Kewanee Chapter DAR House
- Home
- Kewanee Chapter DAR House
| Kewanee Chapter DAR House - Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| HSP Category | Landmark |
| Period | 1849 |
| HSP Style | Timber frame vernacular |
| Builder | Potter Brothers |
| Construction | Timber Frame |
| No. Stories | Two plus basement |
| Notable Features | Living Room spanning whole front width after original wall removed in 1904 and 2 large pillars donated to replace it. Also, the upstairs is an attic with three bedrooms |
| Original Use | Farm House for Two Families |
| Present Use | Chapter House |
Historical Significance:
The house was built by the Potter brothers just before they were married. It was on their 160 acre farm, which is now most of downtown Kewanee. It was the only structure until 1854. Railroad fever brought businessmen from Wethersfield, three miles south, and the Potters finally gave up and moved out south of Wethersfield. Then it served as a boarding house, and later as a "flop house" for immigrants from Europe coming to work in Kewanee's factories. It was in terrible condition by 1904, when the Kewanee Masons donated the building to the DAR. It was moved to its present site and renovated, with a porch and fireplace added at that time. Furnishings were donated by charter members, and date back to the late 1800's and early 1900's. City water became available in the 1940's, so they put in plumbing and later built on a room for a bathroom. They also dug a basement for a furnace. It is now considered an important tourist site by the city.
Acknowledgements: The Kewanee Chapter holds all meetings at the Chapter House as well as a Flag Day celebration. The Chapter offers tours to schools and Scout groups and hosts receptions for refreshments after all grave marking ceremonies.
Designations:
- City Landmark
Historic Marker:
- Marker Organization: Illinois State Organization, NSDAR
- Marker Text: CHAPTER HOUSE CENTENNIAL Kewanee Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution met in this house Oct. 3, 1904, establishing the first chapter house in the State of Illinois. Dedicated by the Illinois State Organization on this 100th anniversary, Oct. 3, 2004.
Funded By:
The building is owned by the Kewanee Chapter. Funding is provided by donations of members and friends and a trust fund donated by a husband of a deceased member. The fund is nearly depleted due to significant maintenance on the property, including siding, new roof paint, and mold removal. The cost of insurance, repairs, heat, and electricity come from the Chapter treasury. The Chapter holds an annual bake sale, vintage and craft sales on Hog Capitol of the World Festival weekend. A $1 fee is charged for adults to tour the house.
Information for the Visitors:
What you need to know if interested in visiting this destination:
- Condition of Property: Preserve
- Open to the Public? Yes - by special appointment or invitation
- Admission Fee: $1 for adults; Free for children
- Lodging? No
- Brochure available? Yes
- Catalog available? No
- DVD available? No
Explore Illinois
Select a State to Explore our Historic Properties
Directions and application forms can be found on this page or in the Forms section of the DAR members' website.