352 Linden
The beautiful Victorian at 352 Linden is one of four Victorian houses built by John T. Dale on Linden and Ridge in Winnetka.*Born in England in 1841, John Dale immigrated to the US in 1849, first living in Salem, Wisconsin before settling in Chicago in 1862. In Chicago, Dale studied law while working as a clerk in an attorney’s office. In 1865, he became a lawyer focusing on real estate law. In 1870, Dale married Leila W. Graves and moved to Winnetka.By 1872, Dale had started investing in local real estate. He purchased a large swath of land just south of Willow Road with the intent of developing it into a housing subdivision. That year, he built his own home within the subdivision at 352 Linden. Records indicate that Dale hired his father, Thomas, to build his home. Thomas was a master carpenter who was highly skilled as both an architect and builder.While living in Winnetka, both Dale’s law and real estate careers flourished, and he eventually became the head of his own law firm. He also helped plat much of the Village of Winnetka, and is credited with naming many of its streets. In addition, Dale was accomplished as a writer and local government leader. He wrote a book on morals for young men, which became required reading for New Trier boys. He also served as president of the Village of Winnetka three times – from 1873 to 1874, 1876 to 1877, and 1887 to 1888.In 1882, Dale sold the house at 352 Linden, but he didn’t go far. He moved within his first subdivision one block west to a similar Italianate house he had built at 352 Ridge.The Dales lived at 352 Ridge for over 20 years before moving back to Chicago around 1905.Sadly, 352 Ridge was demolished in 1967.The house at 352 Linden changed hands several times before it was purchased by Edward C. Kohler in 1906. Like Dale, Kohler was Village president, serving in the position from 1906 to 1907.Unfortunately, there aren’t any early photos of 352 Linden, so we can’t be certain if any early alterations were made. That said, because the 1914 Sanborn Fire Insurance map shows the house with roughly its current size and layout, it’s likely that it appears much today as it originally did.Perhaps the most significant alteration to the exterior occurred in 1930 when the front porch was then enclosed. In 1979, several of the interior rooms were renovated. Still, most elements of the house likely remain in their original form. The Italianate detailed trim around the roofline remains as it did in 1872. In addition, the house still maintains the signature Italianate cupola on the roof.*In addition to 352 Linden and 352 Ridge, Dale built a third Italianate home at 326 Ridge, as well as the Gothic Victorian at 328 Linden.
Winnetka Historical Society
The Winnetka Historical Society’s headquarters at 411 Linden was first built as early as 1859 on land that was owned by Charles Peck, who is largely considered the founder of Winnetka. The house is considered one of Winnetka’s best examples of the Victorian-era Gothic Revival style, which was inspired by the medieval cathedrals of Europe.While it has undergone some changes, many of the original Gothic Revival features still remain today, including the pitched roof, the original doors with the tear drop windows, and the gingerbread decorations. Like most Victorian Gothic designs of the mid-to-late 1800s, 411 Linden is made of wood horizontal siding.The first long-term residents were the Densmore family, who moved from 440 Ridge to 411 Linden when Solymon Densmore purchased the property in 1877. Interestingly, some records indicate that James Densmore, Solymon’s adult son, moved into the house at 411 Linden by 1870, so it’s possible that some members of the Densmore family lived in the house before it was purchased by Solymon in 1877. Regardless, by 1877, the location made sense for Solymon Densmore, who had opened a shop on the corner of Cherry and Linden in 1868, where he manufactured and sold Fanning Mills, a machine that separated grain from dirt and chaff using a fan. Solymon’s daughter, Fidella, became a well-known opera singer while living in Winnetka, performing at various notable venues in Chicago, New York, and across Italy.While it looks today much as it did when it was first built, 411 Linden has had a number of different looks over the years. In 1989, for example, a “Painted Lady” competition in Chicago inspired the homeowners to paint the house a rose hue. In the 1970s, it was painted a dark teal blue shade. The house has also been painted a cream shade, as well as a raspberry/hot pink for a short time.Since the Historical Society moved into 411 Linden in 2001, it has been painted the understated yet classic pale yellow you see today.411 Linden is now a Local Landmark, and has been identified by the state as a potential candidate for the National Register of Historic Places.
