Western Springs' "Blast from the Present"

Beginning in 1986 with the village’s Centennial celebration, the Western Springs Historical Society has produced a series of House Walks, each featuring a collection of the town’s residential gems. And, this year is no different.

This Sunday, May 17, the Society and a cadre of volunteers invite residents from the village and surrounding towns to take a leisurely tour of six wonderful residences. As in recent years, the homes represent a cross-section of styles and ages, and are located throughout the village.

In each case, the owners of these homes have allowed their lives to be disrupted for a week or more as their homes are “staged” with beautiful table settings, floral arrangements, and, in some cases, landscaping and minor interior decorating. While an inconvenience, they do this to help the Historical Society’s fundraising efforts. All House Walk proceeds benefit the all-volunteer Society, which receives no government funding.

Photos of this year’s six homes are shown above. While each has its own unique curb appeal, most prior House Walk participants feel that the real magic is what’s inside each home. If you are into seeing new decorating ideas, designer kitchens, spectacular baths, wine cellars, outdoor gardens and, in some cases, “man caves”, you’ve come to the right place. Each participant receives a House Walk directory with details on each home, as well as valuable information from the House Walk’s sponsors.

This year’s featured homes are at 5029 Woodland, 3916 Clausen, 3925 Grove, 4224 Central, 4332 Johnson, and 4433 Harvey. See photos above.

Prior to this Sunday, tickets are available for $35 at the following locations: Clever Girl (907 Burlington), Design Studio (917 Burlington), Hillgrove Cellars (800 Hillgrove), Thomas Ford Library, the LaGrange Public Library, and online at www.westernspringshistory.org. Online purchasers should pick up their actual entry tickets at the Tower Green the day of the event.

On Sunday, tickets will be $40 and may be purchased at the Tower Green or at any of the six homes on the Walk. And, unlike some past House Walks, participants can begin their tour at any of the six homes.. As a special treat this year, the historic Village Club on Chestnut and Lawn avenues will be available as a rest stop with free refreshments. Unfortunately, homes are not wheelchair accessible.

So, please make plans to come this Sunday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. While House Walk guests must be at least 10 years of age, the Society will have free fun & games for children on the Tower Green between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
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Each week, the Western Springs Historical Society presents a “Blast from the Past”. To view prior stories, visit us at www.westernspringshistory.org or just click on the author’s name shown above.