Book features 50 historic homes in Libertyville
After 18 years of hosting Historic Home Tours, the MainStreet Libertyville Design Committee has published "Lasting Impressions," the first hardcover coffee table book featuring 50 of Libertyville's historic homes.
Stories of each home are told through the lens of professional photographer Randall Paetzold while taking readers on a journey back in time from the modest beginnings of early settlers to the beautiful homes that remain today.
Local homeowners embraced the project as the committee unveiled the plans for it in late spring. Committee members also realized how proud residents are of their historic properties.
"Owning a historic home is truly a labor of love, yet exciting, as we continue to enhance and bring back its historical integrity. We couldn't be more thrilled and honored to be included in the 'Lasting Impressions' book, which highlights the exciting work in our community to keep a little piece of history alive in our treasured homes," homeowners Ed and Gina Furner said.
Some homeowners were in the middle of restoration projects when the committee contacted them about including their homes in the book.
"In the spring of 2021, we embarked on an extensive exterior restoration project; our home was a massive work zone. We received a letter from MainStreet Libertyville that our home had been selected for inclusion in 'Lasting Impressions' and our excitement quickly grew," homeowners Scott and Kay Manion said.
"We arranged to have it photographed at the very end of the project and are proud to have it featured in such a historic book."
The most common theme among homeowners was gratitude for the project's concept and the amount of research it contains. The committee partnered with the Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society for help with research and vintage photographs.
"Thank you for preserving this history for Libertyville," homeowners Adriana and Derick Bonewitz said.
The 125-page book is available for purchase online at the MainStreet Libertyville website, mainstreetlibertyville.org, or by calling the MainStreet Libertyville Office at (847) 680-0336. The cost is $50.
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