Historical Preservation Commission

General Information

The Villa Park Historical Society (220 South Villa Avenue in Villa Park) has books for sale that provide simple, easy-to-follow steps in researching the age of your home. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm from the third weekend in April to the third weekend in December.

Helpful home research websites:

• How Old is Your House
• How To Research Your Home's Past
• Home Style Guide
• A Field Guide to American Houses

Specific Information

The Villa Park Historical Society (220 South Villa Avenue in Villa Park) has a few old City Directories, where you may be able to find names of former owners. There are old phone books as well which are helpful for research. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm from the third weekend in April to the third weekend in December.

York Township Assessor's Office (1502 South Meyers Road in Lombard) has some information on the date when your home was built. Any further details about your home must be researched at the county level. The York Township office is open almost all weekdays except for holidays.

DuPage County Recorder's Office Research is done in the DuPage County Jack T. Knuepfer Administrative Building (421 North County Farm Road, Wheaton). Enter Building 421 in the FIRST (southernmost) entrance, flanked by brick pillars. On the first floor, go to the Fred Bucholz DuPage County Recorder's Office. You can walk in and ask for assistance in your search. Use the computers there or go to the basement research area. The DuPage County Recorder's Office is open almost all weekdays except for holidays.

IMPORTANT: You will need your PIN (Parcel Identification Number) to research your home. This number is found on your tax bill, and it is specifically marked as "Parcel Number" on that bill. The number consists of: 2 digits – 2 digits – 3 digits – 3 digits (Example: 01-02-103-004). If the number has some other configuration, you are using an incorrect PIN.

Using the computer, you can research anything done to the house during the ownership of the immediate-previous owner and access and print any documents pertaining to them ONLY for events that took place AFTER 1961. If the previous owner purchased the home PRIOR to 1961, you'd need to get information regarding those documents in one of the large County Property Record Books.

Researching in the County Property-Record Books, look up the previous owner's name in the GRANTEE (individual homeowner) books. If the person bought the house from a company, such as a Bank, that bank (or finance company) could be found in the books marked for FIRMS. When you find the former owner, take down the information on that page if you want copies of any property-related documents. The Recorder's Office can assist you.

Original 1908 Villa Park Subdivision Survey Form

The Village of Villa Park is recognizing the 100th anniversary of the original Villa Park Subdivision, and the Historical Preservation Commission (VPHPC) completed several projects for this memorable event of our heritage.

It was in 1843 when the pioneer family of Curtis R. Cable obtained property in sections 3 and 10 of York Township and began to farm on this rich soil. Later, in 1900, Florence Canfield and Louis Meyer, two area farm owners, granted the Aurora, Elgin, and Chicago Railway a right-of-way through their land. Soon, developers spotted the open land and saw an opportunity to open a town along the new railroad. This set the motion of the chain of events that transformed the area into a bustling suburb. The interurban began service in 190,2 providing passenger travel, newspaper, milk deliveries, and funeral transportation. In 1908, unincorporated farmland was still abundant between the developed Village of Lombard and the City of Elmhurst, Illinois.

On October 30, 190,8 the original subdivision named Villa Park was recorded with 210 lots from the sale of farm property owned by Florence C. Canfield and bought by Ballard, Pottinger and Company, a Chicago real estate firm. Most lots were one acre. The lots along Park Boulevard were much smaller in size.

A few years later, the subdivision of Ardmore was established in 1910 by Ballard, Pottinger and Company, who further promoted the development of Ardmore and built the Ardmore Station, located at 10 West Park Boulevard, to enable people to take the Sunday excursion train and buy property. They also planted poplar trees along the newly laid-out streets.

The subdivisions of Villa Park and Ardmore united and were incorporated on August 8, 1914, as the Village of Ardmore for the purposes of acquiring tax money for community improvements. In 1917, the name was changed to the Village of Villa Park by the residents. The new community attracted wealthy Chicago families who wanted country living and built attractive homes.

Historic Markers and Walking Tour Brochure

The Villa Park Historical Preservation Commission and the Villa Park Public Works department have developed a special historic marker that was installed at various signposts along the original Villa Park Subdivision's key boundaries. Former Commissioners Jan Stortz and Ellen Stotz worked closely with Kevin Mantels, Village Engineer, to make this happen.

Additionally, a "Original Villa Park Subdivision Historic Walking Tour" Brochure was designed by Carol Marcus, featuring houses and buildings in this area that have been awarded Historic Plaques. Also included are many properties that are especially significant with respect to architecture, famous people, or early history. Preservation Commissioners members Jose Castillo, Robert Dollinger, Carol Marcus (Chair), Jeffrey Prenta, Ellen Stortz, and Jan Stortz have all contributed.

Original Villa Park Subdivision Exhibit

The Villa Park Historical Preservation Commission has a display of the Villa Park Subdivision that was established in 1908, along with photos of homes that were built in the early 20th century within this area. Commissioner Robert Dollinger completed a large scale Village Map to assist residents and museum visitors in their research projects.

Do You Live in the Original Villa Park Subdivision?

The Villa Park Historical Preservation Commission is researching and gathering information about the homes and buildings that were built in the original Villa Park subdivision and the history of the various families who lived in these homes. If your house or business is located within the boundaries of this first Villa Park subdivision, kindly fill out the survey form and attach a photo of your building. This form is available at the VPHPC Reference Library at the Historical Museum.

