Last month, an annual event known as the Revel Gala was held to honor the Indiana Society of Chicago, a social organization comprised of Indiana natives living in Chicago, in memory of its first revel back in June 1907.
Approximately100 people came to the 2014 revel to help raise money that will go to help repair Pleasant Home, a local landmark. The $22,000 raised will go for needed repairs, including restoring the roof and making improvements to the second floor.
A juggler welcomed guests as they arrived at the house. Inside, goddesses and dancing sprites added a whimsical touch. A magician practiced his illusions while a pianist, an operatic trio, and a violinist entertained the guests with their musical offerings.
The structure was first known as the Farson House, and was designed by George W. Maher in the Prairie Style popularized by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It was built in 1897 for John W. Farson, a philanthropist and investment banker. Today known as Pleasant Home, it houses the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest, which leases the second and third floors of the structure from the Park District of Oak Park. In 1996, the building won National Historic Landmark status.
Event organizers could build on the success of this party by working with brochure printers to create a booklet that could be mailed to residents, explaining the need to maintain this historic property.