Village Hall
Village Hall, the center of Winnetka’s local government, is a stately Georgian Revival design by local architect Edwin Clark.The impetus for the construction of Winnetka’s Village Hall was a direct result of the 1921 Plan of Winnetka. This plan outlined the goals for the community and how the built environment would enable the Village to achieve those goals. It encouraged the community to focus on preserving its small-town feel by rewriting zoning laws, lowering the railroad tracks, and creating a village center that included a new village hall. The Plan creators determined that the best location for this building would be across from the Elm Street train station, a central area that could continue to develop into the Village’s business hub.By 1925, the Village Council was ready to begin construction of Village Hall in the space suggested by the 1921 Plan. To find an architect, the Village Council held an open competition for Winnetka-based architects. They settled on this Georgian Revival design by Edwin H. Clark.Clark began practicing architecture in 1903 in the office of William Otis, a well-known Winnetka architect. By the time he was hired by the Winnetka Village Council in 1925, Clark was leading his own architectural firm. He became well-known for designing the administration building and primate house at the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Chicago Zoological Park (now known as Brookfield Zoo), and many private residences on the North Shore and throughout the Chicago region.Clark’s design for Village Hall incorporates several typical Georgian Revival elements. The rigid symmetry of the building is typical of the style, which can be seen in several places. For example, the roof features symmetrical chimneys flanking a central clock tower, and the placement of the windows on the north and south wings mirror each other. The east and west faces also show symmetry in the location of the doors and windows. The pediment with carvings and columns surrounding the main door are decorative elements also commonly found in Georgian Revival style buildings.The completion of Village Hall was a huge feat for the Village, but interestingly, it was not difficult to pay for. In fact, the $240,000 cost of the building was fully paid for through savings and revenue generated by the Village’s ownership of local water and electric utilities.Today, Village Hall continues to serve as the local government hub, and the building is now a Local Landmark.
New Trier Township
While long-known as the New Trier Township office, this building was originally the home of the First National Bank of Winnetka. It was designed in 1922 by Clifford Shopbell, a well-known architect from Evansville, Indiana. Most of his most notable structures are located in Indiana, including a whopping 26 that are now on the National Register of Historic Places. In Winnetka, Shopbell also designed the stunning Tudor house at 1045 Pine Street.The First National Bank operated out of this building until 1961, when they moved into a larger building down the street. Township officials then voted to acquire the building on July 10, 1961 for $85,000 in cash.New Trier Township was first organized in April 1850 during a meeting at John Garland’s Wayside Inn. The founder’s goal was to organize a locally managed, grassroots government with the welfare of the residents as its primary mission. At the time, the area within the township had a population of 473, primarily consisting of farmers from Germany as well as entrepreneurs from the east and south looking for opportunities to start businesses and build fine homesteads at a lower cost who saw opportunities.Since then, the population has grown to about 60,000 across 16 square miles of Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glencoe and portions of Glenview and Northfield. The Township remains focused on its original mission, and today, provides a multitude of services to its residents.After acquiring this building, the Township officials had the interior of the building remodeled to better suit their needs. During the remodel, the brass rails, teller’s cages, and vaults were removed aside from one vault, which still remains in the basement of the building.Thankfully, the exterior Tudor Revival style still remains much as it originally did. The style is perhaps best exemplified by the gable windows on the roof of the structure.739 Elm is now a Local Winnetka Landmark, and has been marked by the state as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
655 Elm
655 Elm was originally built in 1858 by Henry Tucker, an early Winnetka settler who, according to the 1860 census, worked as a bookkeeper. Perhaps the best-known resident, however, was horticulturalist James Hunt, who purchased the house in 1887 and was best-known as the founder of the Village Improvement Association.Hunt was a well-respected and active member of the community, so much so that a plaque dedicated to him was placed on the Village Green. While the plaque was removed due to wear and tear, it is preserved in WHS collection today.Hunt is responsible for the lovely addition on the south side of the house, which he added in 1890. This addition was designed by well-known architect William Otis, who lived a few blocks away at 644 Oak. This house stayed in the Hunt family from 1887 until 1954, and is likely the oldest single-family residence in Winnetka (the Schmidt-Burnham Log House is now a museum).655 Elm is also notable as the first house to have gas lights installed in the 1890s.Stylistically, this house is quite unique. It is a pre-Victorian design that has been altered many times, with Victorian, Colonial, and Prairie elements added and taken away over time. Today, perhaps the best way to describe this house is “historic eclectic.”