The Villa Park Historical Preservation Commission has researched the subject of Green Technology and Historic Preservation. Listed on this page are useful website links and book references.

Sustainability and Historic Preservation Online Resources:

• National Trust's Green Site
• Green Your Home
• National Center for Healthy Housing
• National Trust for Historic Preservation
• The Association for Preservation Technology International 's APT Bulletin

Did you know that there might be 80 Sears Catalog mail-order houses in Villa Park? Many people saw the kits offered by Sears during the 1920's through the 1940's as an opportunity to join the ranks of homeowners. A few weeks after the customer selected a home and placed the order, two railway boxcars that contained about 30,000 pieces of house - everything from doorknobs and carved stairways, to varnish and shingles - would arrive at the nearest train depot. In Villa Park, the drop off was at the Great Western railroad siding near the former Ovaltine factory.

Resource Center

The Villa Park Historical Preservation Commission has created a Resource Center at the Villa Park Historical Museum that is available for the community to use. The collection includes:

• Information about Sears mail-order houses
• Architectural house styles
• How to research your home
• And much more...

More Information

• Sears, Roebuck and Co. - Sears Catalog Homes website
• The Old House Web - Sears Kit Houses website

Sears Catalog Home Awards

• 1915 Sears Osborn (PDF)
• 1919 Hollywood (PDF)
• 1920 Sherburne (PDF)
• 1921 Haven Model (PDF)
• 1921 Sears Rodessa Model (PDF)
• 1922 Martha Washington (PDF)
• 1923 Rodessa (PDF)
• 1925 Argyle (PDF)
• 1925 Crescent (PDF)
• 1925 Crescent Model (PDF)
• 1927 Crescent (PDF)
• 1927 Hollywood (PDF)
• 1928 Crescent (PDF)

Villa Park is rich with architectural diversity that provides the unique character of our community. Styles include three circa 1860 farmhouses, and numerous examples of Prairie, Queen Anne, American four-square, Arts and Craft, Craftsman, Bungalow, Sears mail-order catalog, English Tudor, Spanish Revival, and Dutch Colonial Revival architecture nestled among post-war Reedy ranches, and contemporary homes. There are now 40 properties that have received local landmark recognition, due to their importance to the community, and its preservation efforts.

Development

Originally farmland, Villa Park's development story unfolds by tracing over 55 recorded subdivisions and development growth. The Villa Park subdivision was recorded in 1908, and the Ardmore subdivision in 1910. In 1914, these two merged and were incorporated into a village called Ardmore, and later renamed Villa Park. The interurban railroad brought growth and prosperity into the village, along with the establishment of the former Ovaltine factory in 1917. The Ardmore Station, built in 1910, is an exemplary example of prairie-style architecture and was considered state-of-the-art at its time. The streamlined electric Chicago-Aurora-Elgin Railroad brought prospective land and housing buyers into Villa Park on their Sunday excursion trips. This station, along with the Villa Avenue Station built in 1929, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its importance to American history.

Frank Lloyd Wright

In 2005, the Historic Preservation Commission announced the recognition of Villa Park having a rare example of a Frank Lloyd Wright prefabricated house at 346 East Highland Avenue. Dr. William Allin Storrer, a world-renowned expert on Frank Lloyd Wright, has researched this house and has authenticated it in his book "Frank Lloyd Wright Companion." In May 4, 1917, the Chicago Tribune newspaper advertised a model of the Richards American System-Built Homes modular house that is an exact replica of the "Heisen House" at Highland. It was derived from the fireproof home concept for $5,000. Frank Lloyd Wright had desired to make his homes more affordable and available across the country by mix and matching modules, and supplying cut lumber to the site. Because of World War I, his plans were not realized.

Villa Park Bank Building

Another world-class example of a real architectural gem can be found at the Villa Park Bank building. Chairman Bill Stege's extensive research has documented that the building's design originated from architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's original 1946 design proposal for the Cantor Drive-in project that was never built. It is one of the earliest examples of the concept of "universal space." In 1956, Mies had allowed his graduate IIT architecture student, Peter Roesch, to utilize the Cantor concept for developing his master's thesis for a church.

The architectural firm of Hammond and Roesch was later contracted by Mr. Stege's father to utilize this design for the new bank building that was built in 1964. It boasts all glass walls and has two exterior exposed steel trusses, supported by four steel columns. This was innovative for the time, as banks had been previously constructed utilizing concrete and stone massing to provide visual security that your money is safe.

• Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation website
  
• Images of the Arthur L. Richards Houses by Frank Lloyd-Milwaukee, Wisconsin website
  
• Frank Lloyd Wright Speech to a Group of Chicago Businessmen PDF
  
• Boston College
  
• University of Michigan Mies Van Der Rohe Blueprints Exhibited at Taubman Gallery website
  
• Farnsworth House, Built by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe in 1951 website

The Villa Park Historical Preservation Commission became the recipient of the prestigious "Historic Preservation Commission Award" given by the Illinois Association of Historic Preservation Commissions, comprised of over 75 communities, at the state-wide preservation conference held in Quincy in September 2009. This award was given for the Commission's creative project that celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the original subdivision of Villa Park. Project deliverables were the development of a self-paced Walking Tour & Survey Form, Historic Signs identifying the boundaries of the original subdivision, display boards exhibited at the Villa Park Library and the Historical Museum, related publicity, and its website links. Other preservation efforts and advocacy support were noted. Commissioners Jose Castillo, Robert Dollinger, Adam Klintworth, Carol Marcus (Chair), Jeff Prenta, Ellen Stortz, and Jan Stortz were honored to receive this recognition. The Commission is appreciative of the support and cooperation that they received from the Village Board, Parks, and Public Works departments while working on this project.

