For Immediate Release
Jan. 13, 2009
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is pleased to announce that it has received a grant of $18,500 to benefit restoration of Mayslake Hall at Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook.
Presented today, the donation was provided by the Oak Brook Historic Preservation Fund. The fund was established as a division of the Oak Brook Historical Society in 2008 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Village of Oak Brook by raising public awareness of historic preservation and by unifying the community through a collaborative fundraising initiative. Over 30 special events showcased the village’s history and its character today. Mayslake Peabody Estate and the Village of Oak Brook’s Old Butler School were designated as recipients of funds raised during the year.
Kathy Maher, president of the Oak Brook Historical Society and co-chair of the Oak Brook Historic Preservation Fund, noted that the organization chose Mayslake Peabody Estate as a recipient because of its historic significance and varied offerings to the community. "We’re looking forward to working further with Mayslake, which has been designated as a recipient of funds raised in 2009," stated Maher.
"This generous donation is a testament to the importance Mayslake has to our community" said D. "Dewey" Pierotti Jr., president of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. "We are dedicated to developing this dynamic educational and cultural resource, and thank Mayslake’s supporters for sharing our vision."
Construction on coal magnate Francis Stuyvesant Peabody’s 39-room Tudor-style mansion was completed in 1922. After Peabody’s untimely death, the hall passed to the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor, who used the mansion and its later addition as a center for spiritual growth where countless residents from throughout Chicagoland joined retreats.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County purchased the property in 1993 utilizing funds from a voter-approved referendum. Today, the estate is on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a unique educational and cultural resource for the community. Programs include lectures and workshops as well as art shows, jazz salons and performances by First Folio Theatre. Restoration-in-progress tours led by volunteer docents present the history and architecture of the estate.
Mayslake Peabody Estate is located at 1717 W. 31st St., one-quarter mile west of Route 83. For information on programs and tours at the estate, call 630-850-2363, or visit www.mayslakepeabody.com.
To learn about the Oak Brook Historic Preservation Fund, call 630-325-1314.
To learn about the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, call 630-933-7200, or visit www.dupageforest.com.
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Media Contacts: Chrissie Howorth, Mayslake Peabody Estate, 630-206-9569
Bonnie Olszewski, Office of Public Affairs, 630-871-6402