State Awards

The State Of Wisconsin OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION

  • WHEREAS, Wisconsin natives Scott and Mary-Jo Johnson have provided a welcoming respite to the many thousands of people who have been guests at the historic McConnell Inn in Green Lake, Wisconsin (Green Lake County) since the Johnsons opened their doors on June 30, 1986; and

  • WHEREAS, Scott and Mary-Jo Johnson refurbished this Green Lake landmark, originally built in 1900, to its Victorian grandeur, including preserving the leather wainscoting in the dining room, the hand-tooled parquet floors in the foyer and formal parlor and many of the original leaded windows; and

  • WHEREAS, Scott and Mary-Jo Johnson, as members of the Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association and the Wisconsin's Innkeeper's Association, have maintained a high-quality Inn known for its warmth and hospitality and savory, homemade, family-style breakfasts for all guests; and

  • WHEREAS, Scott and Mary-Jo Johnson have contributed to Wisconsin tourism by attracting visitors from as far away as Canada and California; and

  • WHEREAS, Scott and Mary-Jo Johnson have contributed to the civic life in Green Lake through service on the Park and Recreation Board and the Chamber of Commerce; and

  • WHEREAS, Scott and Mary-Jo Johnson have contributed to the cultural and economic vitality of Green Lake as developers and ardent supporters of Concert in the Park and Harvest Festival, the largest event in Green Lake; and

  • WHEREAS, Scott and Mary-Jo Johnson continue to refurbish the Inn and its rooms to meet the needs of their guests and make Green Lake and Wisconsin even more desirable tourist destinations by providing sought-after amenities (such as Jacuzzis and fireplaces);


NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jim Doyle , Governor of the State of Wisconsin , do hereby commend SCOTT AND MARY-JO JOHNSON owners and operators of the historic McConnell Inn Bed & Breakfast, for 20 consecutive years of innkeeper service , a long tradition of continuous service rare among Wisconsin Bed & Breakfasts


C I T A T I O N

McConnell Inn Bed & Breakfast

  • WHEREAS, on June 30, 2006, the McConnell Inn Bed & Breakfast will celebrate its 20 th Anniversary of doing business in this historical Green Lake landmark; and

  • WHEREAS, the McConnell Inn traces its historical roots back to the original owner, John McConnell, who built the home as his family residence in 1900; and

  • WHEREAS, Mary Jo and Scott Johnson purchased the house back in 1985, then spent six months renovating the building before opening as a Bed & Breakfast, a dream they shared, when returning to their native Wisconsin after living out East for a number of years; a nd

  • WHEREAS, Guest testimonials laud 'Your hospitality, good food, and warm spirit' and praise 'Your marvelous restoration, culinary expertise and really make the Inn a great escape; and

  • WHEREAS, Mary Jo's exceptional talent as a pastry chef greets wary travelers each morning, as they wake to the wafting aroma of fresh pastries baking in the oven, and other specialties such as apple cheese pancakes, stuffed french toast, and breakfast soufflé; now, therefore,

  • Representative Joan Ballweg on behalf of the Wisconsin State Assembly herby congratulates the McConnell Inn Bed & Breakfast on their 20 th Anniversary and joins the Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as friends and business associates in the community in wishing them continued success over the next 20 years and beyond.


Representative Joan Ballweg June 28, 2006
41 st Assembly District State Capitol
Madison , Wisconsin