Will County's Historic Landmarks
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Historic Landmark Registry - Walsh Farm |
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This property has been annexed to the City of Joliet and transfer of landmark status to the City of Joliet took place in Spring 2003. For additional information on this new City of Joliet landmark, please contact the Joliet Historic Preservation Commission at 815.724.4052.
The Walsh Farmhouse (circa 1850) is a two-story building constructed in the Greek Revival style of architecture that was popular between the late 1820s and 1860. This style was gradually brought out to the west (in simplified versions) by the pioneers of the time. The second floor was used as a community dancehall until the early part of the twentieth century. It is clapboard sided and sits atop a limestone foundation. The history of the ownership on the property indicates that from the mid-1840s until 1875, the property was owned by Morris Niver. At that time it was sold to George Pickel who farmed and lived on the property. In 1911, Niver's widow sold the farm to John Walsh of Plainfield Township.
Because of its community cultural contribution (2nd Floor dancehall circa 1850-1920), architectural style, and the significance of the structure as a farmstead home in an historic agricultural area of the county and state, the John Walsh Farmstead was designated a Will County Historic Landmark on October 20, 1994.
Historic Name: Morris Niver Farm (erected circa 1850)
Common Name: Niver-Pickel-Walsh Farm Location: Plainfield Township
(This landmark is located on private property and permission must be granted to view the house in its entirety.)
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