“Over the Threshold…A Tour of Distinctive Lombard Homes,” sponsored by the Kiwanis club of Lombard has become one of my all time favorite Lilac Time things to do.

On Friday, May 13, I attended the seventh annual Lombard House Walk hosted by this organization. Without missing one year so far, the anticipation I experienced waiting for the day met the high expectations I have become accustomed to with Kiwanis.

The five homes featured this year took us on a historic walk with homes built from 1927 to 2007.

Greg and Nichol James, 29 West Ash Street, own a Prairie Style home designed by John S. Bergen who was a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. Throughout this home built in 1927, touches of Wright’s Prairie Style designs prevailed from the mission furniture and Tiffany styled mission lamps.

The charm of Lilac Town was noticed throughout their home. Antique bottles depicting Lombard lilac’s from years ago along with historic Lombard posters graced their rooms. However, the view of the Maple Street chapel from their sitting room was my favorite.

I played a docent for this property, and thoroughly enjoyed the look on peoples faces as I brought them to a room off the living area housing an unexpected Irish Pub.

Stephen and Margaret Maurer, 108 East Washington Blvd., own a three story brick house built in 1929.

There was a lot of history with this home. My next-door neighbor was one of the people who grew up in it, so I was looking forward to this tour.

With the original oak floors, hardware and molding intact throughout this home, the vintage essence was captured as you walked through the rooms.

Hidden nooks such as a butler’s pantry on the first floor kept the element of surprise throughout their home. However, the lower level complete with a finished den, guest room and hidden beds made me realize how talented the owners are in displaying their family treasures and travel finds from all over the world.

Thomas and Marian Linsenmeyer, 33 South Highland Ave., own a Chicago Prairie Style bungalow built in 1933 and its land was known as the Ritzenthaler farm.


The charm of this house starting with the front porch entrance preserved the feeling of another era in Lombard. As our docent spoke reporting on it's history, I could imagine the grape arbor and the barn for the milkman’s horse as part of every day life in this home.

The kitchen overlooking the Westmore Woods Park made you feel like you were out in the country.

Jeffrey and Jessica Gullang, 193 South Grace Street, have the best of both worlds. With the original house being a tear down, their rebuilt home sits on the edge of one our most scenic parks, Lombard Commons.

This home built in 2007 had all of the modern features you want in a home, vaulted ceilings, French doors, skylights, and oak floors.

The transformation from the ranch style that it once was, proved that with planning, vision, and a good architect, you can achieve the home of your dreams.

William and Jennifer Harper, 610 Hammerschmidt Street, was a home I watched being built.

If you ever had an inkling to knock on a door and ask for a tour, this is one of those houses. I took advantage of this opportunity.

This three-story home built in 2007 reflects architecture from days gone by, with modern details and furniture throughout. From the granite counters in the kitchen, to the antique lamps, their grandmother’s framed handkerchief, and antique school desk, we needed a reality check to remember what century we were living in.

Once again, thank you to Kiwanis Club of Lombard for finding these incredible houses right here in our own backyard.

I was at a party after the Lilac parade and one woman who had never been to this House Walk commented on how great it was, and how she will make sure she attends next year. This historic walk is so worth your time. Not only do we get to see brand new and vintage homes, but ideas for decorating and landscape design make this show a must see.