Crystal Lake, Il. Preservation

COL. PALMER HOUSE, RAUE HOUSE, DOLE MANSION

I went to the website www.crystallake.org/histpres.htm and found out some more information. A place gets a plaque and is landmarked if it is a "public asset that enriches the community of Crystal Lake by virtue of its architecture and by people and events associated with it."

The Col. Palmer House-1858- is a very impressive combination of Greek Revival and Federal architecture. Col. Gustavus A. Palmer and wife Henrietta were two of the earliest McHenry County settlers, arriving in 1839 after a three-week covered wagon trip from New York state. He had taken part in the The Patriot's War of 1837-1838 (never heard of it) where he received 80 acres of land in Illinois in return for his service.

I looked up the Patriot's War, which essentially was an attempt by various militias in eastern Michigan to take over the southern part of Ontario from Detroit to the Niagara River. They were defeated at the Battle of Windsor and were either jailed or hanged. Col. Palmer was with the US troops sent to put it down.

I have been to a celebration by this small, but intriguing structure.

The Raue House- 1901- was built for $2000 and occupied by the Raue family for 93 years. The family became wealthy by doing business in Crystal Lake, and recently donated over $2 million to purchase and renovate the old El Tovar Theater in the downtown. Today, it is called the Raue Center for the Arts. Two years ago, Liz and I saw Bob Newhart there. This is a great place to see a show. All seats are great.

The Dole Mansion- In the 1860s, Charles S. Dole purchased over 1000 acres overlooking Crystal Lake. He was a successful Chicago businessman and early member of the Chicago Board of Trade.

He had a three story mansion with gardens and stables built and imported European craftsmen to make sure it was a showplace. He spent $100,000 on it, a princely sum at the time.

For his daughter's wedding in 1883, he had a spur line built from the local railroad. Guests coming could go directly to the house, where they found a 750 feet long canopy and carpet walkway.

Later, he built a half-mile racecourse on the property and eventually had quite a stable of racehorses.

This guy really knew how to make and spend money.

During the early 1900s, it was owned and operated by a several ice companies who would ship the ice to Chicago during the summers. The arrival of refrigeration ended that era.

Again, Great Job Crystal Lake. --RoadDog

THIS DAY IN AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY- 1923- the first Checker Cab produced.