On March 3rd, CACG’s hosts Glen Madeja and Janet Steidt delighted the group with presentations

on their collaborative restoration of the Frances Willard House.

 

Janet has been a registered interior designer in private practice for 25 years. She

taught at several Chicago institutions, and has always been drawn to interiors of

historic residences. Determining original paint colors, wallpaper designs, carpet

patterns and colors current during the 1890’s was a long process of discovery and

collaboration with artisans. The outcome of research offers a unique picture into

the visual preferences of the time.

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The different designs and colors of carpets in each room complemented one another

as seen in this photograph (photo at right).

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Glen, formerly in marketing, followed his interest in plant biology and conservation

to the Frances Willard House as volunteer gardener in 2010. That led to several

promotions over the years, to Executive Director for the Center. He is officially

retired from that position.

 

Glen described his experiences working with the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, keeping a focus on Frances Willard’s many contributions to the well-being and advancement of women, and preserving the home as a valuable historical site. Despite the importance of the historical references, and amazing restoration of the home, land the home sits on in Evanston appears to have more appeal for some local interests.