615 Elm
The attractive Queen Anne Victorian house at 615 Elm was likely designed by local architect and civil engineer Frank Windes. Windesarguably contributed more to the structural development of Winnetka than any other single individual and as such, has been referred to as “Mr. Winnetka.”Windes was a longtime resident who served as Village Assessor, Village Engineer, and Village Marshall. He was a member of Winnetka’s Board of Education, was active in organizations such as the Freemasons and the Rotary Club, and taught Winnetka’s first manual training courses at Academy Hall. Windes was also a founder of the Winnetka Historical Society.In 1900, Windes founded his own engineering firm. He was one of the first proponents of the track depression and Skokie Lagoons projects in Winnetka. As an architect, Windes is responsible for several recognizable buildings and structures. His first Winnetka design was likely his parent’s house at 530 Cherry, which he designed when he was a teenager. By 1900, Windes had designed a number of houses in Winnetka, including his own at 873 Spruce.While we know that the house at 615 Elm was built by 1896, we don’t know the exact build date. In addition, because the build date is unknown, we can’t say for certain who the first residents were. It is likely, though, that the first residents were Charles and Anna Weeks, who owned the property from 1892 until 1908.Anna Weeks was particularly interesting. Considered an “early pioneer in the feminist movement,” she was involved in a number of progressive organizations. In 1889, she was a member of the committee that presented the Mayor of Chicago with a request that one or more women be appointed to the City Board of Education. She later became active in fighting for women’s right to vote.While a large addition was built onto the east side in the 1960s, this house nonetheless stands as a good example of the simplified Queen Anne style that was popular in the late 19th century.
594 Elm
The Victorian Gothic at 594 Elm was designed for Samuel and Mary Shackford in 1872 by L. Lyeman, an architect with an office at 594 Wabash in Chicago. Samuel Shackford was an interesting and accomplished man by the time he died in the home in 1908.Born in Eastport Maine in 1821, Samuel, a relative of Abraham Lincoln, became a sea captain at an early age. In 1851, he married Mary Tinkham and, two years later, moved to Chicago.Like many Chicagoans, the Shackfords lost their home in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. They moved into the house at 608 Elm in Winnetka, presuming the move would be temporary until the city recovered from the disaster. The Shackfords fell in love with the newly-founded Village, however, and decided to purchase the land next door from Artemas Carter to build their own permanent home.After the house was built, the Shackfords settled into life in Winnetka and were active members of the community. Samuel served as police magistrate for many years, and served as Village President in 1877. Notably, their daughter, Elizabeth Lincoln Shackford, married architect William Otis, and they lived down the street at 644 Oak.594 Elm remains one of the best preserved older houses in Winnetka. Many of the original Victorian Gothic elements remain today, including the gingerbread scrollwork on the porch and above the windows, the carved decorative bargeboards and eaves around the roofline, and the vertical wooden clapboard siding. These decorative features elevate this house from its otherwise largely vernacular Victorian structure.Because of its unique style and history, 594 Elm became Winnetka’s first Local Landmark in 2010.
577 Oak
The Queen Anne Victorian at 577 Oak was first built by Theodore S. Dick c. 1887. Dick was born in Kingsville, Ohio in 1849 but moved to Darlington, Wisconsin at a young age. In 1871, while living in Wisconsin, he met and married Delia Sprague and shortly after, moved to Chicago.By 1874, Dick was living downtown and working for FitzSimons and Connell, a dredge and dock company that played a significant role in the development of Chicago’s waterways, transportation access, and public works. That experience served Dick well when he and Delia moved to Winnetka in the 1880s, building the house at 577 Oak.Once in Winnetka, Dick quickly became involved in village governance, serving as a trustee for many years and as village president in 1894. As a member of the village trustees and as president, Dick was instrumental in creating Winnetka’s modern water system. His experience working at FitzSimons and Connell surely contributed to his extensive knowledge of modern water delivery and drainage methods. In 1894, the village’s water system was installed Dick’s own house at 577 Oak.In addition to his role in creating Winnetka’s water system, Dick was also responsible for the village’s first paved roads and sidewalks. While most would now agree that improvements such as water access, paved roads, and cement sidewalks were positive developments, interestingly, at the time, Dick faced significant opposition from conservative Winnetkans who feared such modern improvements would ruin the country-feel of the village. Dick proceeded nonetheless and, years later, was honored with a plaque for his contributions to village development.Unfortunately, Theodore Dick died suddenly in 1896. Ownership of the house at 577 Oak was transferred to Delia, who lived there with her daughter and son-in-law until the 1920s.While updates to the home have certainly been made over the course of its 130+ year history, 577 Oak is remarkably well-preserved and appears much the same as it did in the earliest image of the house from 1913.
