Join us at the Kenilworth Assembly Hall, designed by George W. Maher in 1907, and recently restored to its original grandeur, as we celebrate the 160th anniversary of the birth of this important Prairie School architect. Architectural historian H. Allen Brooks once noted, “His influence on the Midwest was profound and prolonged, and, in its time, was certainly as great as Wright’s.”
The event will include abundant food and beverage (including the iconic Homer’s ice cream, a North Shore tradition), and a chance to view the “Century Homes” exhibit at the Kenilworth Historical Society across the street, which features many houses designed by Maher, including his own, completed in 1893. Attendees will have a rare opportunity to step inside the log cabin playhouse built by Kenilworth founder Joseph Sears for his children, when his family lived across the street from the Glessners on Prairie Avenue in the late 1880s.
A brief program will include remarks on the meticulous restoration of the Assembly Hall and the presentation of the annual Glessner Award to architectural historian Susan Benjamin in recognition of her half century of service to the study and preservation of significant architecture in and around Chicago.
Note on transportation: Ample street parking is available. The event is timed to align with the Metra Union Pacific North schedule, for attendees who wish to arrive in Kenilworth at the distinctive train station designed in 1891 by Franklin P. Burnham, located less than one block from the Assembly Hall.
HONORARY CHAIR
Barry Sears
JOHN AND FRANCES GLESSNER AWARD RECIPIENT
Susan Benjamin
$250 per person / $225 members
SPONSORS
THISTLE ($5,000)
-Anonymous
-BERGLUND
-Maria Corpuz and John Hug
-James and Mary Glerum
-William Hinchliff
-David Martland
-Barry Sears
-Howard and Jane Tiffen
TULIP ($2,500)
-Infinity Benefits and InfiniRisk Management
-Erica C. Meyer, in memory of Lee F. Meyer
-David Varnerin
CLOVER ($1,500)
-Deneen Marie Bryce
-Kathleen Carpenter
-Driehaus Museum
-Glenn and Donna Gabanski
-Joan Goldstein
-Allegra and John Nethery
-John K. Notz, Jr.
-Susan Robertson and Brent Hoffmann
LOTUS ($500)
-Anne Hill Bird
-Mary Kathryn Black
-Jean Follett
-Glessner House Docents
-Walker and Carolyn Johnson
-Michael and Maria Ochs
-Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
-Gwen Sommers Yant
IN KIND
-Kenilworth Historical Society
For sponsorship opportunities, contact us at 312-326-1480 or info@glessnerhouse.org. To view the sponsorship levels and related benefits, click here.
All ticket sales are final; no refunds or exchanges. A portion of each ticket is considered a tax-deductible contribution. All purchasers will receive a tax letter following the event.