Letter: History worth preserving

I read with great interest your article, "A question of preserving history" in the July 17 Daily Herald.

Kudos to Mr. & Mrs. vander Nat for understanding the importance of preserving one of the few remaining examples of historic Greek Revival architecture that exists in our region.

Most unfortunately, for those of us who reside in the Midwest, there is a depressing lack of understanding and regard for the history of our region as well as its early architecture.

It is sad to say that people have torn down many hundreds of examples of historic homes all across our part of the state. After the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825, the Midwest and especially Northeastern Illinois, saw a great influx of settlers who brought with them the style of architecture with which they were familiar.

In addition to its historic architecture, the vander Nat home is especially significant due to its connection with the Meacham family, a very important settler in our area. While it's true that a listing on the National Register of Historic Places doesn't provide teardown protection except for certain circumstances, I would suggest they contact the Landmarks Illinois office in Chicago to see if they might provide some guidelines that may enable the family to seek and obtain landmark status.

Here in Glen Ellyn we are most fortunate to have Stacy's Tavern Museum, a similar home in the Greek Revival style.

Stacy's Tavern is an award-winning restoration of a traveler's inn and stagecoach stop built in 1846. It was named one of the finest restorations in Illinois in 1977 by the state preservation office.

It has brought a great sense of pride to our town, and is operated on a volunteer basis by the Glen Ellyn Historical Society.

Lee Marks

Glen Ellyn