Arlington Heights Historical Society's 22nd Annual House Walk

Description

Thanks to an agreement has been reached between Warren J. Wahl, President of the Arlington Heights Historical Society Board of Directors and Jack Kehe, an architectural icon in Arlington Heights will be a part of the 22nd Annual Historical Society House Walk and Tea, held on Sunday, June 28 from Noon - 5 p.m. Jack Kehe is the current owner of the home on East Euclid fondly referred to as "the Gingerbread House."

The "Gingerbread House" was originally built in 1926, and the first owners were Carl M. and Selma Behrens, who lived in the home until 1931. Carl was a prominent real estate man with his office at 104 N. Evergreen near, what is now Northwest Highway. Carl eventually built his own building and relocated his business to the northwest corner of Dunton and Northwest Highway in the triangular shaped two story brick building.

When the Behrens sold their home in 1931, the home was purchased by Henry A. and Gertrude Bates, who lived there until it was sold a few years later. Gertrude Bates was the president of the local Garden Society. During WWII, the home was owned and occupied by Hans and Marie Jensen. Hans was a mechanical engineer who worked on designing aircraft engine parts for fighter aircraft and military vehicles used by the U.S. military.

In 1949 the home was purchased by Paul and Alma Taege, lifelong residents of Arlington Heights. Paul was president of Arlington Concrete Products located at 1414 E. Davis Street. Paul and Alma's daughter Dorothy and her husband Jack Wiese also resided at the Euclid home with Paul and Alma and did so until their passing. Jack in 1997 and Dorothy in 2002.

In 2002, the home transferred to Paul and Alma Taege's grandson Jack Kehe who remains in the home and has spent four years bringing the home into the 21st century while retaining the charm and character of the original design. An earlier addition done in the 1950s was completely removed and replaced.

The house walk, which includes several distinctive homes in the Village, starts at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont, where pre-registered guests can pick-up their wrist bands or purchase additional wrist bands. It is suggested that you register for the tour as soon as possible.

Please note that House Walk tickets are limited to 500.