Pesch earns honors
The Clayson House and Museum in Palatine recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and offered a delightful Victorian Christmas experience for the community.
The Clayson House is a Palatine Park District entity operated by Palatine Historical Society volunteers and museum coordinator Linni Pesch.
Prior to Pesch, longtime local historian Marilyn Pedersen undertook the restoration of the Clayson House in the 1970s and was its primary steward until her passing last year.
Pesch was an active volunteer when Pedersen passed away and was hired by the park district to replace her.
Despite having enormous shoes to fill and a local legend to live up to, Pesch has almost single-handedly added a new vibrancy to the Clayson House . no small feat.
Many on the "team" should be recognized as well including Joe Petykowski, Jan Degnar, Denise Limburg, Carolyn Mangold, Susan Minott, Connie Rawa, Alice Rosenberg and others.
Pesch has managed to surprise longtime supporters of the historical society with attendance at events, a dramatic increase in the number of visitors, and a spirit of success that is both admirable and impressive.
She has "rallied the troops" with her "can do" spirit and her commitment to elevating the Clayson House to greater exposure, increased opportunities for participation, and a more visible role in the community.
Though we all miss Marilyn dearly and deeply respect her efforts to rescue the Clayson House and transform it into what it is today, we are grateful that her legacy lives on in Pesch and her endeavors to bring it to the next level.
The enthusiasm she generates with her Clayson's Kids Days and her community outreach set new standards.
Thank you and (Victorian!) hats off to Linni Pesch for her irrepressible spirit and contagious charm from which our entire village and the surrounding area benefit!
Pamela Olander
Palatine