Tour of Oscar Mayer's Home is Later This Month

EVANSTON, IL - A tour is planned for the southeast Evanston residence that was once home to meat pioneer Oscar Mayer.

Mayer lived in what’s now known to locals as “the ivy house” at 1030 Forest Ave. in the early part of the 20th century. The home is a can’t miss, not only because Mayer lived there, but due to its overgrown ivy and landscape elements.

The Chatauesque-style home was designed by Hallberg & Strum and built in 1901. It was listed for sale in December 2014 and sold the following year.

Reports of Mayer’s death in 1955 indicated he died in the home. More than a half-century later, his name remains of the household variety. Mainly in conjunction with a 'Weinermobile' now enshrined in the Henry Ford Museum in suburban Detroit.

Design Evanston is planning the tour, set for Saturday, April 30 at 10 a.m. Members of the Preservation Commission, Preservation League and Evanston History Center will lead a pair of guided tours that day, with another tour already planned for the fall.

Those interested can meet on the front steps of the house. Register by sending an email to event@designevanston.org. 

It costs $10, unless you are a member of Design Evanston. Then it’s free.