Spring Drive to the Edith Farnsworth House
Date: Saturday, April 22
Time: 9:00 pre-drive meeting to distribute the directions and maps, and answer questions precedes a 9:15 departure
Meetup: Buttermilk Restaurant at 7 W State St. in Geneva
Waterman, Shabbona, Rollo, Earlville, Serena. If you’ve never been, then you will. These are some of the towns along our drive through north central Illinois on our way to the Edith Farnsworth House in Plano. The drive will start from the public parking lot adjacent (just north) of the Buttermilk Restaurant at 7 W State St. in Geneva. A 9:00 pre-drive meeting to distribute the directions and maps, and answer questions precedes a 9:15 departure. The drive to the House is about 90 miles and should take two hours driving time. There is a Casey’s General Store halfway through the drive for a pit stop. This should provide everyone plenty of time to reach the House by 11:45 in preparation for our Noon, 90-minute private tour. The drive is not a time-speed-distance or gimmick rally, but a relaxed drive with explicit directions and maps. Following the tour, we will drive to Sugar Grove (15 miles, 25 minutes) along back roads to lunch at the Fireside Grille around 2:00. Lunch is optional.
• Buttermilk Restaurant, 7 W State St, Geneva (IL-38, downtown at the river)
• Edith Farnsworth House, 14520 River Rd, Plano, (630) 552-0052 (ample parking)
• Fireside Grille, 49 Sugar Ln, Sugar Grove
The Edith Farnsworth House is a historical house designed and constructed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe from 1945 to 1951. It was commissioned by Dr. Edith Farnsworth, a prominent Chicago nephrologist, musician, and poet as a weekend retreat to relax, entertain, and enjoy nature. The house is recognized as an iconic masterpiece of the International Style of architecture and has National Historic Landmark status. Learn about the architectural design principles, construction process, and contentious relationship between the architect and owner.
The admission to EFH is increasing from last year’s rate of $25 to $30 with the start of their new 2023 season. Tickets bought before March 22 are $25; those after are $30.
The Edith Farnsworth House ticket office has given CAROC a unique link that will allow members to order tickets individually and have them associated with our private tour. If you want to order tickets online, the link is:
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/farnsworthhouse/items/446948/?full-items=yes
The tour price of $25 is valid through 11:59pm March 21 and will increase to $30 March 22. There is a $1.50 fee with the online system. EFH can also add ticket purchases at the door the day of the tour at $30 but ask members to allow extra time to check in and take care of payment.
It would be helpful to get a sense of participation, so please drop a note to greg.korak@gmail.com with your intention only, not commitment: 1. If you are going on the drive and tour of the Farnsworth House, and 2. If you are going to the lunch. Please contact Greg with any questions.