‘A Look at Zook’ talk at Elgin History Museum

Submitted by Elgin History Museum

Take “A Look at Zook: The Unique Architecture of R. Harold Zook” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at the Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St. in Elgin. Admission is $3 or free for museum members.

Homes with distinctive “thatched” roofs, exposed chamfered beams, brick, stone, stucco and wood, beamed cathedral ceilings, and small irregularly-shaped rooms bring Cotswold-style cottages to mind.

But, mix in spider web designs, V-shaped windows, chevron patterns, and cut out work in wooden shutters, gates and window boxes, and you get the unique designs of R. Harold Zook, noted architect of the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s.

Although the majority of R. Harold Zook’s buildings were built in Hinsdale and Park Ridge, there are at least two Zook homes in Elgin. You are invited to hear about this amazing architect who worked mainly during the 1920s and World War II. His homes and buildings have extraordinary details and character. His touch may also be present in other homes in our area. Author Betty Green will have her book on Zook available for sale.

For details, visit www.elginhistory.org or call (847) 742-4248.

On Monday, May 13, learn about “Rehabbing Elgin Bungalows” at 7 p.m. at the Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin. How do you preserve original features in an old bungalow-style home? Elgin contractor and historian Dennis Roxworthy has rehabbed 12 Elgin bungalows over the past 20 years. His presentation includes images and information on old home repair and maintenance, including choices in historic paint colors.

On Thursday, May 16, celebrate International Museum Day with Carl Flaks as he discusses how to collect Native American art during the Brown Bag Lunch at noon at the Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St. in Elgin. Admission is $3 or free for museum members. Bring your lunch and the museum will provide drinks and dessert. Free admission for members.

Learn about “Silent City: A History of Elgin’s City Cemeteries” at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18. Meet in the old holding vault at Bluff City Cemetery for a presentation on the history of Elgin’s city cemeteries with Elgin historian Steve Stroud. Copies of the booklet “Silent City” will be available. It is $5 for nonmembers or free for members.