"Century Homes," Spring Housewalk

The Wilmette Historical Society is pleased to announce “Century Homes,” its 27^th Annual Spring Housewalk to be held on Sunday, May 18, 2014, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. This year’s event features four grand homes that are more than 100 years old. The oldest home was built for a member of the Gage family, one of Wilmette’s earliest families. Tickets start at $40, and can be purchased at www.wilmettehistory.org.

“Century Homes” offers an excellent opportunity to see the stunning interiors of some of the earliest residences in east Wilmette. Each of the four houses represents a different architectural style popular in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries, including Italianate, Classical Revival, Queen Anne and Arts & Crafts. Highlights include original marble fireplaces imported from Italy, plaster crown molding, a Queen Anne turret, exquisite art glass and woodwork inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement, and the refined elegance of the Classical Revival style. Guests will be inspired by the timeless designs of these homes and the ways that modern families have cared for their historic properties. Docents will share information about the architects and early owners of the homes, including the first president of the Wilmette Bank and Asahel Gage, a prominent early Wilmette resident. Housewalk guests also receive an informative booklet about the homes and the neighborhoods.

The Spring Housewalk is the Wilmette Historical Society’s annual fundraiser to support the work of the Wilmette Historical Museum. Advance tickets are $40 for Museum members, $50 for non-members, and $25 for high school or college students. Tickets purchased on the day of the housewalk, May 18th, cost $50 for Museum members; $60 for non-members, and $25 for students. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting the Museum’s website at www.wilmettehistory.org, by calling the Museum at (847) 853-7666, or in person at the Wilmette Historical Museum. The Museum is open Sunday through Thursday, 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Credit cards and cash are accepted. For further information, please call (847) 853-7666 or email museum@wilmette.com.