Western Springs' House Walk History

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 six homes. The next House Walk didn’t occur until 1983 when the St. John of the Cross Women’s Club sponsored a six home tour featuring Georgian and Victorian homes.

Three years later, on the occasion of the village’s 100th anniversary, the Historical Society and the Western Springs Community Center Association (WSCCA) produced a six-home tour. Building on that success, an almost identical House Walk was held the following year.

Given the tremendous effort required to produce such events, there was a three year hiatus in the House Walk. But, in both 1990 and 1992, the Historical Society and WSCCA partnered again, featuring a mix of older and newer homes.

After a three-year hiatus, the House Walk reappeared in 1996 and 1998. These walks featured mostly pre-1900 homes. But, in 1999, the Walk included its first home from Ridge Acres, a Forest Hills home inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, and five Old Town homes. House Walk 2002 featured seven homes, several of which were of recent vintage, including one in the then-new Commonwealth subdivision. But, having exhausted volunteers and sponsors alike, the House Walk went into hibernation. But, in 2009, it reappeared with six homes, including one designed for residents with limited mobility, a 19-century Victorian restored to its original splendor, and a modern home featuring a designer kitchen.

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. And, in 2013, the walk featured six homes in different areas of the village, each loaded with decorating and design ideas.

This year’s House Walk will be held on Sunday, May 17, and will build on this tradition with six more wonderful village homes and a group of dedicated volunteers. And, the proceeds will provide badly needed operating funds for the Historical Society. Tickets are now on sale. For more details and ticket information, watch for the Historical Society’s newsletter, which will arrive in residents’ homes in late April. Or, visit us now at www.westernspringshistory.org.

Each week, the Western Springs Historical Society presents a “Blast from the Past”. To view prior stories, visit us at www.westernspringshistory.org or click on the author’s name shown above.