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In 1846 Israel and Avis Blodgett replaced the family's earlier log cabin located at what is now known as 831 Maple Avenue with a simple one-and-a-half story frame structure. The Blodgett family lived at that time where the Downers Grove Historical Museum is currently located. Not only is their second home one of the oldest houses in the Village, but it also has great cultural significance as an active stopover point on the Underground Railroad. This
two-bedroom house was completed in 1849. Now one of the oldest houses
in the village, the 1846 Blodgett House, with rustic hand-hewn black
walnut joists, and simple clapboard structure, reflects early pioneer
style, living space, and craftsmanship. Before the turn of the 20th
century, the 1846 Blodgett House was moved to a new location toward
the south end of the Blodgett property, now identified as 812 Randall
Street. Between the time when the 1846 Blodgett House was moved and now,
the house underwent changes as it was adapted to the march of
progress. A second wing, on the east side of the house, was added to
create more room and siding was added later, improving its insulation
but disguising its historic appearance. The Downers Grove
Heritage Preservation Corporation, dba "1846 Blodgett House", now owns
the 1846 Blodgett House. Under a license from the Downers Grove Park District and with generous community support, the Heritage Preservation Corporation is now
carrying out restoration and renovation work required to make the 1846
Blodgett House suitable as a gift to the community for the Park
District to own and operate it as a public museum. Recently, the newer wing
and the front
porch, which were not present during the time period of interest, have
been removed from the 1846 Blodgett House. The house has
now been moved back to be just west of its original location on Maple
Avenue. Its exterior appearance is currently being restored to
match what
we know about its appearance in the time period 1846 to 1865.
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