The Edith Farnsworth House, 14520 River Road, in Plano, is an iconic image of modern architectural genius. A skyscraper in miniature, was created in the 1950s by master architect Mies van de Rohe as a one-room weekend hideaway for Dr. Edith Farnsworth, a prominent Chicago nephrologist. Mies van de Rohe created the glass house with the same structural elements of his larger buildings, such as those found on the campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago Illinois.
Nestled on the banks of the Fox River, the Edith Farnsworth House offers spectacular color displays in its natural setting. It is held by the National Trust for Historic Preservation with a variety of public events year-round. Throughout the year, there are regular tours and events at the site with visitors from all over the world discovering Plano and the surrounding area.
The website, www.edithfarnsworthhouse.org, features events for everyone from university students down to elementary school students, parents, grandparents, and educators, history buffs, and neighbors to enjoy.
One of the new and unique events being held this fall at the Edith Farnsworth House is the Farnsworth Fall Festival, Saturday, Oct. 12 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.. The fall festival will include a wide variety of vendors and family-friendly activities. This is an opportunity for artisans and businesses to display their products and share their services with the community. This is a first of its kind event for the community to enjoy a vendor fair on the grounds of the Edith Farnsworth House Historic Site. Booth costs are just $25 and vendors should bring their own tables, chairs, pop up tents. This event will offer visitors an amazing opportunity to see the site of the Edith Farnsworth House in all its glory during peak colors of autumn. “We are seeking a diverse group of vendors to create a lively and engaging atmosphere, said Kristin Lochner, associate manager, marketing and events.
Coming up Saturday, Oct. 19, are two other events. A Fall Landscape Walk is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.. Trained horticulturist, Heather Prince, specializing in trees, shrubs, and native plants will lead visitors through the grounds of the historic house. Tickets are $25.
Then, from 10 a.m. until noon on the 19, the Edith Farnsworth House will be host to a Fall Symposium featuring local and international speakers at the Plano Community Library, 15 W North Street, Plano Illinois. The Plano Community will have an opportunity to see two of its own featured at the event. Retired librarian Jeanne Valentine, a local author and historian with the Plano Historical Society will discuss the history of Plano, and retired teacher Deanna Bazan will be part of the panel to talk on the surrounding natural area. Valentine has published two books on the Plano Reaper, and collaborated on the History of Plano Book as well as a newly-published book featuring the history of the Edith Farnsworth House and the Plano area. Bazan taught middle school aged students for several years before becoming the director of the Kendall County Outdoor Education Center at Hoover Forest Preserve. The Edith Farnsworth House has brought in two additional presenters, Mike Chuinard, a geographer and historian who will discuss the pre-history of the land, and Will Buhlig, Director at McCormick House at Cantigny Park. Buhlig is an expert on Colonel Robert McCormick and his life associated with the Chicago Tribune and its association with the Edith Farnsworth House.
“Do You Know Where You Live?”, asked Lochner. “This is a great opportunity to hear local historians and experts discuss the topic. We are planning an enlightening discussion about the history of the area and its early settlers in and near Plano, the Fox River, and the connection to the Chicago Tribune and Edith Farnsworth House. After the symposium, attendees can take a walking tour of the area,” she added.
News of other upcoming events and ticket information are available at www.edithfarnsworth
house.org.
Barb Nadeau is a freelance writer, whose career has included more than 10 years as a public relations professional, 22 years as a professional television and radio host, print journalist, and volunteer coordination professional, networking among non-profit social service agencies and service providers throughout the State of Illinois. She is a two-term elected alderman in the City of Plano. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.