Terry joined the UI faculty in 1967. In those early years, his Division at the University held its annual Christmas party at the Allerton Mansion. In subsequent years, Terry attended numerous U of I events at Allerton, that included several overnight stays. Later, after Judy and Terry first met in 1977, Allerton became a favorite place to take visiting family and friends. In April 1978, Judy's Mom and Aunt traveled from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to Champaign to "check Terry out." We took them … [Read more...] about Judy & Terry: Since 1967
Nancy & Jay: Since 1978
My wife Nancy and I first visited Allerton in September 1978 on one of our first dates, when we were both students at the University of Illinois. Nancy was a horticulture student and one of her classes took a tree identification field trip to Allerton. Nancy wanted to share Allerton's beauty with me, hence one of our early day trips. Forty-two years later (September 2020), we took photos of each other at the same locations within the park. We live in Gurnee, Illinois, three hours north of … [Read more...] about Nancy & Jay: Since 1978
Fall 2021 Artist-In-Residence Application Open Now!
Inviting artists to live and create at Allerton Park and Retreat Center will recreate the intimate experience Robert Allerton provided his guests. We are excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the Fall 2021 residency! Residencies of two to six weeks will allow uninterrupted time for artists to explore their ideas, immerse themselves in the serene surroundings of the Park, and engage with our central Illinois communities. Sculptors, photographers, painters, printmakers, … [Read more...] about Fall 2021 Artist-In-Residence Application Open Now!
Forestry Mulcher 2021
For the last month, Natural Areas Manager Alex has been spending his days with this "beast"! Thanks to support from our Friends of Allerton, we were able to once again rent a forestry mulcher and implement intensive invasive species management. Alex cleared areas that were overtaken with multiflora rose, privet, and bittersweet, which will allow us access to introduce prescribed fire and spot spraying in an effort to control these invasive species. Find previous "before & after" photos … [Read more...] about Forestry Mulcher 2021
2021 Retreat + Review: From the Director
I’m generally an optimistic person, but identifying the positive aspects of the past year was more difficult than I had hoped it would be. As has been the case for so many, 2020 was a year of inconceivable challenges. However, one positive for us has been the growth of community. We, the Allerton supporters, have stuck together. We linked arms, faced our convictions, and proved that we will not waiver in the face of adversity. It has been said that true growth only occurs with true hardships. … [Read more...] about 2021 Retreat + Review: From the Director
Bridget Frerichs: Since 1999
I don’t remember my very first visit to Allerton, but I started working at Science & Nature Day Camp my junior year of high school. Among other things, I remember building solar ovens out of pizza boxes (or attempting to), playing speed Uno in the Meadow, sketching in the Fu Dog Garden, and learning right along with the campers (I still think about Camp every time I hear a barred owl hoot “Who Cooks for You?”). I always said it was the best job, and I couldn’t believe it when twelve years … [Read more...] about Bridget Frerichs: Since 1999
2021 Retreat & Review
Allerton's Annual Retreat & Review takes a look at the Park's progress and highlights from the last year, along with exciting updates for the future! This year's edition features the many ways Allerton has navigated the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (including our top 10 creative moments of 2020!), Mansion updates, social media engagement, donor funded projects, and so much more. Click here to read it now! … [Read more...] about 2021 Retreat & Review
Interview with John Bannon
We recently announced that Allerton’s inaugural In Residence Program would begin this winter, thanks to generous donations from donors, Joan and Peter Hood and Dana Brehm and Larry Baumann. (Read the full announcement here.) This March, John E. Bannon, Chicago-based multimedia artist/educator and University of Illinois alumnus, will begin his journey as the inaugural resident, living on-site to fully engage with and seek inspiration from the art, history, and nature of Allerton Park. Bannon … [Read more...] about Interview with John Bannon
