The La Grange Area Historical Society

01/10/2025

Thought we would share a fun photo on this snowy day! Miss Marcia Thompson stands in front of her parents ice cream and candy shop on a winter day in 1918. This shop, very popular with youngsters, was located at 13 South Fifth Avenue.

01/03/2025

Did you know that the origins of La Grange as a community have a direct connection to the Great Chicago Fire? There's still time this month to explore the "City on Fire" exhibition at the Chicago History Museum. And stop by the LGAHS to learn more about how it impacted our local history!

01/01/2025

Happy New Year from LGAHS!

12/19/2024

12/14/2024

We've had such a magical time during our visits with Santa and at our Holiday Open House! The joy and festive spirit have truly made this a memorable year.

If you haven't yet had a chance to join the fun, there's still time! Tickets are still available to see Santa and create cherished holiday memories.

Tickets: https://lagrangehistory.org/product/photos-with-santa/

12/10/2024

The third home on the Sips & Sweets Tour is this stately 1910 residence of the Hines family and their English bulldog, Willie Nelson. This modified Portland stucco, Prairie-style design features fluted half columns at the porch entrance, original floor tiles in the vestibule, French doors with leaded stained glass, volume ceilings, oversized woodwork, and a built-in dining room buffet. Despite initial hesitation, the Hines family saw the home's charm and used their interior design expertise to create an elegant, comfortable space filled with unique art and furniture. They cherish holiday traditions, from gifting personalized ornaments to baking cookies, playing games, and hosting gatherings with loved ones.

Don't miss the chance to visit this home and others on this year's tour!

Tickets: https://lagrangehistory.org/events/holiday-sips-and-sweets-tour-2/

12/09/2024

Our second home on this year’s Sips & Sweets Tour is an 1887 Queen Anne Victorian, lovingly owned by the Cultra family since 2004. They share it with their four children and Havanese dog, Trixie. Originally built for H.N. Cooper, La Grange’s first village president, the home showcases stunning architectural details, including geometric shapes, ornamental shingles, bay windows, and curved turret glass. Inside, the charm continues with oak and mahogany woodwork, a stained-glass fireplace window, and a cozy turret. Over time, the property has evolved, adding modern conveniences like indoor plumbing and losing its original horse stable. Each holiday season, the Cultras place a towering natural tree in the turret, adorned with ornaments that celebrate family memories. Be sure to view the historical photos on display, including those from a wedding held here in the 1890s.

Don't miss the chance to visit this home and others on this year's tour!

Tickets: https://lagrangehistory.org/events/holiday-sips-and-sweets-tour-2/

12/07/2024

This year's Sips & Sweets Tour features another stunning collection of homes beautifully decorated for the holidays. This Victorian clapboard home, built in 1893 by Everett Naugle of the Naugle Tie Company, has been cherished by the Peterson family since 1995. Its intricate fretwork, carved newel posts, and unique balusters captured their hearts, creating the perfect setting for family life and Pam’s Art Collective gatherings. The attic’s "Witches Cap" turret, once used to display WWII newspaper clippings, adds historic charm, with memorabilia on display during the tour. Holiday traditions abound, from cherished childhood ornaments to cookie baking and a spirited White Elephant gift exchange featuring a traveling snow globe.

Don't miss the chance to visit this home and others on this year's tour!

Tickets: https://lagrangehistory.org/events/holiday-sips-and-sweets-tour-2/

12/07/2024

There are still a few appointments available tomorrow! If you want to come visit Santa, just sign up using this link:https://lagrangehistory.org/product/photos-with-santa/

Tin Can Santa returns to the La Grange Area Historical Society! Santa will be taking all gift requests over his tin can phone. Book your time now to visit Santa at the Vial House, available dates are December 7th, 14th, 15th and 22nd.

Reserve your spot here: https://lagrangehistory.org/product/photos-with-santa/?date=2024-12-07

12/03/2024

Join us on December 15th for an enchanting evening of hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and delectable desserts in four historic homes in La Grange.

Have you ever walked or driven past a beautifully decorated home, catching a glimpse of a glowing Christmas tree through the window, and wondered what it might look like inside during the holidays? This event offers a rare opportunity to step inside and experience how families share their cherished traditions and festive decorations.

Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your tickets today!

Tickets: https://lagrangehistory.org/events/holiday-sips-and-sweets-tour-2/

* This event is for guest 21 years and older. *

12/02/2024

Tin Can Santa returns to the La Grange Area Historical Society! Santa will be taking all gift requests over his tin can phone. Book your time now to visit Santa at the Vial House, available dates are December 7th, 14th, 15th and 22nd.

Reserve your spot here: https://lagrangehistory.org/product/photos-with-santa/?date=2024-12-07

12/02/2024

December has arrived, and the Vial House is brimming with holiday cheer! We warmly invite you, your family, neighbors, and friends to our Open House on December 8th. Explore the magic of Christmas with decorations beautifully displayed in Victorian-era tradition. Enjoy festive music, our famous bake sale, and plenty of delightful treats.

While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to buy a raffle ticket for a stunning Christmas arrangement generously donated by the La Grange Garden Club. Come join the festivities—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

12/01/2024

We are excited to partner with our "brother" house, the Robert Vial house which is home of the Flagg Creek Heritage Society! We will have our Holiday Open Houses on the same day, making it easy to visit both locations and double the fun for your holiday festivities!

11/20/2024

Visit Santa at the Historical Society for a chat about your wish list and a photo opportunity! One family per appointment please. Members please use code "member" during check out to receive the member price. If you wish to take photos with combined groups of families or friends, please reserve more...

11/20/2024

Santa will be at the Historical Society again this year! Chat with Santa about your wish list and take some photos too! Visits and photo ops are available by appointment only so use the link to check out our calendar for the full line up of Santa’s schedule!

Visit Santa at the Historical Society for a chat about your wish list and a photo opportunity! One family per appointment please. Members please use code "member" during check out to receive the member price. If you wish to take photos with combined groups of families or friends, please reserve more...

10/18/2024

Revisit home trends of the past with Aladdin: Homes That Go Up Like Magic! The Aladdin Company of Michigan pioneered mail-order sales of easy-to-assemble kit houses. Learn the fascinating history of Aladdin, the first company to offer a true “kit house” on October 29 from 1:00-2:00pm. Please register at https://loom.ly/tdgtDMA.