1896 map of Winnetka. The black dots indicate all structures standing in 1896. The red dots indicate all pre-1875 houses that still stand today.
To see a larger view of this map CLICK HERE.
830 Sheridan: Winnetka’s First National Landmark
First built c. 1850, 830 Sheridan became the home of famous journalist and political activist Henry Demarest Lloyd in 1878. Since then, the house has been remarkably well-preserved, thanks to many dedicated residents and its designation as a National Historic Landmark. Read more about the history of one of Winnetka’s oldest and most famous houses. CLICK HERE! And to watch a clip about the Lloyd House from the documentary Winnetka Story, CLICK HERE!
The Gage House: An 1850s Italianate Treasure
When banker Jared Gage moved to Winnetka in the 1850s, he built a number of stately homes for himself and his children. While Gage’s own house at 1175 Whitebridge Hill, built c. 1857, has undergone significant renovations, elements of original front façade remain. Read more about the long history of Jared Gage’s lakefront house. READ HERE! And CLICK HERE, to watch a clip about the Gage house from the documentary Winnetka Story.
Winnetka’s Oldest House: The Schmidt-Burnham Log House
Built c. 1837, the Schmidt-Burnham Log House is one of the oldest houses in Illinois. Thanks to a number of dedicated Winnetkans, including artist Anita Willets-Burnham and WHS board member Joan Evanich, the Log House survives today and is open to the public May through November. Learn more about the storied history of Winnetka’s oldest structure. CLICK HERE!
A Tale of Two Historic Houses: 510 Ash and 530 Cherry
When Judge Thomas Windes moved his family to Winnetka in 1879, he purchased a beautiful Victorian home at 530 Cherry Street. After living in the house for just over a decade, Windes moved the house to 510 Ash in 1891 and built a new house at 530 Cherry in 1892. Miraculously, both of these historic homes still survive today. Read more about the 19th century move and construction of the Windes homes. CLICK HERE!
Photo Gallery: Houses of the 19th Century
Winnetka has an impressive number of houses built before 1900 that still stand today. Scroll through the photo gallery to see historic images of some of the Village’s oldest houses. LOOK HERE!