Muirhead Farmhouse: A Frank Lloyd Wright Designed Home
Highland Park Historical Society will host on Monday March 27th at 7:00 PM ‘Muirhead Farm: A Frank Lloyd Wright Designed Farm Home,’ with Michael Petersdorf.
The Muirhead family was among the first settlers in Kane County, establishing their farmstead on its current site in 1860. By the late 1940s, then owners Robert and Elizabeth Muirhead felt they had outgrown the original farmhouse and wanted something better suited for their growing family of five children. The result was a Usonian-style home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Mr. Wright thought a house should be designed to reflect the individual requirements of its occupants. The Muirheads had many discussions with the architect as to what they wanted and needed in a farm home.
The Muirhead home remains in the family today and in 2003, underwent extensive restoration. In addition to the home, the surrounding 800 acres of farmland is also being restored. Purchased by the Kane County Forest Preserve, the land is being re-developed with native prairie wildflowers and grasses. Now known as the Muirhead Springs Preserve, the land features a 4 mile limestone trail loop that can be used by walkers, bicyclists and horse enthusiasts.
Michael Petersdorf is the grandson-in-law of Robert and Elizabeth Muirhead. Petersdorf oversaw the 2003 restoration. Michael Petersdorf lives at Muirhead Farm with his wife Sarah (Muirhead) plus a Corgi and cat.
‘‘Muirhead Farmhouse: A Frank Lloyd Wright Designed Farm Home,’ will be presented at the Highland Park Public Library Auditorium 494 Laurel Avenue, Highland Park. For further information, please contact the Highland Park Historical Society: 847-681-7031 or archives@highlandparkhistory.org. Admission is free.