Walking Tour of LaGrange Historic District - Tour #1

Tour of East side of LaGrange Historical District

Welcome to the La Grange Historic District Tours

The Village of La Grange was incorporated in 1879, just nine years after its founder, Franklin D. Cossitt, began his program of organizing a quality residential community. The success of his plan has continued to be a source of civic pride and has resulted in the enduring attractiveness and stability of the community. According to architect Wilbert R. Hasbrouck, “Village of La Grange Historic District as a well preserved suburban community with excellent examples of domestic architecture dating from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.” In his statement requesting that the La Grange Historic District be nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, architect Hasbrouck wrote:

“In its totality, the La Grange Historic District represents a period of architectural development of high artistic value and significance to the history of the region. Furthermore, the buildings have survived intact while continuing to be used for their original purpose.”

The La Grange Area Historical Society offers four different one-hour tours of this landmark area. Tour one, which extends from La Grange Road to east to Eighth Avenue, features four homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. All tours include commentary about the history and style of the buildings, which represent a variety of architectural styles and which were often designed by such notables as Frank Lloyd Wright, J. C. Llewellyn, E. H. Turnock, and J.N. Tilden.

In order to limit the length of each tour, the Society has highlighted only homes of the very highest degree of historical and architectural significance. However, the beauty of the Village lies in the overall quality of all of its residences. If you have an extra few minutes to devote to your tour, you might also want to study some of these other fine houses.

The residence identified as vernacular is not designed according to any specific rules and may be a product of several different styles. Nevertheless, it may be a fine example of form, scale, and materials.