Spirit of 67 Home Tour

10th Annual Home Tour
May 3rd, 2012

2011 Home Tour
May 5th, 2011

Homeowners of four distinctive Lake Forest homes 'opened their doors for education' as part of the Spirit of 67 Foundation's Ninth Annual "Opening Doors For Education" Home Tour on Thursday, May 5, 2011. This year's Home Tour was especially endearing as it provided a unique glimpse into two historical Lake Forest homes to commemorate Lake Forest's 150th Celebration.

Located in the Deerpath School District, one of the historical homes known as "The Evergreens", is the oldest occupied home in Lake Forest built in 1858 by physician Charles Quinlan, one of Lake Forest's founding fathers.The original Evergreen estate encompassed 28 acres, which has been subdivided over the years, but remains an important and dignified part of Lake Forest history. The second historic home on tour was a classic Colonial Revival home built in 1927. Stanley Anderson, known as one of Lake Forest's prominent architects (noted designer of Lake Forest High School and Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital) is the architect of record for this home located in the Sheridan School District. Both historic homes were renovated to preserve the original intent and architectural character true to the history and vision of its designers.

Other homes on tour included the Cherokee School home which was featured for both its renovation excellence and its interior design expertise. From a hand constructed Chinese Chippendale stair railing to specially commisioned artwork, this home provided guests with ideas on how to balance innovative design methods. Tour guests were treated to a 'trip to another world' when they entered the Everett School Home. Moroccan style design and craftmenship brought tour guests half way around the world as they soaked up the home's rich Moroccan furnishings, intricate plasterwork, hand-carved rosettes and hand-painted tiles at the featured Everett Home.

"The Spirit of 67 Foundation feels very fortunate partnering with our generous homeowners who've opened their doors to our community in order to benefit the mission of the Spirit. As a Foundation, our mission is to enhance education in District 67," noted Sandra Rhine, President, Spirit of 67 Foundation. "This year's tour was truly special as we honor the historical significance of our town through the unique architecture and design of our homes."

"Every year, we receive tremendous support from our community for the Home Tour," commented this year's Home Tour Chairs, Lynn Bertram, Molly King and Jamie Wolf. "Our friends at the City of Lake Forest, the Chamber of Commerce, as well as our individual sponsors and volunteers all contribute to make this a successful and enjoyable Home Tour."

The Spirit of 67 Foundation hosts its annual home tour during the first week of May and funds raised provide funding for educational grants in District 67. In each of the four homes, selected grants are highlighted and staffed by teachers and grant representatives. The grants touch all academic areas from language arts and science to technology and wellness and benefit all the children of District 67.