Dundee house and garden walk showcases variety of homes
A century's worth of architectural styles will be featured this Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Dundee Township Historical Society's biennial housewalk.
History buffs and design enthusiasts alike will be transported to past eras simply by stepping through a doorway.
"We have a variety of homes to appeal to a wide array of people," said historical society president-elect, Marge Edwards.
"Seeing these homes will give you an idea of how people lived throughout time."
Five houses all with distinct architectural styles will be available for viewing. Featured homes include a 1850s Greek revival, a 1890 grand Victorian, a 1922 colonial cottage, a 1928 English Cotswold and a 1949 brick and stone property.
As visitors enter each residence, they will be greeted by a team of knowledgeable docents dressed in period costume.
The attendants will guide guests through the home and answer questions about the design, décor and lifestyle of the specific time period.
The home owners have taken care to maintain the historical aspects of their properties, inside and out. Many are furnished with antiques and detailed ornamentation from their era.
Joanne Sladek, owner of the 1928 "Sinclair" house, takes pride that her home has all of its original woodwork and plaster.
"There is nothing modern about this place," she said. "The house was passed through the Sinclair family for generations, and it has been kept in pristine condition."
Sladek purchased the house in 1994 but has not made any changes. Every room is furnished with 19th century antiques from her own collection.
Four gardens separate from the homes will also be included in the walk. There is no set route to follow, so guests can indulge their interests at their leisure.
For an additional fee, the Historical Society will also be hosting a luncheon at noon at the old power house near Otto Engineering in Carpentersville. At the "Riverside Cafe," picnic baskets and blankets will be available to those looking for a relaxing lunch by the Fox River.
Greeters portraying Angelo and Mary Carpenter, the founders of Carpentersville, will entertain with tales of how they came to the area and established the town.
The house walk is the society's major fundraiser, but it does hold several events throughout the year. Guest speakers, workshops in photo restoration and genealogy, and bus tours are just a few of the offerings.
"I will be taking the tour myself," Sladek said.
Though it is the first year her home has been featured, Sladek has been participating in the event for 14 years.
"It's so much fun, and every year it makes me fall in love with West Dundee all over again," she said
Tickets are $15 for the walk and $15 for the luncheon at the Riverside Cafe. Advance tickets are available at Family Pride Cleaners, 537 S. Eighth St. (Route 31) and at the museum, 426 Highland in West Dundee from 9 a.m. to noon on the day of the walk. For information, call the museum at (847) 428-6996 or visit dundeetownshiphistorical.org.
If you go
What: The Dundee Township Historical Society's biennial historic housewalk, featuring five homes and four gardens
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20
Tickets: $15 for the walk; $15 for luncheon in Carpentersville. Advance tickets available at Family Pride Cleaners, 537 S. Eighth St. (Route 31) or from 9 a.m. to noon the day of the walk at the museum, 426 Highland, West Dundee.
Info: Call the museum at (847) 428-6996 or visit dundeetownshiphistorical.org