The Glessner House Makes An Impact in Chicago

In the South Loop neighborhood in Chicago, an old house that sits on 18th street and the historic Prairie Avenue looks a bit out of place amongst the high-rise condominium buildings. Closely resembling a fortress, the Glessner House helped create a new architectural design and houses many historical artifacts from the nineteenth century.

The Glessner House Museum is one of Chicago’s hidden gems, with its rich background and impact on the community. It is just one of the many historical attractions around Prairie Avenue, holding unique charm and history within its walls.

Celebrate the Upcoming Holiday Season

Every season, the museum hosts various events to celebrate the holidays or get people in the city to participate in what the property has to offer.

For the upcoming winter holidays, the museum will host events to celebrate, including:

• Haunted Tours of Prairie Avenue
• Edgar Allen Poe Readings
• A “Holiday Bazaar,” where artists can sell their creations and crafts to the public
• Sleigh rides drawn by horses down Prairie Avenue and a meet and greet with Santa Clause

The details of the events are listed on the Glessner House website and anyone can attend.

The People that Started It All

The history of the house started when a couple named John and Frances Glessner purchased the house in 1885. The Glessners became famous in Chicago for being involved in the farming industry and helping establish the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. At the time, Prairie Avenue was a very exclusive part of the city, but the house needed some work. They hired a famous architect from Boston to come and spruce up the place.

Henry Hobson Richardson, or H.H., came to the house and began the transformation. He gained attention through his work in Europe, and helped introduce a new style to architecture in the United States. He created a home with grand staircases and large fireplaces, incorporated wood from oak trees, and allowed natural light to flood the rooms. H.H. Richardson completed his project in 1887 and created a lasting Chicago masterpiece.

“The House Was Subject of Much Remark by Passers-By”

As evidence by his quote, John Glessner often spoke about the attention his house received and it's historical integrity. He wanted the English Arts and Crafts movement to be visible in his home, which people still experience today when visiting. Mostly everything in the museum now contains historical significance, including detailed furniture and wall decorations by family friends of the Glessners. Today, the museum features more than 6,000 artifacts that belonged to the Glessner family and friends.

A Rose Among the…High Rise Condos

“Once you walk in, you’ll understand,” says Oksana Paluch, a Glessner House volunteer, regarding the influence of the museum. “The historic integrity of the collection and the dedication to keeping it preserved is incredible. The collection is beyond words.” Paluch says she greatly appreciates the enthusiasm and passion that runs through the staff and volunteers, and believes it adds a great deal to Chicago’s culture.

The city almost demolished the house in 1966, but preservationists came together to keep it restored for future generations. Through contributions and grants, the museum completed the Glessner House Conservation Project in 2000. Today, the house remains fully in tact and better than ever, with tours running Wednesday through Sundays of visitors eager to see this historical piece of Chicago.

Even with all the events and updates, the house truly exists exactly as it did in the 1800s. Museum visitor and Prairie Avenue resident Whitney Butler says, “this house stands out from any high rise floor to ceiling window. It is truly an undiscovered part of the city that is totally worth checking out. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.” By: Maddie Asebrook

Photo By: Maddie Asebrook/Chicago Storytellers

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