Old House Society Wine and Cheese Event
Thursday, August 31, 2023 5:30 pm – 7:30pm
Come join us at 101 East Vernon Ave, Normal, IL (Illinois Art Station)
You’ll want to check out the great history of this site, once the home of Custer Bros. Nursery from 1890 – 2005.
Frank and Charles Custer started their nursery business in 1890, situating part of it at the corner of Vernon and the Illinois Central Railroad (now the beloved Constitution Trail) in Normal. The nursery business grew alongside Frank's family, with his son Hank taking over and specializing in the large trees that populate Normal. Frank's daughter Evangeline inherited the 101 Vernon property and with her husband Ken Seitz, built a home and his insurance agency there in 1950. John and Marilyn Freese bought the property in 2007, selling to the Illinois Art Station in 2019. With the help of Workbench Architects, Illinois Art Station incorporated the Seitz home into their new expanded facility in 2020.
Joinging us on thursday evening will be Illinois Art Stationexecutive director, Hannah Johnson, and former home owner, John Freese. Together they will share a history of the home, the current building, and how creative reuse in architecture and design can honor the past, incorporate nature, and look to the future.
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There will be light hors d'oeuvres and beverages as well as great conversation at this historic property, bring a friend or two!
Suggested donation at the door of $10.00 *OHS current members $5.00.
If you are not a member, join today!
This event is sponsored by Fallat’s Autobody
Our Warehouse at 214 E. Douglas in Bloomington IL is now open Wednesday thru Saturday from 10 until five.
Why become a member of Old House Society? Become a member to support the architecture of McLean County and keep the Salvage Warehouse open!! Your member dues support the warehouse and as a member you will receive information about all OHS events!