Photo taken of the Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission at the historic Lincoln @ Ovaltine Court rental lobby: Jose Castillo, Robert Dollinger, Ellen Stortz, Jan Stortz, Adam Klintworth, Carol Marcus (Chair), and Commissioner Jeff Prenta (not shown).

"Our mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the Village of Villa Park through preservation, public education, community partnerships, and heritage tourism. It is so fantastic that Villa Park is now recognized for its preservation efforts by preservation groups, organizations, and individuals throughout the state and Midwest," comments Carol Marcus, "and the commission is appreciative of the support that they received from Village staff during this project and for its continued support on other Village preservation projects." 

The present owners and caretakers are commended for their contributions to the community and for the preservation and maintenance of these important structures that links the past with the future of Villa Park. These buildings are significant to the history and development of the Village of Villa Park and contribute to its character and heritage.

2019

The month of May is Preservation Month in Villa Park and across America. Yes, Preservation Matters is a national campaign sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation that encourages people to celebrate the places that are meaningful to them and to their communities. At the Village Board meeting (April 22, 2019), the Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission announced the recipients of this years annual Historic Plaque awards. 

• Don and Angela Bogardus received a preservation award for their brick colonial revival house built in 1947.  It is named the HORWITZ HOUSE after its first owner. Salzman Homes had built this house and many other homes in Villa Park to satisfy the housing needs of returning World War II veterans.  

2018

The month of May is Preservation Month in Villa Park and throughout the U.S. This Place Is Unique is a national campaign sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation that encourages people to celebrate the historic and meaningful places in their communities. At the Village Board meeting, (May 7 2018), the Villa Park Historical Preservation Commission presented the recipients of this years annual Historic Plaque awards.

• Mark and Jessica Paulsen received a preservation award for their bungalow built in circa 1914 named the HAYDON HOUSE. John Pawlak received a plaque for his Sears House “Del Ray” model bungalow built in circa 1925.

2017

National Historic Preservation month, sponsored by, the National Trust of Historic Places, was celebrated in May in Villa Park and across the country. At the Village Board Meeting, (May 22, 2017), the Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission announced the recipients of this years annual Historic Plaque awards. 

• A Historical Preservation award was issued to Dan Kufner for his 1917 Arts and Crafts Bungalow style home that is named the Eigelberner House (PDF) after its first owner. It is located on South Summit Avenue.
• Kevin and Mariene Wolter received a Historical Preservation Award for their two-story 1927 English Tudor style house that is named the Stegath House (PDF) after its first owner. It is located on South Cornell Avenue.
• Michael and Tracy Styke received a Historic Preservation Award for their 1915 Sears Catalog Osborn (PDF) style home. It is located on South Princeton Avenue.
• Raymond and Tammy Hensley received a Historic Landmark Award for their 1923 Commercial Building (PDF) on Park Boulevard.

2016

National Historic Preservation Month, sponsored by the National Trust of Historic Places, was celebrated in May in Villa Park and across the country. This year's theme is "See! Save! Celebrate!" At the Village Board Meeting, (April 25, 2019) the Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission announced the recipients of this years annual Historic Plaque awards. 

• A Historical Preservation award was issued to Mitchel and Rose Ann Koyer their custom built 1925 Chicago Bungalow style brick home that is named the Shanahan House (PDF) after its first owner. It is located on South Michigan Avenue. This is a well-constructed home, featuring a recessed entry, ornamental stone work and cream colored face brick.
• James and Patricia Karczewski received a Historical Preservation Award for their two-story brick 1928 English Tudor style house that is named the Ives House (PDF) after its first owner. It has a steeply pitched cross-gable slate roof, leaded glass windows and distinctive brickwork. It is located on South Summit Avenue. This home was featured on several house and garden walks.
• Ryan and Amy Friis received a Historic Preservation Award for their 1928 custom built stucco two-story English Tudor style house that is named the Jordan House (PDF), after its first owner. It is located on South Cornell Avenue.
• Kevin and Jennifer Ng received a Historic Preservation Award for their two-story cedar shingle 1928 English Tudor style house. This was the first house built by JW Reedy Realty and looks exactly like its historic photo. It is named the Brehm House (PDF) after its first owner and is located on South Princeton Avenue.

2015

National Historic Preservation Month, sponsored by the National Trust of Historic Places, was celebrated in May in Villa Park and across the country. This year's theme was Past Forward! At the Village Board Meeting, (June 8, 2019), the Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission announced the recipients of this years annual Historic Plaque awards.  

