Hansen House Mansion

By: Jon Andersh

For the second year in a row, The Centennial Houses of Lincoln Park has donated a one-night stay in their Hansen House Mansion.

One of Chicago’s premiere bed and breakfast destinations, The Hansen House Mansion is a Victorian home nestled on a quiet yet convenient street, steps from the south end of Lincoln Park and the north side of Old Town.

In 1886, architect Harald M. Hansen designed and built a row of townhouses along the north side of West Eugenie St., and chose to live in Number 164. Once known as “Pill Row” due to the large number of doctors living and working in the Hansen homes, it now retains only five of the original twelve due to “modernization” movements.

Fortunately, The Hansen House Mansion stands as one of these originals, and is in much the same, exquisite state as it was during the 19th century, as Hansen’s daughter lived in and kept up her father’s home until 1960.

Now labeled a Historically Significant Building, the home’s door is open to guests throughout the year, many or whom have chosen to return multiple times.  The Hansen House has also been utilized in many television shows, documentaries, and photo shoots due to its accurate representation of Victorian life and architecture.

The home’s Parlour Suite, featuring a kitchenette, rooftop deck, and two separate bedrooms, encompasses the house’s top floor. The Architect Quarters, the larger room on the second floor, has original ornate woodwork and stained glass. Across the hall, the Celestial Chamber also contains many of the home’s original architectural and design elements. All rooms throughout the house are also furnished with 19th century antiques.

The Hansen House Mansion not only features the vintage charm associated with its Victorian heritage, but also features modern amenities such as central air, house-wide Wifi, and a fully functional kitchen featuring reproduction Victorian appliances to match the character of the original home.

In addition to their generous silent auction donation, Fran and her husband Quincy Stringham have offered discounts to CLHOF guests visiting Chicago for the Nov. 30 induction ceremony. Last year, several members of Harriet Monroe’s family utilized this offer and were treated not only to the splendid accommodations, but a spectacular brunch.

Jon Andersh is a Junior at DePaul University where he is majoring in English and minoring in Journalism.  He is currently interning with the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame where he has spearheaded an effort to create a literary map of Chicago. Andersh is also traveling to London this upcoming fall to spend a semester at the University of Westminster where he will study British literature and travel writing. 

Alpha Phi Gamma Donates Sweets

               

By Hazel Afroilan

                 As a member of Alpha Phi Gamma Sorority, Epsilon Chapter, I thought it would be great for my sorority to participate in the event.  I asked my sisters to donate whatever they can and will be donating an array of desserts for the guests.  My sisters are more than happy to donate cake pops, decorated cupcakes, fruit tarts and brownies and I am even more excited for people to try them.

Epsilon Chapter Sisters at their National Conference in Chicago, 2012.

                As a member of this organization, we are proud to participate in the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame’s mission in raising awareness about Chicago literature.  We take pride in taking every opportunity to promote academic excellence and learn new things every day.

Alpha Phi Gamma volunteering at
 DePaul University's
Vincentian Day.

                As a multi-cultural Greek org, we are enthusiastic about staying involved in the community, actively participating in the fight against domestic violence (the organization’s national philanthropy) and promoting service in and outside of DePaul University.

                When approached about donating for the silent auction, Jennilyn Gabor, our 2012-2013 president, smiled and replied, “It would be a great opportunity for us to show how much our organization appreciates good literature and amazing art! We’d love to do it.” 

                For more information about Alpha Phi Gamma’s organization and sisterhood at DePaul University and other chapters, visit: http://alphaphigamma.org/.

Hazel Afroilan is a junior at DePaul University majoring in English and minoring in art history. She is currently interning at the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame and is leading the organization of this upcoming event. Afroilan is interested in creative writing, literature and the arts. Writing is something she humbly appreciates and learns from everyday and is taking advantage of the opportunity CLHOF has given her. Originally from a small suburb in Maryland, Afroilan has fallen in love with the city of Chicago and its expansive literary traditions.