Western Springs’ House Walk History

The Chicago Tribune’s first mention of an organized house walk in the Chicago area was in 1957. Perhaps this was because early residents were so involved in entertaining and visiting each others’ homes, there was little mystery as to how their friends and neighbors had designed and decorated their homes.

The first known reference to a house walk In Western Springs was in 1961. This was the 75th anniversary of the village’s founding and, as part of the town’s “Diamond Jubilee” celebration, the Newcomers Club organized a tour of homes, both “new and old”. For a mere one dollar donation, visitors could tour six homes. One was a then brand-new Springdale home featuring the owner’s favorite color – pink – in the kitchen, breakfast room, master bedroom, and utility room.  See second photo.

The next mention of a village House Walk was in 1983, when the St. John of the Cross Women’s Club sponsored a six home tour. Tickets were $7.50 and featured both Georgian and Victorian homes. However, the next house walk wouldn’t occur until 1986. That’s when the Historical Society joined with the Western Springs Community Center Association (WSCCA) to organize a tour of six historic homes. All were located in Old Town North and within walking distance of the Community Center. See third photo.

This House Walk was extremely well-organized, utilizing sponsorships, retail stores for ticket sales, donations from local florists and other merchants, and a cadre of dedicated volunteers to coordinate the tours. Building on that success, an almost identical House Walk was held the following year, this time featuring five different historic homes in the Old Town North area.

Given the tremendous effort required to produce such events, it‘s not surprising that there was a three year hiatus in House Walks. But, in 1990, the Historical Society and WSCCA partnered again, featuring six more homes. This time, the geography was expanded to include Field Park (two homes), Old Town South (one home), and Old Town North (three homes). Rather than featuring only pre-1900 homes, the House Walk included several from the 1920’s and 30’s, as well as a beautiful, brand new home built with recycled bricks.  See fourth photo.

In 1992, this approach continued, blending the older homes with the new. And, the House Walk recorded its largest crowd ever.

After a three-year hiatus, the House Walk reappeared in 1996. This time, it featured seven homes, the largest number to date. And, unlike previous walks, this one offered a trolley ride. Once again, proceeds went to support the Historical Society and WSCCA. This walk featured five pre-1900 homes and two from the 1930’s. But, carefully executed additions or renovations were found in virtually all of the homes. 

In 1998, the House Walk resumed with guided tours of five homes, all within walking distance of the Community Center. And, in 1999, the House Walk included its first home from Ridge Acres, a Forest Hills home inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, and five Old Town homes, including one designed by local area architect Harold Zook.

House Walk 2002 featured seven homes, several of which were of recent vintage, including one in the then-new Commonwealth subdivision. As in past years, an army of volunteers, some 300 strong, helped organize and produce the event. Perhaps the most creative was the “walking house” costume worn by Margaret Arts Fantasia, daughter of Elizabeth Arts, the chair of the marketing committee.  See fifth photo.

Having exhausted volunteers and sponsors alike, the House Walk went into hibernation. But, in 2009, it reappeared with several new looks. Among the seven featured homes, there was one designed for residents with limited mobility, a grand 19-century Victorian restored to its original splendor, and a modern home featuring a designer kitchen.  The theme of the Walk was “Elegant Living:” in the 21st century.

In 2011, the Village celebrated its 125th anniversary, and the House Walk responded with a list of homes located throughout the Village, including Ridgewood, Field Park, Forest Hills, and Old Town. In addition, the Walk included the Society’s recently restored Ekdahl Home, located behind the main fire station.

This year, the House Walk will take place on Sunday, May 19, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. It will feature six homes, each one loaded with decorating and design ideas. Plus, this year’s refreshment center will be the historic Masonic Lodge, located at 1215 Chestnut. Tickets are $30 in advance and are available for purchase online and at the following locations: Western Springs – Clever Girl, Thomas Ford Library, Rec Center, Tower Museum (Saturdays); La Grange – Sweet Pea, Horton’s, Runners Soul; Hinsdale – Jane’s Blue Iris, Trousseaux; and Clarendon Hills – English Garden.

The biennial House Walk is the Historical Society’s only fundraiser. As a result, if you enjoy these articles and the other work of the Society, please attend this year’s event.