• Larry Calvert and James Bergmann received a Historic Preservation Award for their custom built circa 1930 Bungalow style brick home that is named the STRAHL HOUSE (PDF) after its first owner, who was a movie projectionist. It is located on 356 South Michigan Avenue and boasts lovely art glass windows and an arched entry.
• Matt Vriesema received a Historic Preservation Award for his two story brick circa 1927 Dutch Tudor style house that is named the BARROWCLIFF HOUSE (PDF), after its first owner who was a civil engineer. It is located on 311 South Summit Avenue and was featured on a local house walk. It has a Porte cohere with carriage doors, a steeply pitched roof, and was professionally landscaped,
• Stephen and Heidi Trimper received a Historic Landmark Award for their circa 1915 custom built Arts and Craft style house that is named the WILKENLOH HOUSE (PDF), after its first owner who was a sign maker. Robert Manard was the Oak Park architect who designed this home that has lovely woodwork and built-ins. It is located at 267 South Villa Avenue
• Lisa Majerchin received a Sears House Award for her quaint and charming frame circa 1921 Bungalow cottage style house that is an early Rodessa model. There is a lovely perennial garden in the front yard and mature evergreens. It is located on 263 South Villa Avenue (PDF).

2014

National Historic Preservation Month, sponsored by the National Trust of Historic Places, was celebrated in May in Villa Park and across the country. This year's theme is Embark! Embrace! Inspire! At the Village Board Meeting, (April 28, 2014) the Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission announced the recipients of this years annual Historic Plaque awards. 

• Richard and Alisa Conboy received a Historic Preservation Award for their very large, two story circa 1920 Prairie style home that is named the BARGELT HOUSE (PDF), after its first owner, who was a major in World War I and the first bank president of the Villa Park Trust & Savings Bank. It is located on 343 East Highland Avenue.
• Ronald and Teresa Wedel received a Historic Preservation Award for their large, brick circa 1928 English Tudor style house that is named the NACK HOUSE, after its first owner. It is located on 400 South Illinois Avenue. With its multiple gable tiled roof, it is a very striking home that was featured on a local house walk.
• Erica Skibbie received a Historic Preservation Award for her charming circa 1924 stucco Bungalow style house that is named the HILL HOUSE, after its first owner. It is located on 436 South Ardmore Avenue. David Hill was a pharmacist and the owner of HILL's Pharmacy, located in the heart of Villa Park at 7 East Park Boulevard. It had previously been Meehan's Drug Store.

2013

National Preservation Month, sponsored by the National Trust of Historic Places, was celebrated by Proclamation within the Village of Villa Park and across America during the month of May. This year's theme is "See! Save! Celebrate!" At the Village Board meeting, (April 22, 2013), the Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission announced the recipients of this year's annual Historic Plaque awards.

• Steven and Kathryn Greenbauer received a Historic Preservation plaque for their decorative concrete block Bungalow style house built in circa 1911. A large front porch is an attractive feature. Situated in the Ardmore subdivision of 1910, it is located at 36 East Highland Avenue. It is named the ISEL HOUSE (PDF) for its first owner. The original lot was an acre of land. When their home was built, there were few homes in that area. 
• Ben Fenske and Clare Parkinson received a Historic Landmark plaque for their large two-story American Foursquare style house that was built in circa 1919. Situated in the Ardmore subdivision, it is located at 332 South Cornell Avenue. It is named the GRAMMER HOUSE (PDF) for its first owner. Jesse Grammer owned Grammer's Confectionery Store at Ardmore Avenue and Park Boulevard which later became Al's Smoke Shop. His wife, Nettie, typed water bills for the DuPage Water Works Company, a supplier of water to the early families of Villa Park. The company water tower was located on a neighboring lot.
• Russell and Donna Pillar received a Sears Catalog Home plaque for their attractive CRESCENT (PDF) model home located at 106 East Adams Street. It is part of the 1926 Robertson's Madison Street Ardmore subdivision. Built in circa 1928, it sits prominently on its landscaped lot. An attractive rear addition was carefully planned to reflect the original architecture, keeping it in the proper scale with attention to element details.

2012

National Preservation Month, sponsored by the National Trust of Historic Places, was celebrated by Proclamation within the Village of Villa Park and across America during the month of May. This year's theme is "Discover America's Hidden Gems." At the Village Board meeting,  (April 23, 2012), the Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission announced the recipients of the year's annual Historic Plaque awards.

Villa Park's Annual Historic Plaque Award Program awards were in the Historic Preservation category.

• David and Jill Downer received a Historic Preservation plaque for their large, brick Bungalow-style house, built in 1928. Situated on the north part of lot 11 in the Scharlau Acres 2nd Addition subdivision, it is located at 727 South Villa Avenue. It is named the O'DOWD HOUSE (PDF) for its first owner.
• Alfred and Valerie Flammini received a Historic Preservation plaque for their attractive, solidly-built brick two-story Georgian Revival-style house. It is located at 113 East Madison Street and is part of the Robertson's Madison St. Subdivision of Ardmore. It is named the SALZMAN HOUSE (PDF) after its original owner and was built in 1947 by A.L. Salzman & Sons, local Chicago area builders. Marshall Salzman had lived in this house for several years.
• Michael Bailey Jr., was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for his contribution to the commission's Heisen Subdivisions Survey Project.

2011

National Preservation Month, sponsored by the National Trust of Historic Places, was celebrated by Proclamation within the Village of Villa Park and across America during the month of May. This year's theme is "Celebrating America's Treasures".  At the Village Board meeting,(April 25, 2011), the Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission announced the recipients of this year's annual Historic Plaque awards.

