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Illinois group seeks to save historic Glidden farm home

 

By DEBORAH BEHRENDS
Illinois Correspondent

DEKALB, Ill. — The primary purpose of the newly-organized Annie Glidden Agrarian Society is to save the home once occupied by Glidden, now part of the Northern Illinois University campus and owned by the NIU Foundation.
The Glidden-Odekirk home and carriage house, named for the two families that owned and occupied the home, are at 253 and 255 N. Annie Glidden Road in DeKalb. Although it has been vacant for about 10 years, after occupancy as a residence NIU used it for office space for various organizations.
Founders of the Annie Glidden Agrarian Society recognize Glidden – the niece of barbed-wire inventor Joseph F. Glidden, whose historic home also is located in DeKalb – as a driving force in the community.
“She was a woman far ahead of her time,” said local historian Steve Bigolin. “She earned a degree in agriculture from Cornell University, she was a founder of the DeKalb Garden Club and Library Whist Club – a group which supports the library to this day – and she raised her nephew, Glidden Switzer, after his mother’s death during childbirth.”
As a first step to save the historic structure, the society has sought landmark status from the city. The city’s landmark commission has approved the designation, pending approval from the NIU Foundation. In turn, the Foundation has submitted a proposal for restoration of the home, as well as proposed uses for the space.
Barry Schrader, one of the society’s co-founders, believes the university is legally obligated to foot the bill for renovations. A provision in the university’s lease with the foundation states the lessee “shall, at Lessee’s own expense, make all repairs and renewals necessary to keep said premises and improvements, both inside and outside, in as good condition as exists at the commencement of this lease.”
Schrader said NIU must at the very least pay for replacement of a deteriorating roof, completing an unfinished rewiring project and installation of a heating system to avoid further structural damage during the winter.
“Ten years without heat has done untold damage,” he said at a recent public meeting about the project.
Among the known costs in the proposal are a $16,400 inspection for structural damage by Sharp Architects, Inc. and a $10,192.86 interior cleaning by Clean USA.
Not included in the total cost of the project, which NIU Vice President of Operations Bill Nicklas said could be anywhere between $500,000-$1 million, are repairs for damage, as well as installation of restrooms and structural renovations to make the space fully accessible.
Architect Lisa Sharp said the cost for inspection by her firm is just the tip of the iceberg. “Many changes are needed to make the building accessible, to transform it from residential to public use,” she said.
Although the organization has not yet been granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, it can accept tax-free donations through a recently-formed partnership with the DeKalb County Community Gardens. The group is exploring other avenues of funding from local foundations.
The partnership between the society and the community gardens creates the possibility of establishing a community garden on the five-acre parcel, according to Dan Kenney, executive director of DeKalb County Community Gardens. Like those who work in the gardens, Kenney said Glidden valued the stewardship of the land.
Mike Malone, NIU Foundation president and CEO, believes the society has spoken out of turn in partnering with other organizations to decide the fate of property it doesn’t own.
While he doesn’t support the society’s efforts, an unnamed university employee attending the meeting noted Malone is stepping down as the foundation’s CEO in the near future.
Speaking at the meeting, dressed as Annie Glidden, was direct descendent Cheryl Johnson. “Once a building is gone, it’s gone,” she said, urging supporters to do whatever is necessary to save the home and carriage house.
“We’ve heard about all the different issues that we’re going to have to deal with to move forward with the project, but I believe when there’s a will, there’s a way,” Kenney said. “I think that combining our efforts in this project ... we have an opportunity to make it happen.”
10/23/2014