FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 15, 2019
Media Contacts:
Kaitlyn McAvoy
Communications Manager, Landmarks Illinois
312-922-1742
kmcavoy@landmarks.org
Skyline Council of Landmarks Illinois Hosts Whitney Schoolhouse Celebration with Campton Township July 20
CHICAGO – The Skyline Council of Landmarks Illinois is partnering with Campton Township to host the Whitney Schoolhouse Celebration July 20, 2019, on the grounds of the historic, 1852 Whitney Schoolhouse in Kane County. The event allows community members to see up close the second-oldest, one-room schoolhouse in northeastern Illinois and tour other historic sites on the Daniel Whitney Residence and Farmstead, located at 40W011 Burlington Road, at the intersection of Old Burlington and Wasco Roads. Pioneer activities, live music and food for purchase are also part of the event.
The Skyline Council has been working to restore the pre-Civil War Whitney Schoolhouse for the last four years. For a time, the council was working to move the schoolhouse to a new location to ensure its preservation. However, Campton Township is acquiring the 6.1-acre farmstead where the historic schoolhouse is located from previous property owners Karen and Art Gustafson, who owned it for over 50 years. The Whitney family owned the land until 1934. The township’s acquisition means the historic Whitney Schoolhouse, as well as other historic structures on the land, including the Daniel Whitney residence and agricultural outbuildings, will be preserved.
“As we approach the 170-year anniversary of the opening of the Whitney Schoolhouse, it’s an exciting opportunity to preserve the schoolhouse in its original location,” said Erica Ruggiero, a member of the Skyline Council who has led the schoolhouse restoration project. “Our work also protects the architectural legacy of the Whitney Family, the heritage of historic Wasco and the native landscapes of Campton Township, and Illinois.”
To date, the Skyline Council and Campton Township have raised over $130,000 in pro-bono services, donated supplies and grants to complete investigative work, clean-up, structural repairs, a new foundation and other restoration work for the schoolhouse. Skyline Council is continuing to take donations to help with the exterior restoration of Whitney Schoolhouse. You can donate at the Skyline Council’s GoFundMe page. The committee is actively looking to partner with qualified individuals and companies in the building trades as well to provide pro-bono services for additional future restoration work.
The Whitney Schoolhouse Celebration takes place 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guest can take part in pioneer activities and enjoy live music by Matthew Janecek & The Western Sage. Food will be available for purchase from The Lodge on 64.
Learn more about the Skyline Council of Landmarks Illinois and Campton Township’s partnership to preserve the Whitney Schoolhouse by visiting: http://www.landmarks.org/skyline-council/
About Landmarks Illinois
Landmarks Illinois is a membership-based nonprofit organization serving the people of Illinois. We inspire and empower stakeholders to save places that matter to them by providing free guidance, practical and financial resources and access to strategic partnerships. For more information, visit www.Landmarks.org.
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