• Kurt and Bridget Zito received a Historic Preservation plaque for their large, two story Prairie-style house. Situated on a large corner lot at 205 East Park Boulevard, it was built in 1924 by Charles Heisen, an early developer of the community. It is named the Dahlman House (PDF) for its first owner and is part of the C.C. Heisen Resubdivision of November, 1919. The house was designed to utilize unusually narrow windows that had been purchased in large quantity at a good price.
• William and Patricia Langridge received a Historic Preservation plaque for their attractive, solidly-built grey stucco Arts and Crafts Bungalow house located at 127 East Highland Avenue in the historic 1908 Ardmore subdivision. It features many windows, lovely woodwork and has a large front porch. It is named the Schwartz House (PDF) after its original owner and was built in 1921.
• The Historic Landmark plaque was given to Stephen and Kathleen Bunjes for their unique home that was built in 1911 and located at 235 East Highland Avenue in the 1908 Villa Park Subdivision. It is named the Original Community Congregational Church (PDF). This building was built to serve as the first church in the community by Charles Heisen, an early developer. The land resides in the 1908 Ardmore subdivision that had been part of the Canfield farm and was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Austin. In 1912, the Community Congregational Church was established at this location. After the congregation moved to its new church at 410 South Cornell Avenue in 1929, it was converted to the American Legion Hall and was used for this purpose for nearly 25 years. The hall was rehabbed into a private residence. In 1957, Mr. & Mrs. Steven Mitchell purchased it and later sold it to Dorothy Bohasseck and Sara McWilliams in July of 1960. Then in 2001 the home was sold again to Stephen and Kathleen. Over the years, they have made many improvements to its interior and exterior.

2010

National Preservation Month, sponsored by the National Trust of Historic Places, was celebrated by Proclamation within the Village of Villa Park and across America during the month of May. This year's theme is "Old Is The New Green." This year, Villa Park's Annual Historic Plaque Award Program awards three recipients in the Historic Preservation category.

At the Village Board meeting, (April 26, 2010), the Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission announced the recipients of this year's annual Historic Plaque awards.

• Stephen and Shayne Prosser for their large Prairie style two story stucco house situated on a large lot at 411 South Summit Avenue. It was built in 1915 and is named the Majewski House (PDF) after its builder and first original owner. It was later sold to William Shier. From 1930 to 1941 it was owned by Abraham and Rose Sheinman. Then in 1941, Anthony and Valeria Martisius owned it. In 1991, the Prossers' purchased the home and have been lovingly restoring the interior and exterior and have done extensive landscaping and building improvements. This house was featured on the 2009 House Walk.
• Robert and Nancy Richards for their spacious brick Bungalow located at 421 South Euclid Avenue. It features many windows, lovely woodwork and has been improved for modern day living on the interior. It is named the Barrett House (PDF) after its original owner and was built in 1926. Arthur Barrett and his wife Mabel lived here until 1944. He was a clerk at Gas Co. Then George and Edna Weick purchased the house and lived there until 1964. It was then purchased by Kenneth and Nancy Jacobs who owned it for the next 20 years. In 1983, the Richards purchased the house. This house was also featured on the 2009 House Walk.
• Adam and Emily Klintworth for their stucco Bungalow located at 128 South Ardmore Avenue. It features many windows, lovely woodwork and has been extensively restored back to its original interior condition. The exterior is original and typical of the type of homes that were affordable during that time period. It is named the Dennison House (PDF) after its original owner and was built in 1926. The land was purchased in 1916 when Villa Park was named Ardmore. It took 10 years to save money to build the house. Clifford and Bessie lived here until 1954 when William and Evelyn Markowski purchased it. In 1965, James and Patricia McCloskey bought the house. Then in 1973, Mary Laskero and Josephine Termine purchased it and lived there until 2009.

2009

National Preservation Month, sponsored by the National Trust of Historic Places, was celebrated within the Village of Villa Park and across America during the month of May. This year's theme is "Creating the future in harmony with our pasts." This year, Villa Park's Annual Historic Plaque Award Program awards three recipients in the Historic Preservation category. At the Village Board meeting, (April 27, 2009), the Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission announced the recipients of this year's annual Historic Plaque awards.

• Robert and Thelma Pierson for their large vine-covered 2 ½ story English Tudor farmhouse located at 237 South Villa Avenue. It was built in 1911 and is named the Wm. EF. SEAR House (PDF) after the original owner. In 1954, the Piersons' bought this house that had been owned by family members since 1942. On the large side yard there is a lovely hosta garden containing many species cultivated by the current owner.
• Arnold and Cynthia Olsen for their prairie style Bungalow located at 249 South Villa Avenue and built by Charles Heisen, an early developer of Villa Park. It features many leaded and stained glass windows and lovely woodwork. It is named the Hamilton House (PDF) after its original owner and was built in 1911. For over twenty years it was occupied by John C. Sterett, another significant developer of early Villa Park.

Both houses are located in the original Villa Park subdivision, established in 1908. Their presence on Villa Avenue is significant as they were among the first houses built on this street.

