Page 83 - On the Shores of Lake Michigan
P. 83
Chester Thordarson, who designed the world's irst million-volt transformer and would hold hundreds of
patents over his lifetime, purchased Rock Iisland in 1910. His heirs sold it to the state in 1964. Thordarson did
clear land to build cottages, lodges, a water tower, a pavilion and the island's most impressive building: a
magniicent stone boathouse and great hall built with dolomite limestone from the island. The building, said to
be modeled after Iceland's parliament building, was completed in 1928. Today the hall and boathouse stand as
an impressive tribute to Thordarson's Icelandic roots, with artifacts inside detailing the island's natural and
human history. 81
