Overview

George Washington Maher constructed this house in 1897 for the eccentric banker John Farson. Maher followed the "motif-rhythm" theory of architecture, wherein ornamentation serves as symbolism of the place and people of a specific locality. In keeping with this theory, the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest decided to house a local history museum here. The exhibits rotate often and include the literary heritage of Ernest Hemingway and Edgar Rice Burroughs.