2008

National Preservation Month, sponsored by the National Trust of Historic Places, was celebrated within the Village and across America during the month of May. This year's theme is "This Place Matters". At the Village Board meeting, (April 28, 2008), the Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission announced the recipients of this year's annual Historic Plaque awards.

• John and Kathy Van for their large historic 1920 house located at 326 South Myrtle Avenue. Its architectural style is a transition between Queen Anne and Tudor with custom design elements present not typical of homes in Villa Park. It was featured in the promotional "1920 Glimpse of Villa Park" booklet to attract wealthy families to Villa Park. This prestigious house features an unusual lunette window located in the front peak. It is named the Baker House (PDF) after its original owner who was the President of the Village of Villa Park from 1919 to 1923.
• Frances Loerzel for her 1916 Bungalow style house located at 307 Astor Court. This modest frame house features a nice front porch, entry stairs and is located in a lovely historic neighborhood. This type of house was typical of the average family who settled in Villa Park during this time period. It is named the Briggs House (PDF) after its original owner.
• Michael and Alesia Bailey for their unique 1928 English Tudor style house located at 419 South Princeton Avenue. This large home features a tile roof, stone and brick construction and has a very large lot. It is named the Roll House (PDF) after its original owner. Earl Roll had served on the District 45 School Board for 12 years and was the secretary of the Villa Park Police and Fire Commission.
• Eugene and Elizabeth Beausoleil for their circa 1908 Early Colonial Revival (PDF) style house located at 502 S. Princeton Avenue. This house resides on the former Diedrick Meyer farmstead. In 1908, Henry Austin purchased this property. Then in 1920, it was sold it to Otto and Bertha Wertzler, a possible descendent of the Meyer family. In 1925, George M. Smith and his wife Margaret bought the property. Later in 1927 it was sold to his son George C. and wife Florence who lived here for 15 years. The Smith family founded G.M. Smith & Son, a successful local real estate company that was established in 1920 and is still in business today. In early 1942, the Ashford family owned the property for four months and then it was sold to John and Charlotte Morris. It was in 1975 that the current owners, Eugene and Elizabeth Beausoleil, purchased the property and began to substantially improve it along with raising their children Mark, Matt, John, Luke and Michelle.

2007

National Preservation Month, sponsored by the National Trust of Historic Places, was celebrated by Proclamation within the Village and across America during the month of May. This year's theme is "Making Preservation Work". At the Village Board meeting, (April 23, 2007), the Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission announced the recipients of this year's annual Historic Plaque awards.

• Lou and Muffie LeMieux for their historic circa 1910 American Four-square style located at 333 East Highland Avenue. This house was one of the first homes built by early developer Charles Heisen in the Villa subdivision. It has many bay windows and a large, sweeping front porch. It is named the Sculley House (PDF) after its original owner.
• James and Jean Vrchota for their unique 1927 English Tudor style house located at 537 South Illinois Avenue. It features leaded windows, stone and brick construction and a massive chimney. It is named the Watt House (PDF) after its original owner.
• Carole Ann and David Colby, Sr. for their very large circa 1890 Victorian house (PDF) located at 17W437 Hill Street. It was originally located at 201 South York Street in Elmhurst, Illinois and had been donated to Immaculate Conception Church. In the 1960s, Tom Lynch purchased the house and had it moved in two pieces to this large Suburb Hill subdivision lot in Villa Park. Ornate trim adorn the windows
• Jim Protine for his Sears Catalog HomeHollywood (PDF) model, built in 1919 at 329 East Park Boulevard. This large two-story stucco house has a large front porch and stone chimney on the outside wall. Its interior has many built-in features and original woodwork.
• Joseph and Karen Cericola for their Sears Catalog HomeHollywood (PDF) model, built in 1927 at 314 South Riverside Drive. This house has a very large front porch and many craftsman details.
• Virginia Wade and Ed Riegert for their Sears Catalog HomeSherburne (PDF) model built in 1920 at 318 South Myrtle Avenue. It is a large two-story house boasts nine foot ceilings and charm.
• Michael and Dawn Keating for their Sears Catalog HomeBarrington (PDF) model built in 1927 at 102 North 3rd Avenue. It has a third floor attic and a front entry with a peaked dormer.

2006

National Preservation Month, sponsored by the National Trust of Historic Places, was celebrated by Proclamation within the Village and across America during the month of May. This year's theme is "Sustain America - Vision, Economics, and Preservation". At the Village Board meeting, (April 24, 2006), the Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission announced the winners of this year's annual Historic Plaque awards.

Historic Preservation Awards were presented to:

• George and Marianne Kolak for their historic 1903 Prairie-style farmhouse located at 240 South Myrtle Avenue. The Montgomery House (PDF) was one of the first homes built by early developer Charles Heisen in the Villa subdivision. The first owner was the Montgomery family. Silent child movie star "Baby Peggy" was born in 1918 in her grandfather's house and started to work at age 19 months after her father, Jack Montgomery, a famous cowboy stuntman, moved his family to Hollywood. After appearing in over 150 two-reels, she retired at the age of 10 and later became a successful author.
• Donald and Chris Shore for their historic 1909 vernacular farmhouse located at 619 East Madison Street. The Wyckoff House (PDF) is located on land that was originally part of the Asa Knapp farmstead established in 1842. In 1908, developer Frank E. Ballard purchased the property and created the "Park Farms" subdivision. The first owner was George G. Wyckoff. Today, the Sugar Creek Golf Course resides on much of the former Knapp farm.
• Lastly, a Sears Catalog Home award was given to Scott Iselin for his unique brick Crescent (PDF) model Sear's mail-order house, located at 242 Astor Court and built in 1925. The original owner, Vic Hansen, was a part-time bookkeeper for Villa Park Fuel Company and was head auditor for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. In 1949, Vic Hansen and Ray Rugaard purchased the business equally. In the 1960s, Rugaard bought out Hansen and it then became the Villa Park Material Company, Inc.

