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HISTORY OF THE FREDERICK GRAUE HOUSE
The Frederick Graue House, standing adjacent to Graue Mill and Museum,
is located within Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook. The
house was built for the Graue family between 1858 and 1859 and is a
fine example of early Victorian “Italianate” architecture,
which was prevalent in American home construction between 1850 and
1890. It was the family home until 1945, when the house was sold and
subsequently remodeled into a “modern” post World War II
residence. The remodeling compromised many of the architectural details
as well as the building’s structure. The Forest Preserve District
of DuPage County acquired the building and grounds in 1988 and the
house stood empty for several years. In 1999, the Forest Preserve District
began a $1-million project funded with two $500,000 grants from the
State of Illinois administered through the Illinois Historic Preservation
Agency to completely renovate the building and surrounding grounds.
In order that the restoration would be as historically accurate as
possible, any original components that could be salvaged were restored
and reinstalled. Particular attention was paid to both exterior and
interior paint colors and finishes so they could be accurately reproduced.
Today, the exterior of the house represents a historically accurate
restoration. The interior has been tastefully renovated to be an adaptive
reuse of the space. Wallpaper and paint colors from the William Morris
Designer Collection were used throughout the interior to preserve the
Victorian character of the interior. The first floor has three large
rooms and a service area that are available for public use on a rental
basis. The second floor houses the offices of the Museum.
BASIC RENTAL INFORMATION
The Frederick
Graue House may be rented from 8 A.M. daily. The
event must end NO LATER than 11 P.M. Reservations are accepted
18 months in advance.
Delivery and set up of equipment or food
may begin 2 hours before the event and clean up should be completed
by 2 hours after the end of the event.
Occupancy of the House is limited to 70, including serving staff and
hosts. For a sit down luncheon or dinner, the maximum number
is 50. Maximum occupancy of the grounds is 150 and access to
the House must be limited to 70 at one time. For groups of 100
or more we suggest that you provide addition portable rest room
facilities.
All food must be provided by a licensed food vender. No “pot
luck” or “home made” foods may be served. A
list of approved full service caterers and bartenders is available
for your consideration.
If tents are used they can be set up 24 hours before the event and
must be removed within 24 hours after the event.
Grills are permitted on the grounds.
No smoking is allowed on the premises.
Contact (630) 920-9720 for other questions or to book a date.
Delivery and set up of equipment or food may begin 2 hours before
the event and clean up should be completed by 2 hours after the end
of the event.
FEES
The rental fee for the use of the Graue House is $400.00 (four hour
minimum). Additional hours are available at $85.00 per hour.
The rental fee for use of the Graue House and Grounds is $550.00 (four
hour minimum). Additional hours are available at $85.00 per hour.
A
deposit of $200.00 for use of the House only or $275.00 for use of
the House and Grounds is due with the signed Rental Agreement. Reservations
will not be confirmed until the Corporation receives the signed Agreement
and required deposit.
The balance of the rental fee is due and payable
30 days prior to the event.
There will be a processing charge of $100.00
if the sponsor cancels the event.
In addition to the rental deposit,
a damage deposit of $250.00 must also be submitted with the signed
Agreement. The full amount
will be returned within 7 business days following the event less any
damage amount or costs incurred.
Please call (630) 920-9720
for more information about renting the Graue House.
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