Mother Rudd House
| Mother Rudd House | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Address | 4690 Old Grand Ave, Gurnee, Illinois |
| Completed | 1841-1844 |
| Renovated | 1991 |
The Mother Rudd House is the oldest building in Warren Township and one of the oldest in both Lake County and Illinois. Completed in 1844, the building serves as the home for the Warren Township Historical Society.
History
The connected inn was built in 1841, making it the oldest structure in the Township. The attached two-story home was built in 1843-44 as a stage coach stop for travelers to barter and trade.[1] Originally named the O'Plain House, the land was purchased by Wealthy Buell and Jonathan Harvey, where they would open their temperance tavern in 1843. After Jonathan passed away in January 1845, Wealthy married Erastus Rudd in 1846. When Warren Township was formed in 1850 the building served as a local town hall, post office, and general store. Being the most popular gathering spot in town, Wealthy over time became known as "Mother Rudd."[2] Before, during, and after the Civil War, it is said that the Mother Rudd Barn (located behind the house) served as a stop for escaped slaves traveling along the Underground Railroad.[3] Its location was optimal as it is only 100 feet from the Des Plaines River. All that remains of the barn is the stone foundation.
The Warren Township Historical Society was established in 1975. The three acre property was purchased by the Village of Gurnee in 1984 and underwent a large renovation that was completed in 1991.[4] Exactly 150 years after the inn was first built. As of 2018, the WTHS has ownership of 27,000 local artifacts.
References
- ^ "Mission & History". Warren Township Historical Society. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
- ^ "Mother Rudd". YouTube. Dunn Museum. May 9, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
- ^ Bill Kirchner (June 16, 2016). "The Mother Rudd Barn". Historical Marker Database. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
- ^ MICHELE LEIVAS (June 14, 2018). "The Mother Rudd House: If these walls could talk". Shaw Local News Network. Shaw Media. Retrieved January 28, 2025.