2005

National Preservation Month, sponsored by the National Trust of Historic Places, was celebrated by Proclamation within the Village and across America during the month of May. This year's theme is "Restore America: Communities at a Crossroads". At the Village Board meeting, (April 25, 2005) the Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission announced the winners of this year's annual Historic Plaque awards.

Historic Landmark awards were presented to:

• The owners of the Coolidge House for their sensitive preservation of their 1915 prairie-style house located at 307 South Illinois Avenue. It is named the Coolidge House (PDF) after the first owner. It is featured in the 1920 Glimpse of Villa Park Book.
• Robert and Sandra Dollinger for their sensitive preservation of their 1916 prairie-style house located at 310 Astor Court. It is named the Toebelman House (PDF) after the first owner who was the first treasurer of Ardmore. It was built by Charles Heisen.
• Bill and Judy Degnan for their sensitive preservation of their 1926 Colonial Revival style home located at 411 South Ardmore. It is named the Mabee House (PDF) after the original owner who was a civic leader and historian.
• David and Carrie Van Daff for their sensitive preservation of their 1931 English Tudor style house located at 37 South Oakland Avenue. It is named the Hubbard House (PDF) after the first owner.
• Sam and Nancy Pape for their historic circa 1928 Dutch Colonial Revival style house located at 24 South Monterey Avenue. It was originally located on the former Ovaltine property on Villa Avenue and was later moved to its present site in the 1950s. It is named the Steiner House (PDF) after Gottlieb Steiner, who relocated from Switzerland to oversee the construction of the former Ovaltine factory.
• John and Lisa Pittman for their wonderfully restored and preserved Argyle (PDF) model Sear's mail-order house located at 17 West 476 Hill Street and built in 1925.
• Lastly, the Sears Catalog Home awards was given to Doug and Therese Lehman for their Crescent (PDF) model Sear's mail-order house, located at 127 South Harvard and was built in 1927. It boasts quality features, such as oak built-ins and restored woodwork. As the family grew, Doug expanded his house for today's lifestyle.

2004

National Preservation Month, sponsored by the National Trust of Historic Places, was celebrated by Proclamation within the Village and across America during the week of May 3rd. This year's theme was "New Frontiers in Preservation". At the Village Board meeting, (April 26, 2004) the Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission announced the winners of this year's annual Historic Plaque awards.

Historic Preservation awards were presented to: 

• Steve and Monika Hall for their sensitive preservation of their 1920 prairie-style home located at 346 East Highland Avenue. It is named the Heisen House (PDF) after the original owner. Mr. Heisen was an early developer of Villa Park. The new owners of the home, Chris and Jill Quinn, are delighted to have this recognition.
• Art and Mary Ann Simms for their sensitive preservation of their 1928 arts and crafts style house located at 130 South Yale Avenue. It is named the Boettcher House (PDF) after the first owner.

Historic Landmark awards were presented to: 

• The Ardmore Historic Landmark District (PDF), established in 1910, was awarded a Historic Landmark plaque to recognize its significance to the Village of Villa Park. These buildings represent such an important part of Villa Park's heritage and history and its future. This district is located in the center or heart of the community. It consists of a variety of diverse buildings with distinctive architecture that now services the community and surrounding area in many ways. Included in this district are many commercial buildings, churches, school, Gazebo, and the Ardmore Avenue Station.
• The Villa Historic Landmark District (PDF), established in 1908, was awarded a Historic Landmark plaque to recognize its significance to the Village of Villa Park. These buildings represent such an important part of Villa Park's heritage and history and its future. It consists of a variety of diverse buildings with distinctive architecture that now services the community and surrounding area in many ways. Included in this district are the former Ovaltine factory buildings and chimney, Villa Avenue Station, Great Western Depot, Cortesi Park, Villa Park Bank, Community Recreation Center, and many commercial buildings.
• Lastly, the Sears Catalog Home award was given to Michael and Deanna Orlowski for their wonderfully restored and preserved Haven (PDF) model Sears's mail-order house, located at 138 South Michigan Avenue.

2003

Villa Park President Rae Rupp Srch and Preservation Commission Chairwoman Carol Marcus presented the 2003 Historic Plaque Awards to the Poggi, Palm, Kalkanian, Smith, McHone and Winter families on May 4, 2003 at the Villa Park Historical Society. They were recognized for their preservation efforts in maintaining historic homes and buildings that are significant to the heritage of Villa Park. At the 

At the Village Board meeting, (April 28, 2003) the Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission announced the winners of this year's annual Historic Plaque Awards.

