Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Back in the Old Days...

Sometimes at work we are given a chance to do something a bit different than the usual custom cabinetry. This was the case about a month ago when a lady from the Geneva Historical Society came in with a project she hoped we could do. Our shop is near Fabyan Forest Preserve. It was  part of the country estate of George and Nelle Fabyan. They came to the Fox River Valley in the early 1900's, and bought a farmhouse and ten acres. Over the years they bought over 300 acres & developed it into an estate they called "Riverbank". After their deaths in the 30's, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County purchased 235 acres of the estate and created the preserve. It is a beautiful spot that we often walk or bike ride through. There is a windmill, Japanese Garden & the Fabyan Villa Museum.
While working on "the project" we went over to take some pictures of the grounds & the garage, which is what the historical society was dedicating soon. Here are some pics...


The Japanese Garden

One of the buildings Col. Fabyan housed wild animals.

Back of the villa

Front entrance of the villa


Some of the unusual stonework that is on the estate




And finally to our project....
Here is a a couple of pictures of the garage back in the 30"s (I think). Love that car...


And here is Steve measuring for a new sign.


Just finishing it up in the shop.



After installation...not the best pic. It was a drive by. We'll have to go back & get a better one.
It was a joint effert by most of us at the shop. My brother pitched in to paint it. I drew the letters to match the old sign & Steve cut them out & made the sign.
 
Although we had to scamble to get it done in the midst of a lot of other jobs, it was worth it. Now every time we drive by, we can be proud of being a part of the history of the area.

10 comments:

SkippyMom said...

That is some talent! Nicely done. :D

Nancy said...

I love the old pictures of the "garage." How cool that you were involved in bringing it back to life for new generations to enjoy.

The cottage by the Cranelake said...

Really well done!
Have a great day now!
Christer.

PatQ said...

I drive by there everyday on the way to the train station. I'll have to look next time. It looks really good.

Barb said...

Thanks!

Sharlene T. said...

What a great thing to be a part of... I'm so delighted you stopped by and decided to follow me... it gave me the opportunity to find you... I've retired, now, and had to move from my 16-acre farm... it was getting too much for just me... so I can live vicariously, through you!... thanks for sharing this wonderful project... come visit whenever you can...

Barb said...

Welcome Sharlene!

Sara said...

How funny, I grew up right across the street from there, and spent a lot of my childhood in that park. It's good to know they are taking good care of the place.

Barb said...

Hi "S"...that is funny! I checked out your blog...I'll be reading more of it this weekend. Thanks for stopping by :-)

the wild magnolia said...

Thanks for sharing the beauty and history!