622 Oak
The stately house at 622 Oak was built sometime between 1904 and 1908. The earliest known residents were Elizabeth and Ludlow R. Le Furgy. While little is known about Elizabeth, we know that Ludlow was originally from New York and worked as a broker in Chicago while living in Winnetka. It seems the Le Furgys didn’t stay long – by 1912, Edward P. Smith, a banker at Harris Trust and Savings Bank, had purchased the house.This house is significant for its association with an architect, yet interestingly, it was not the original architect (who is unknown). Instead, it was the architect who designed the addition and renovation, Spencer Solon Beman, that is noteworthy. In 1929, homeowner Robert O. Butz hired Beman to both enlarge and transform what was an attractive shingle-style home into the splendid Tudor Revival style that remains today.Beman was born in Chicago in 1887. As the son of famed architect and Pullman designer Solon Spencer Beman, he followed in his father’s footsteps and became an architect at a young age. He practiced alongside his father until he died in 1914, after which he worked largely on his own.Beman is perhaps best known for designing Christian Science buildings, including the First Church of Christ, Scientist’s original building at 440 Ridge (which is now home to Grace Presbyterian Church). He is also the architect of several notable North Shore homes, including the McNabb house at 950 Hill, which became a local Designated Landmark in 1995.Unfortunately, we don’t have any images of 622 Oak before the 1929 renovation. However, records indicate that it was almost identical to the house next door at 475 Cedar. Today, remnants of the Shingle style original structure can be seen on the 3rd floor dormers, which are quite similar to those that remain on the house at 475 Cedar.
644 Oak
644 Oak Street was designed and built by architect William A. Otis in 1894. Otis was born in New York in 1855. As a member of one of the most storied families in American history, one could say that William Otis was destined for success. He was, for example a direct descendent of Samuel Otis, the first Secretary of the US Senate who famously held the bible as George Washington was sworn in as the first President of the United States. He was also a relative of Elisha Otis, the famed inventor of the safety elevator and founder of the Otis Elevator Company.After graduating from the University of Michigan, Otis trained in architecture in Paris before moving to the Chicago area. Once re-established stateside, Otis made a name for himself both as an architect and as a lecturer on architectural history at the Art Institute of Chicago. He was as successful in his personal life as he was in his career. He married Elizabeth Shackford, daughter of former Winnetka village president and 594 Elm resident Samuel Shackford, in 1888, and they settled in Winnetka to raise their family. Otis built the house at 644 Oak for his family in 1894. It’s a unique house that faces the Village Green and was unlike many of the houses he had previously designed for his clients. The house draws from a number of styles, including medieval, Victorian Gothic, and Shingle styles and is the perfect example of Otis’s ability to create unique structures of both beauty and substance. He became one of Winnetka’s busiest architects, designing a number of exceptional houses and public buildings, including Christ Church, the Horace Mann School, the Lloyd Memorial Library, and the Greeley School.The Otis’ legacy in Winnetka lived on through Sam, a lifelong resident who, for a time, lived in his grandparent’s house at 594 Elm. Sam followed in his father’s footsteps and became an architect. He went on to design the Cenotaph on the Village Green.The house at 644 Oak remains a glowing example of the creativity and style that William Otis brought to Winnetka and is a wonderful memorial to his talent as an architect. While this house currently has no historic status, it has been identified as potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
761 Cherry
The beautiful white frame house at 761 Cherry is perhaps one of the most interesting houses in Winnetka. The original builder and owner of this structure was Solymon Densmore, an early Winnetka settler with connections to several properties in this area.The Densmore family first moved to Winnetka in 1866, first building a house just across the street at 440 Ridge, where Grace Presbyterian Church is now located. In 1868, Solymon Densmore built this structure on the southeast corner of Linden and Cherry at 443 Linden, approximately where 770 Cherry is today. While this building is a single-family home today, originally, Densmore built it as a fanning mill shop, where he both manufactured and sold mills that used a fan to separate grains and dirt. With its completion, this 1868 building became Winnetka’s first manufacturing building. The mill was successful for the Densmores, allowing them to move from their modest house at 440 Ridge into the large Gothic Victorian at 411 Linden, which is now home to the Winnetka Historical Society. When Solymon died in 1895, the mill building was purchased by the Burkitt family, who converted it into a single family home. In 1926, Dorothy Sears, daughter of Kenilworth founder Joseph Sears, purchased the house for $100. She moved it across the street to its present location at 761 Cherry and renovated the building into the North Shore Montessori School.Dorothy first opened the school in 1916 in an empty storefront on Lincoln. She had trained with Maria Montessori, the founder of the Montessori educational philosophy, for several years beforehand. The school temporarily moved to the Winnetka Women’s Club until Dorothy, the school’s director, purchased this property. Dorothy ran the school at 761 Cherry until 1934, when a lack of enrollment caused by the Depression forced her to close. She then converted the building into two apartment units, making a home for herself on the top floor where she lived until the 1960s.After Dorothy Sears passed away, 761 Cherry was converted back into a single-family home. Today, there is a plaque on the house commemorating its time as the North Shore Montessori School.Due to its age and original purpose, this house does not have a typical architectural style. It can best be described as a gable-front vernacular building with saltbox wings. Some non-original Colonial Revival elements have been added, including the broken pediment above the door, the bay window, and the windows with shutters. While this structure has been drastically altered and added to over time, the original shape of the structure can still be seen, particularly along the asymmetrical roofline.