Historic Preservation awards were presented to: 

• Lawrence and Christina Poggi for their sensitive preservation of their distinctive English style home located at 404 South Illinois Avenue It is named the Black House (PDF) after the original owner and was built in 1936.
• Gerald and Maren Palm for their sensitive preservation of their Bungalow style home located at 617 South Wisconsin Avenue It is named the Stilla House (PDF) after the original owner and was built in 1928. It is an excellent example of how older housing can be expanded for modern day use without compromising on its original design.

Historic Landmark awards were presented to: 

• Attorney Gerald S. Kalkanian for his commercial building (PDF) built in 1911 by Col. Calhoun and operated as the first grocery store, supplying only staple goods. In 1922, it was moved from Villa Avenue to its current site at 336 East Central Boulevard Since 1982, it has been serving as Kalkanian's law office.
• Ana Smith for her commercial building (PDF) located at 203 South Villa Avenue It was built in 1924 by the National Tea Company and operated as a full-service grocery store in the thriving Villa Avenue business district. Recently, the brickwork on the front facade was restored to its original condition. Since 1970, it has been the home of G.M. Smith & Son, a family owned business that has been in the Village since 1920.
•  Robert and Lillian McHone, for their post-war Reedy Ranch (PDF) home built in 1956 and located at 112 North Ardmore Avenue This house served as a model for the J.W. Reedy Construction Company This firm built over 200 ranch homes similar to this type in Villa Park and the surrounding community. J.W. Reedy is celebrating their 75th Anniversary this year.
• The Sears Catalog Home Award was given to Kenneth and Stephanie Winter for their Crescent (PDF) model Sears mail-order house, located at 109 North Second Avenue and built in 1927.

2002

National Historic Preservation Week, sponsored by the National Trust of Historic Places, was celebrated by Proclamation within the Village and across America during the week of May 12th. The theme was "Preserving the Spirit of Place". At the Village Board Meeting, (May 13, 2002), the Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission announced the winners of this year's annual Historic Plaque awards.

The Historic Preservation award was given to Warren Stewart for his sensitive restoration of his 1925 "Spanish eclectic" style home located at 307 South Monterey. It is named the Emms House (PDF) after the original owner. Warren researched and restored the stucco and clay tiles to its original color scheme. Early developers had envisioned Villa Park to be a "town of villas". This was influenced by the popularity of Spanish Revival style.

Historic Landmark awards were presented to: 

• William and Annette Franz for their farmhouse built in 1864 and located at 747 South Oakland. It is named the Scharlau House (PDF) after the family that first settlers who farmed the land and ran a fruit orchard.
• Caroline Hightower, for her farmhouse built in circa 1850 and located at 27 East Jackson. It is named the Golterman House (PDF) after the early settlers who first lived there and raised their 17 children.
• Ron Leston, owner of Pioneer Garden and Feed Supply, received an award for his Feed Store (PDF) built in 1908 and located at 118 South Villa. In the early days, the store sold chicken feed and milled grain. Since 1965, the Leston family has owned the business at this location.
• Anona Center East, a private club (PDF), for their commercial building built in 1926 and located at 125 South Villa. They have made considerable storefront improvements. Originally, it was an A&P Grocery and a Ben Franklin variety store.
• Raymond and Tammy Hensley for their commercial building built in 1915 and located at 7 East Park (PDF). Extensive refurbishing has been done to the exterior and interiors. Back in the early days, it had been Meehan's Drug store then became Hill's Pharmacy. Dr. Cortesi had his practice upstairs. It is currently Doc Hensley's Antiques and Furniture Repair.
• The Sears & Davis Commercial Building built in 1928 is located at 336 South Ardmore (PDF). It was here that the Village had their offices for a short period while the Village Hall was built. Sears had been the Village President. The building has very distinctive terra cotta ornamentation on the front façade.
• Lastly, the Sears Catalog Home award was given to Robert and Betty Bratschun for their Martha Washington (PDF) model Sears mail-order house, located at 524 South Villa Avenue and built in 1925.

2001

National Preservation Week 2001, sponsored by the National Trust of Historic Places, was celebrated by Proclamation within the Village and across America during the week of May 14, 2001. The 2001 theme was "Restore, Renew, Rediscover Your Historic Neighborhood Schools!" Starting in 2001, the Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission expanded their annual Historic Plaque Program to include awards for Historic Preservation, Historic Landmark and Sears Catalog Home categories.

At the Village Board meeting, (May 14, 2001), Village President Rae Rupp Srch and the Preservation Commission presented plaques to the 2001 winners.

Historic Landmark awards were presented to: 

• Villa Park School District 45 for the Ardmore School (PDF). The Ardmore School was built in 1911 and is located at 225 South Harvard Avenue. It started out as a four-room school with 59 students enrolled and was the first school in Villa Park.
• Saint Alexander's Parish for Saint Alexander School (PDF). Saint Alexander School was built in 1925 and is located at 136 South Cornell Avenue. Before this school opened, its 56 registered students were taught in a one-room schoolhouse located in the temporary church building.
• The first recipient to receive the Sears Catalog Home plaque was Mrs. Alma Hebenstreit. Her mail order house is located at 531 South Euclid Avenue and was authenticated to be the Rodessa model built in 1923.
• Village of Villa Park for the restoration of the Chicago Great Western Railroad Depot (PDF). It was built in 1926 and is located at Cortesi Park.

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