We have a new home!
Our new permanent home is located at 206 W. Washington. The house was graciously bequeathed to the Society in 2017 by Ruth Nork.
This beautiful Italianate house was built in 1872, by a well-known builder named D.A. Steadman, who also constructed the Marengo Opera House and many other businesses and buildings in Marengo. The house was built for the Presbyterian Church’s Reverand Hutchinson. Some time in the 1930’s, house was purchased by Theodore and Elsie Nork, who were blessed with one daughter, Ruth. Theodore was employed at Arnold Engineering for many years, and Elsie was a cook for the Patrick family. Elsie’s mother also lived with them, having a separate area as living quarters. Ruth was a professor of German for many years at Elgin Community College. These were the only 2 families to own and occupy this house.
Sometime in the 1950’s, 2 small apartments were made on the second floor of the house. Among the tenants that rented these units, actors from Shady Lane Theatre were regular tenants.
The Society has completed renovations of the first floor of the house, and presently working on renovations to the second floor, to return to original design. It is the Society’s hope to have this area open to the public within the year! We are presently working hard in getting the Marengo History Library room organized, so that individuals can do research on family, or properties. Marengo artifacts and pictures are also displayed.
The Society has been blessed with this ‘new’ permanent home by the generosity of Ruth Nork.