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.