Monee: All Is Not Lost for Historic Home
Ron Lindstrom, head of facilities for the Monee Historical Society and a member of the village Planning and Zoning Board, came along on a walk-through of the property to help determine what they can salvage. (Photos by Karen Haave)
By Karen Haave
A home built by one of Monee’s earliest settlers will be razed later this year, but before that happens, the Monee Historical Society wants to salvage some of its interior.
Village Administrator Ruben Bautista said the residence at 5511 W. Court St. has been purchased as part of beautification projects within the village’s commercial district. The site will be utilized as open green space, he added.
Monee Historical Society President Christi Holston supports the plan, but asked the village to allow the MHS to first save at least some of the beautiful leaded glass and antique woodwork.
Holston noted that the house, where the Kohlstedt family lived for several generations, is within the designated historical district of the village’s Five Year Comprehensive Plan.
“And whereas we would love to save every house and restore it to its former glory, we understand perfectly well that there are houses that are in the condition that that can’t happen or they are in a spot that it’s not in the best interest of the community to save that particular structure,” she said.
But the Kohlstedt home was built by some of Monee’s earliest settlers who became esteemed residents and business owners, so it has a special historic meaning.
Holsten said that the family owned a lumber yard and a coal supply company, and at least one member was a longtime firefighter.
“The whole family were movers and shakers within the history of the community,” she said. “So they were among some of the wealthier families in town, … I think that there’s a lot in there that’s worth saving.”
The historical society plans to remove the more precious artifacts and decide what should be kept and displayed.
After a walk-through of the house with Bautista last week, Holston found that “there is lots of very nice woodwork and some beautiful leaded glass.
“We are looking for a salvage company that would come in and save the architectural details. There are leaded glass window panels, doors, crystal door knobs, wall paneling and ceiling beams.
“Any items we could not use ourselves will be sold to the company to make their way into new homes or historic renovations, and the Historical Society would use the proceeds to further our programs.”
Monee officials earlier this month agreed to allow the MHS to proceed with their plans to recover glass and wood from the home.
Holston said knowing the house would be demolished is painful, but she is happy for the village’s support.
“It breaks my heart, but all things considered, I agree with the village’s decision and am very grateful that they are doing all they can to help preserve what we can.”
Karen Haave is a freelance reporter.