History of River's Edge Restaurant

River's Edge, that Shangri-la of present day dining and "where to go" winter and summer, owes its beginnings to an aspiring young man, Merrill "Nig"Johnson. He, together with one Henry Hand, was the first to operate one of those places called a "chicken shack" where a happy group could pull up with the old "fliver," order some fried chicken and some "spiked beer" (a highlight of prohibition days) and be served from an open-out shelf from a little white building. This was located one quarter of a mile from WI Highway 64, on a serene spot by the Apple River, where the water flows incessantly winter and summer.
     With the onslaught of gambling, prohibition, and more automobiles, this busy little community grew and grew to become today, Somerset (the "Floating Capital of the World.")  And, the humble "chicken shack" was truly the start of our present day "River's Edge Supper Club" that is known the world over for good food, ambience, and our famous sautéed frog legs, (Charles Kurault's favorite.) Mr. Johnson had some problems like all businesses do, and at one time was closed up for a portion of year, possibly for some prohibition "technicality." The story goes that Johnson at one time served John Dillinger and his gang one afternoon. But, Johnson was a wonderful fellow, kind, generous, and loved by all, especially in later years, by the children. Operating a store in Somerset, it was a known fact that he gave half of what he stocked to the children. However, he sold his "Nig's Shack" to one, Eddie Ferranbach. Later, it was sold to the Mondor boys. Merrill and his wife, Esther, remained to operate it until about the early forties.
     Earl Mondor then became owner, and in about 1945 remodeled and beautified two rooms, the bar, and the dining room. Slot machines flourished and money came easy until the last part of 1945, when gambling was outlawed everywhere in the state. It was then, in early 1946, that the Jack Raleigh family took over, after operating "Raleigh's Café" in Somerset for six years.
     Jack and his wife had eight kids, five boys and three girls, some of whom still work in the business. Families come from far and wide to dine, float down the river, and enjoy the magnificent view of the Apple River from our dining rooms. Many young couples look back at their happy wedding reception held here and many happy family occasions have been highlighted here with our spacious, beautifully kept grounds as a backdrop.
     Here, for years, Charlie Ward brought his groups to dine on sautéed frog legs, and be entertained. Here, once Alice Longworth Roosevelt (Roosevelt Longworth) was his guest. Here, after a visit, Fitzpatrick of "Voice of the Globe" once wrote in our guest book - "If you build a better mousetrap, the whole world will find its way to your door."
     Highlight of our famous visitors, came Charles Kuralt, of the famous "On the Road Show," of the Walter Cronkite hour, on June 13, 1972. His two-day visit stretched to four days. He loved the simplicity and the greenness of River Edge and the Raleigh boys guided him along the whole float trip. The last day of his trip saw him going down the Apple on an improvised raft made by the Raleigh boys, supported by four large inner tubes, his fish-pole in hand (his favorite sport was trout fishing), all the photographic equipment and his crew aboard.
     River's Edge has become a dining Mecca for people from all over the nation. Famous for sautéed frog legs, its reputation for serenity and peace, and that most romantic place to take one's love ones, its popularity grows. Here, always is a great place to relax and enjoy a beautiful dinner.