Families keep integrity of 107-year-old farmhouse

Long Grove is a self-described oasis, untouched by urban sprawl. It's noted for its country setting, with homes set back on big lots along tree-lined winding roads.

But even here there are throwbacks.

Like an old Victorian-style farmhouse on Mayflower Lane. Someone has lived on this spot amid the groves of oak and hickory trees that gave the village its name since 1847.

Plat maps of that time, during the early days of settlement of the area, showed a structure on the site. But that original home disappeared, replaced in the late 1880s by a handy Civil War veteran.

Being one of the oldest homes in a town that has made an industry of its historic central area is something the former and now new owners cherish. It's the kind of place where rough-hewn timber from another age is uncovered during interior renovation.

"As the developers came in they just knocked everything down. There's just a handful of the Victorian farmhouses," left in the area, says Susan Van Der Bosch. "I think most of the old farmhouses that were there even when we moved in are gone."

Van Der Bosch, a former president of the Long Grove Park District and her husband, George, a former chairman of the village's plan commission, lived in the home for 43 years.

With the kids out of the home and age creeping up, they decided to sell July 31.

"We're in our 70s. I raised five children in that house and loved every minute of it," Susan said.

George Van Der Bosch, who ran a restaurant supply firm, grew up in Chicago, but the family had a farm in southern Wisconsin. The couple lived in Palatine as newlyweds and through a business associate became aware of Long Grove.

"He just always loved farmhouses," Susan said. "When we had our children, we were looking for a place for them to roam and we wouldn't have the worries about things parents worry about."

Close enough to the city for entertainment but far enough away to be isolated, the Van Der Bosches relished their country retreat. Susan remembers the ice storm in January 1965, when their fifth child was born. Long Grove was without electricity for five days.

"When we moved in, Long Grove had 600 people. We were considered the super boonies. People didn't even know where Long Grove was," said Susan, a former real estate broker. "It was wonderful then. Obviously, finding that now is not possible."

Though not ornate, there were some old-style touches, such as exterior window moldings, that were missing.

"The people that owned it just had seen no value in maintaining or enhancing the Victorian features. We did that restoration work," Susan said.

The couple also became interested in the history. According to Van Der Bosch, the home builder was Christ Sauer.

"He did go away to fight in the Civil War and lost a leg in the battle of Missionary Ridge," said Ann Dickson, president of the Long Grove Historical Society.

In 1855, Sauer had worked for Charles Stempel, running a general store. After returning from the war, Sauer went to Chicago to recuperate. He returned to Long Grove in 1869, according to Dickson.

That year, he built Sauer's Cheap Cash store on the present location of the Farmside Country Store, in what is known as the Crossroads area downtown. The store remained a family business until 1932 when it was destroyed by fire and rebuilt.

In 1890, Sauer built the home eventually occupied by the Van Der Bosches for his brother, Fred, according to Dickson.

One hundred and seven years later, there are new owners, with the home selling two weeks after it was listed. Laura and Elliott Baretz lived in Buffalo Grove for nine years when they became aware of the old farmhouse.

"We've only been in new developments before. It feels like there's so much more character," says Elliott Baretz. "It's built differently, it immediately feels very comfortable."

There was one nod to progress, however. Apparently, a portion of the property was dedicated to the state in 1936 for Route 53, which hums just beyond the south side of the home.

Having just moved in and now getting the kids ready for school, the family hasn't had a lot of time to dive into the background, but they hope to.

"We've always had an interest in old houses and history, and are just fascinated by the story of the house and that the history will continue," Laura Baretz said.

The Van Der Bosches are happy the tradition will continue.

"We consider ourselves very lucky that they appreciated the integrity of the house and didn't want to tear it down," Susan said.