Glencoe Historical Society
at the
Eklund History Center & Garden

GLENCOE—The generosity of Glencoe residents has put the first phase of the new Glencoe Historical Society’s fund-raising campaign over the top! With more than $58,000 raised to date, the Society has scheduled construction to begin in April on the workshop at 377 Park Avenue to transform the building into a museum and history center.

Longtime Glencoe resident Sara “Sally” Eklund has donated the workshop and surrounding garden to the Glencoe Historical Society. The deed to the property at 377 Park Avenue will be turned over to the Society as the building is being made accessible to the public, expected by May 1. Construction of a sewer line, bathroom and safety exit door, the primary construction needed, should be completed by mid-summer.

“The response to the Society’s call for funds was gratifying and overwhelming,” said Ellen Shubart, Society president. “We are thrilled that we can begin construction on what will become a wonderful community asset.”

Added Fredrick Schweiger, trustee for Eklund’s estate: “We are delighted with the progress of the Society. This is an extraordinary project and it is well underway.” Schweiger and Eklund share a deep interest in the buildings on the site at 375-377 Park Ave. Schweiger’s ancestor, Ignatz Schweiger, was the first owner of 375 Park Avenue in 1889. It was a butcher shop. The building’s second owner was Carl Eklund, Sally Eklund’s father, and his family. Carl Eklund, and later his son, ran an upholstery business in the building and built the workshop that now will be made into a museum, research library and meeting space.

Two hundred twenty-five individual donors contributed amounts ranging from $3,500 to $50 to reach the $58,000 raised throughout the community. The Village of Glencoe recently committed $5,000 to the project.

The funds are being applied to a number of projects. First and foremost is the extension of the sewer to the building and creation of the bathroom. Also included in the construction will be the addition of security services, window coverings (to protect exhibition materials from harmful sunlight), and a gate and pathway opening from Park Avenue to the workshop. Beginning work to restore and preserve the adjoining garden also is scheduled to start this summer.

Plans for the construction are available at the office of Scott Javore & Associates, Architects. Call 835-4442 for drawings and/or questions about the construction.