Historical society honors 3 homes, village hall
WEST DUNDEE -- Four area structures were awarded plaques by the Dundee Township Historical Society on Sunday, including one that has been called the crown jewel of Dundee's historic district.
In addition to three homes dating back more than a century, the society celebrated the West Dundee Village Hall's 100th birthday and highlighted its architectural history.
(Nick Kostidis/For Sun-Times Media)
Built in 1909 at the corner of Second and Main streets, the red brick prairie-style building with thin, 1/8-inch "butter" joints, wide overhanging eaves, and a clock tower, has since provided a focal point in the village's downtown area.
Rick Gilmore of West Dundee's Gilmore Architects, who was in charge of the three-story structure's 1993 renovation, noted its features for visitors at the society's museum, 426 Highland Ave.
The Americans with Disabilities Act was the impetus for the $750 million transformation, Gilmore said, which included a new south wing with an elevator, separate handicapped accessible entrance, and additional stairwell and bathrooms.
The entire building was updated with electrical, heating, and cooling, and the old manually wound clock was replaced with an electric version.
A few years later, a new roof and copper gutters were installed, and the solid oak front doors were refinished.
Matching the clean lines of the original building, designed by George E. Morris of Elgin, took expertise. However, Gilmore, known as the area's expert on historic home restorations, was the logical choice, society members say.
West Dundee Village President Larry Keller was presented with the official historical site plaque, dated 1909, which will hang on the front of the village hall.
Plaques were also given to Bruce and Lottie Buckbee, owners of a circa-1890 home at 407 Liberty St., West Dundee; Linda Petty, for her 1892 home at 142 E. Main St., Carpentersville; and Michelene Kustief, owner of a circa-1893 home at 502 S. Second St., West Dundee.
Much of the Victorian-era style of the homes has been maintained, including its ornate corbels, decorative gingerbread porch trim, and cove moldings.
Bruce Buckbee, who has lived at 407 Liberty St. since 1975 -- after purchasing the home from the Tessendorf family -- said he loves the home's old architectural feel.
"We moved here from California, and wanted to get back to the Midwest and our roots," Buckbee said. "We'd lived in all styles of homes, but we like old homes best. This home is special, and we felt we belonged here."
Society member Jack Wendt, chairman of the DTHS plaque committee, said the majority of area historic sites are without plaques. The society researches and awards plaques to two to six sites each year.
Fahy, with help from DTHS Trustee Sue Roeser, secured the same amount the prior year. He said there is a crucial need to preserve the society, which in turn preserves the area's quaint "Norman Rockwell-ish" rich history.
"In a tight economy, organizations like this need money to survive," Fahy said. "Without this organization, a lot of history will be lost. Next year, I'm looking to get another (grant) to help keep this organization going."
