Join us at the Kenilworth Assembly Hall, designed by George W. Maher in 1907, and recently restored to its original grandeur, as we celebrate the 160th anniversary of the birth of this important Prairie School architect. Architectural historian H. Allen Brooks once noted, “His influence on the Midwest was profound and prolonged, and, in its time, was certainly as great as Wright’s.”

The event a chance to view the “Century Homes” exhibit at the Kenilworth Historical Society across the street, which features many houses designed by Maher, including his own, completed in 1893. Attendees will have a rare opportunity to step inside the log cabin playhouse built by Kenilworth founder Joseph Sears for his children, when his family lived across the street from the Glessners on Prairie Avenue in the late 1880s.

There will be an online auction and an important part of the gala is our online auction, which is shared with more than 6,000 people on our mailing list and is promoted in our bi-monthly newsletter and on our social media channels, which have thousands of followers. Past auctions have seen bidders from across the country, who have flown to Chicago from both coasts to enjoy their auction experiences.

A brief program will include remarks on the meticulous restoration of the Assembly Hall and the presentation of the annual Glessner Award to architectural historian Susan Benjamin in recognition of her half century of service to the study and preservation of significant architecture in and around Chicago.

Note on transportation: Ample street parking is available. The event is timed to align with the Metra Union Pacific North schedule, for attendees who wish to arrive in Kenilworth at the distinctive train station designed in 1891 by Franklin P. Burnham, located less than one block from the Assembly Hall.

HONORARY CHAIR
Barry Sears

JOHN AND FRANCES GLESSNER AWARD RECIPIENT
Susan Benjamin