Pleasant Home: A Prairie School Gem

Pleasant Home, situated at the corner of Pleasant Street and Home Avenue in Oak Park, Illinois, stands as a testament to the Prairie School architectural movement. Designed by George Washington Maher in 1897 for John Farson, a prominent investment banker, the mansion broke from traditional styles with its emphasis on craftsmanship and integration with the local environment.The 30-room home boasts intricate woodwork, leaded glass windows, and unique decorative elements that reflect Maher's 'motif rhythm' theory, where recurring motifs like lions' heads and geometric shapes create a sense of unity throughout the interior. The house also features a grand foyer, a library with a glass-domed light fixture, and a Great Hall with a fireplace.Over the years, Pleasant Home has served various purposes. After the Farson family, Herbert S. Mills, inventor and owner of the Mills Novelty Company, purchased the home. Later, the Park District of Oak Park acquired the property in 1939. During World War II, the Red Cross even utilized part of the home. Today, Pleasant Home operates as a museum, offering guided and self-guided tours, and hosts performances, workshops, and classes. The surrounding grounds, known as Mills Park, provide a lovely community space with walking paths and a children's discovery area.