Historical Images of Porter County

Lenard's Casino, Beverly Shores, Ind.

Beverly Shores, Indiana

Date: Circa 1940
Source Type: Postcard
Publisher, Printer, Photographer: Defender
Postmark: None
Collection: Steven R. Shook
Remark: Lenard's Casino was located on Lake Front Drive, west of Broadway. Constructed in 1935 by the Beverly Shores Construction Company, the first level at the beach contained lockers and showers. The second level contained inside dining rooms and an outside refreshment stand. The third floor consisted of living quarters. The structure was made of sandstone and sea-green terra cotta with jet black trim and was leased by W. J. McCain of Chicago, Illinois. In 1938, the structure was purchased by Ignatz Lenard (1881-1944), a noted restaurateur who owned the Little Poland Restaurant on 1166 Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Lenard later added a hotel wing consisting of 37 single rooms and two apartments.

Mrs. Karolina Lenard and her five five children took over the management of the operation after Mr. Lenard's death, while also maintaining their Chicago business. During the off-season months, Lenard's would close.

The 1966 National Lakeshore Acquisition Plan and its potential impact on the community, as well as rising lake levels, convinced the family to sell the property.

Information contributed by Carl O. Reed.

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Image and related text prepared by Steven R. Shook