Original woodwork will be salvaged from the property scheduled for demolition this summer. –Photo by Karen Haave.
By Karen Haave
A home built by one of Monee’s earliest settlers will be razed later this year, but before that happens, the Monee Historical Society wants to salvage some of its interior.
Village Administrator Ruben Bautista said the residence at 5511 W. Court Street has been purchased as part of beautification projects within the village’s commercial district. The site will be utilized as open green space, he added.
Monee Historical Society President Christi Holston supports the plan, but asked the village to allow the MHS to first save at least some of the beautiful leaded glass and antique woodwork.
Holston noted that the house, where the Kohlstedt family lived for several generations, is within the designated historical district of the village’s Five Year Comprehensive Plan.
“And whereas we would love to save every house and restore it to its former glory, we understand perfectly well there are houses that are in the condition that that can’t happen, or they are in a spot that it’s not in the best interest of the community to save a particular structure,” she noted.
But the Kohlstedt home was built by some of Monee’s earliest settlers, who became esteemed residents and business owners, so it has a special historic meaning.
Holsten said the family owned a lumber yard and a coal supply company, and at least one member was a longtime firefighter.
“The whole family were movers and shakers within the history of the community,” she said. “They were among some of the wealthier families in town, so I think there’s a lot in there worth saving.
“Our plan is to have it removed, at no expense to the village, and make a decision on what we could keep and display with a story behind it.” 
After a walk-through of the house with Bautista and Monee Planning and Zoning Board member Ron Lindstrom last week, Holston found that “there is lots of very nice woodwork and some beautiful leaded glass.
“We are looking for a Salvage Company that would come in and save the architectural details. There are leaded glass window panels, doors, crystal door knobs, wall paneling, and ceiling beams,” she added.
“Any items we could not use ourselves will be sold to the company to make their way into new homes or historic renovations, and the Historical Society would use the proceeds to further our programs.”
Monee officials, earlier this month, agreed to allow the MHS to proceed with their plans to recover glass and wood from the home.
Holston said knowing the house would be demolished is painful, but she is happy for the village’s support.
“It breaks my heart, but all things considered, I agree with the village’s decision and am very grateful they are doing all they can to help preserve what we can.” 
Original glass will be salvaged. –Photo by Karen Haave.
Much of the original woodwork is unpainted and can be salvaged before the home is razed. –Photo by Karen Haave.

2 replies on “MHS to Aquire Artifacts from Historic Monee Home”

  1. I am utterly pleased that the architectural elements that define that period in time shall be preserved, and memorialized.
    The quality of the workership and the love in the hands of the creators are unparalleled.
    The Angels are in the Details.

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