The Big House

This blog is about the Hegeler Carus Mansion.  The Mansion is a National Historic Landmark in La Salle, IL.  We are open for tours Wednesday through Sunday and you can find more details about the tours on our website http://www.hegelercarus.org/. 

Our tours are about an hour long...which simply is not long enough to tell our visitors all of the stories held within the walls that the Foundation is charged with preserving.

Here, we intend to fill you in on the rest of the story. Its the story of a house, a family, and their involvement in many significant moments in history, manufacturing, philosophy and religion.

If readers of this blog would like more information on the Mansion or the Foundation, questions or suggested blog topics can be posted on our Facebook Page.

The bloggers include our Executive Director, docents, tour guides and other experts on the Mansion.

The House-Construction began on the Mansion in 1874.  W. W. Boyington of Chicago was the architect.  Some of his noteworthy buildings include the Chicago Water Tower and Joliet Correctional Center...Ironically, people in town have always called the Mansion the "Big House!"

The interior of the Mansion was designed by August Fiedler.  He specialized in gorgeous woodwork and handpainted details on the walls and ceilings.  The Hegeler Carus Mansion possesses the most complete and uncompromised example of Fielders' original work as well as housing many beautiful antiques.

The Family-The Hegeler and Carus families have been making historic contributions in the areas of manufacturing, philosophy, religion and education for generations.

We hope you will enjoy this interactive way to experience more of the Hegeler Carus Mansion, and that it will inspire you to visit us soon!