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By Janis MVK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES GUSTIN /
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY CATHLEEN HEALY
Alexis Braden wears an orange silk blouse and pink silk pants by Ramy Brook, available at Neiman Marcus.
It’s a monumental year for Hinsdale as the village celebrates its 150th anniversary and the Hinsdale Historical Society has a potpourri of events to commemorate. From special exhibits at the Hinsdale History Museum featuring model trains from 1906 to the present to the ever-popular Kitchen Walk showcasing interior design and table settings in some of the village’s historic homes, and an exclusive benefit at a newly renovated 100-year-old home benefiting the Zook Home and Studio, residents and visitors alike have a lot to look forward to.
From April 21-23, the Society is hosting Hinsdale in Lights: Celebrating 150 Years, at Immanuel Hall. This dynamic exhibition tells the story of Hinsdale and its residents showcasing artifacts pulled from the Society’s archives amidst an immersive light show.
“The goal of the exhibit is to showcase the 150 years of Hinsdale’s history and let participants step into the past through an immersive experience,” says Kristen Laakso, Co-President of the Hinsdale Historical Society. “Attendees will have the opportunity to view a motion-picture show featuring various aspects of Hinsdale’s history and afterward enjoy a physical exhibit of some of the historic materials, objects, garments, and photographs.”
The contents of this exhibition have been a committee collaboration. Alexis Braden, Society Trustee, and Katharine Andrew, Society Manager, took lead in curating and verifying the showcase, while Matt Stockmal is producing the immersive light show to enhance the vitrines. “This cutting-edge technology combined with our extensive archives and museum collection will make for some dynamic new ways to engage the community with its history and architecture in this anniversary year and beyond,” says Carrie Rozich, Co-President of the Hinsdale Historical Society.
The Society also shines a light on three historic female trailblazers from Hinsdale throughout the year.
In early 2022, the Society, Hinsdale Public Library, and the Fullersburg Foundation celebrated the life of Loie Fuller for her 160th birthday year. Fuller, born in Hinsdale in 1862, was an American actress and dancer who was also known for modern dance and theatrical lighting techniques worldwide. The library screened a 2010 documentary, “Loie Fuller, Dancing in the Light Fantastic,” and hosted a Loie Fuller-themed outdoor mini carnival in the summer.
“We would say she is the current poster child for the Hinsdale Historical Society and will continue in her starring role throughout 2023 and beyond,” says Laakso and Rozich. “She has inspired much of the current enthusiasm and energy around the Society that our growing team is converting into a lot of new programming and events for all ages.”
Another Hinsdalean ahead of her time, Grace Bagley (1860- 1944), will be highlighted. Bagley was known to have commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design the Frederick Bagley house, Hinsdale’s only Wright-designed structure. More notably, Bagley was known for social welfare. She worked at Chicago’s Hull House settlement, helped organize the first juvenile court system in the United States, and instituted the first day nursery for children of working mothers and widowed fathers in Chicago. She also educated immigrants about citizenship.
Safina Uberoi and her husband Lukas Ruecker recently purchased the home after the structure was threatened with demolition. Uberoi and Ruecker will be opening their doors to visitors in September for the Finding Grace exhibit. Local historian and preservationist, Jean Follet, takes the lead in curating the event.
The Society also spotlights Mary Dynes (1874-1958), a nationally recognized gardener and horticulturist. She resided as the former president of the National Council of State Garden Clubs and the Garden Club of Illinois and was a member of the Garden Club of Hinsdale. Dynes was influential in designing landscaping for the Hinsdale Hospital and the Hinsdale Golf Club.
“We plan to highlight Dynes’ life, downtown, outdoors, at our July 4th parade installation,” says Braden. “The Society will have a float or other visual installment of her with the other women dressed as these historic women.”
The Society’s trustees decided it is important to highlight the key contributions Hinsdale’s women made during the village’s early years. “Here we have three women who not only paved the way for women in their fields but who were outright trailblazers,” says Braden.
The Hinsdale Historical Society’s mission is to bridge the past, present, and future by engaging the community with history and architecture while devoted to collecting, preserving, and promoting Hinsdale’s history. In celebration of 150 years, the Society continues to plan events and exhibits throughout the year to honor and benefit Hinsdale’s past and future.
Hinsdale Historical Society, 630-789-2600, hinsdalehistory.org.
