty big, its sparkling waters extend along 125 miles of shoreline and over 14,000 acres of water gracing Wayzata, Excelsior, Deephaven, Maplewoods, Mound, Spring Park, Victoria and other cities …