ANTES CABIN
In the early 20th century, automobile travel became very popular. In response to the need for lodging along the Black and Yellow Trail, which became U.S. Highway 14, the City of Evansville began providing camping space for tourists to camp in 1921. Lake Leota Park was one of the best campsites on the route from Chicago to the Black Hills and Yellowstone National Park. In 1922, this and other tourist cabins were built and rented out to tourists by a private entrepreneur. In 1936, the City of Evansville acquired four of the 1922 tourist cabins and moved them into Lake Leota Park to enhance the camping experience provided by the City of Evansville. The cabins, purchased from L.C. Laughery, were located north of the ball park, under the shade of several trees. Tourists could rent this cabin from the City for $20.00 a week in 1936. The Antes Cabin, so named to recognize Robert Antes’ contribution to the Park, was moved to the grounds of the historic Baker Office Building. Similar tourist cabins can be seen along U.S. Highway 14.
The surviving Antes Cabin is not in this photo, but is the same as shown.
