'Gingerbread House' on Arlington Heights' annual house walk
Everybody in Arlington Heights knows the home at 216 E. Euclid Ave. Everybody has walked or driven past it. Everybody has said, "I wonder what it is like inside." All know it as the "Gingerbread House."
Thanks to an agreement between the home's owner, Jack Kehe, and Warren J. Wahl, president of the board of directors of the The Arlington Heights Historical Society, the home is part of the society's 22nd House Walk and Tea on Sunday, June 28.
The home was originally built in 1926, and the first owners were Carl M. and Selma Behrens, who lived there until 1931. Carl was a prominent real estate man with his office at 104 N. Evergreen Ave. near what is now Northwest Highway. He eventually built his own building and relocated his business to the northwest corner of Dunton and Northwest Highway in a triangular-shaped, two-story brick building.
When the Behrens sold their home in 1931, it was purchased by Henry A. and Gertrude Bates, who lived there until it was sold a few years later. Gertrude Bates was the president of the local garden society.
During World War II, the home was owned and occupied by Hans and Marie Jensen. He was a mechanical engineer, who worked on designing aircraft engine parts for fighter aircraft and military vehicles used by the U.S. military. The Jensens were living there when I first visited the home in 1948-49. My father, Edward Wahl, and Hans were friends and worked together. Because of the war rationing of tires and gasoline, they carpooled to work in Chicago each day.
In 1949, the home was purchased by Paul and Alma Taege, lifelong residents of Arlington Heights. Paul was president of Arlington Concrete Products at 1414 E. Davis St. Paul and Alma's daughter Dorothy and her husband Jack Wiese also resided at the Euclid home with Paul and Alma until their passing. Jack died in 1997 and Dorothy in 2002.
The home then transferred to their grandson Jack Kehe, who has resided there with his partner Jonathan French, since that time.
They spent four years on the lengthy and difficult task of restoring the home to its former glory. They brought all major systems into the 21st century and made structural upgrades while retaining the charm and character of the original design. An addition done in the 1950s was removed and replaced.
For the very first time ever, this wonderful home - an icon of local architecture and surely the most famous and recognizable home in Arlington Heights - will open its doors. Visitors will be able to view the interior and exterior grounds guided by docents from the historical society.
There is no parking on the main street in front of the home and no place for passenger drop-off. People can park in the free commuter parking lot by the historical society,
The event from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, begins at the society headquarters, 110 W. Fremont St. Register at ahmuseum.org; (847) 255-1225; or at the museum office from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday or at Heritage Gallery from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. You can also register by mail to: Arlington Heights Historical Society, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights, IL 60004 or buy tickets at the museum on House Walk day if they're not sold out. Tickets are limited to 500. Registration is $30 for non-historical society members and $25 for members. The tea costs an extra $15 and tickets must be reserved by June 22.
Shortly after the tour, for the first time in more than 65 years the house will be offered for sale. No information on the listing agency, or the selling price is available.