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In 1846 Israel and Avis Blodgett replaced the family's earlier log cabin located at what is now known as 831 Maple Avenue with a simple one-and-a-half story frame structure. The Blodgett family lived at that time where the Downers Grove Historical Museum is currently located. Not only is their second home one of the oldest houses in the Village, but it also has great cultural significance as an active stopover point on the Underground Railroad. This
two-bedroom house was completed in 1849. Now one of the oldest houses
in the village, the 1846 Blodgett House, with rustic hand-hewn black
walnut joists, and simple clapboard structure, reflects early pioneer
style, living space, and craftsmanship. Before the turn of the 20th
century, the 1846 Blodgett House was moved to a new location toward
the south end of the Blodgett property, now identified as 812 Randall
Street. Between the time when the 1846 Blodgett House was moved and
now,
the house underwent changes as it was adapted to the march of
progress. A second wing, on the east side of the house, was added to
create more room and siding was added later, improving its insulation
but disguising its historic appearance. The Downers Grove
Heritage Preservation Corporation, dba "1846 Blodgett House", acquired
the 1846 Blodgett House in February 2008 as a donation from Christopher
Salman. Under a license from the Downers
Grove Park District and with generous community support, the Heritage
Preservation Corporation then carried out initial restoration and
renovation
work in order to make the House suitable as a gift to the community for
the Park
District to own and operate it as a public museum. The
newer wing
and the front
porch, which were not present during the time period of interest, were
removed. The House was then moved back to be just west of its
original location on Maple
Avenue now within the Museum Campus. Its exterior appearance was
restored to
match what
we know about its appearance in the time period 1846 to 1865. In January 2012 the Park District accepted ownership of the House as a donation from the Heritage Preservation Corporation. Restoration and renovation work on the House is continuing as funding becomes available.
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