The Bettendorf Staircase

Before I am able to move on from the Bettendorf Mansion Tour -- I've got to tell you about the staircase.

In the grand foyer -- the staircase is made from black walnut, imported from Germany.  There are two lions sitting atop each newel (I had to look that up). Because of the 12 foot ceiling heights -- When you get to the top of the staircase, there is another level...on both sides...YIKES...

The lions are carved out of a single piece of wood.

Mr. Bettendorf was so intent on exacting detail -- there are ridges carved inside the top of the lion's mouth.

We posed on the staircase with our tourguide, Rebecca...

Since the Bettendorf Mansion was built in 1909, it has been well cared for, but never really lived in. Which is why it's in such pristine condition.

I don't know why they decided to open it for tours this year -- but I'm so glad they did.

Our visit was like going back in time...100 years ago, this is how rich people lived.  We had an honest-to-God WEALTHY family right here.  OBVIOUSLY...I mean -- they did, after all, name the whole town after this guy.

And, it is obvious from this luxurious, elegant mansion that money was NO OBJECT.  According to Rebecca, the third floor would have been a Grand Ballroom -- which is why the floor between the second and third floors is 6 ft. of concrete.  WHA???

So -- who was this incredibly rich man?  Where did he come from originally?  How did he make his fortune?  Why did he end up here?  What happened to the money after he died?

Unfortunately,  the Bettendorf story has been lost.  Our tour guide kept apologizing because she couldn't answer our questions...

I know it's been over 100 years...but, other rich men from that period remained famous long after their death.  I'll bet everybody reading this blog has heard of Andrew Carnegie, John Rockefeller, Cornelius Vanderbilt....

But you've most likely never heard the name William Bettendorf.

I'm just sayin'....