1846
Blodgett House
Plans set for
Interior Renovation
Plans
have now been set for interior renovation of the 1846 Blodgett House.
An exciting new approach to interior has been developed, presented and
enthusiastically accepted by the Park Board. DGHPC and the Park
District Staff are excited about moving forward.
We
believe that it is important to focus now on providing public access to
the inside of the Blodgett House so as to enhance its contribution in
telling the story of Downers Grove’s heritage, the Underground Railroad
and the Blodgett family.
We have an engineering report analyzing those
reinforcements needed for the floor supports to ensure the safety of
members of the public who visit the House. The Park District plans
to complete this structural work in 2014.
Check out
the Photo gallery
for Renovation Progress
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Blodgett House
In the News
Take a look at some of what has
been written
Downers Grove Reporter
February 1, 2012
Downers Grove Patch
April 25, 2011
Trib Local
May 27, 2010
Downers Grove Reporter
June 23, 2009
Downers Grove Reporter
March 17, 2009
Trib Local
January 15, 2009
Downers Grove Reporter
September 3, 2008
Downers Grove Reporter
May 13, 2008
Downers Grove Reporter
May 6, 2008
Jenner & Block
May 1, 2008
Chicago
Tribune
May 6, 2008
Downers
Grove Reporter
April 23, 2008
Downers
Grove Reporter
February 11, 2008
Downers
Grove Reporter
November 9, 2007
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The
1846 Blodgett House was built by Israel and Avis Blodgett. Not only
does the house have architectural historical significance as the second
or third oldest house in the Village, but it also has great
cultural significance as an active stopover point on the Underground
Railroad. The Downers Grove Heritage Preservation Corporation has been
founded with a mission to save and restore this historic house and
create a museum focusing on the underground railroad. click here to learn more
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1846 Blodgett House Overview
Now that the 1846
Blodgett House has now been restored to its mid-19th Century
appearance, Commissioners
of
the Downers Grove Park District have accepted ownership of the House
and terminated the District's lease agreement with the Heritage
Preservation Corporation.
At
the Park Board meeting on January 19, 2012, President Charley
Smart expressed gratitude to the Park District and the whole community
for their great support. He also presented our group's donation
to the Park District of $5,000 to help with interior renovation efforts
and spoke about our continuing volunteer involvement in this
project.
The Park District was advised in August 2012 that
it has been awarded a new project grant of $15,000 for all costs
associated with Phase 1 of the Blodgett House Renovation and other
capital improvements. This grant from the Build Illinois Bond Fund is
authorized by legislation first approved in 2009. Park District staff
members are currently completing the paperwork associated with this
very useful and timely grant.
A
generous donation by the Illinois State Questers has been matched with
$2,000 in Park District
funds thereby making possible the recent installation of three exterior
signs for the 1846 Blodgett House. Two of these new displays are
pictured below. Next time you come to Wandschneider Park be sure
to look for this intformative signage.
 
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Updated October 7,
2013
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created, designed, and managed courtesy of Corridor Communications
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Blodgett House Details
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