The Blodgett House has a storied history as one of the original homes in Downers Grove, and Hillcrest School now has a place in that story.
     As part of its observance of the trait of citizenship, the fifth grade students decided to collect money to donate to the restoration of the Blodgett House, which dates back to 1846.
    Blodgett House representative Charley Smart visited the school Jan. 12 to accept the schools donation of $540, which will be used to pay for the two gabled top front windowsthe Hillcrest windows. The students collected the money at lunches during American Education Week.

     “Everyone has seen what you’re doing, and it’s very important, and we thank you,” Smart told the students.
     The house already has been moved, and the next phases will be to restore the exterior, then the interior, in preparation for its use as a museum dedicated in large part to the Underground Railroad. The Blodgett House was an active stopover point on the Railroad, Smart said.
     For more information about the Blodgett House, visit www.1846blodgett house.org.