It is common for staff at Allerton Park and Retreat Center to hear stories from visitors who have fond memories of the 1,500-acre park, which was donated to the University of Illinois by Robert Allerton in 1946. But a history like that of the late Jane Gregg Schowalter is not one they hear very often. Donations made to Allerton in memory of Jane have been used to restore the former bedroom of her uncle, John Gregg Allerton, the decades-long companion and legally adopted son of Robert … [Read more...] about John Gregg Allerton’s room restored in memory of his niece, Jane Schowalter
Can you find the new fu dogs?!?
If you look verrrrrrry closely, you may see some new statues sitting regally atop the pedestals in the Fu Dog Garden. Thanks to the generosity of David and Debra Rathje, four new fu dogs were cast and produced by Colin Dyck of Mudslide Stoneware in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Staff recently put them in the garden, allowing for the restoration of pieces that had the most significant wear after being displayed outdoors for more than 90 years. Seen here are Allerton staff Leo Kinsella and Luke Rund … [Read more...] about Can you find the new fu dogs?!?
Allerton featured in Midwest Living
"The historic Allerton Park and Retreat Center unfolds like a set from Bridgerton… In the early 1900s, artists and socialites traveled to an Illinois estate to relax and create. Now you can, too, at the state’s first folk school." Those are the words of writer Ceil Miller Bochet, whose profile of Allerton can be found in a recent issue of Midwest Living. The article continues: “For the past decade, the University has offered arts and crafts programming at the estate, setting the stage … [Read more...] about Allerton featured in Midwest Living
Peony Progress 2022!!
Fall Artist-In-Residence applications being taken
MONTICELLO — As the spring Artist-in-Residence program continues at Allerton Park and Retreat Center in Monticello, applications are being taken through April for the fall season. Artists who would like to spend between two and six weeks to explore their ideas and create amongst the beauty of Allerton are encouraged to apply at https://allerton.illinois.edu/fall-artist-in-residence-program/. Allerton Assistant Director of Annual Fund and Programming Mindy Brand said plans are to limit the … [Read more...] about Fall Artist-In-Residence applications being taken
Earth Day 2021: New solar array installed at Allerton
Thanks to funding from the University of Illinois Student Sustainability Committee (SSC) and Michael Westjohn, Allerton was able to install another solar array! We chatted with Josh Frerichs, a senior in Urban Studies and Planning, who was instrumental in getting the SSC grant. Q: Can you give a brief overview of what the SSC is? JF: The Student Sustainability Committee (SSC) is a university-based organization that funds sustainable projects led by students or staff. These funds are … [Read more...] about Earth Day 2021: New solar array installed at Allerton
Fall Colors Update!
Yellow Trail | October 22 Fall colors | Week of October 11 Path from the Main Parking Lot to the Mansion | October 8 … [Read more...] about Fall Colors Update!
Archaeological Work at Allerton
AN EXCERPT FROM ALLERTON'S 2019 RETREAT & REVIEW | "ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORK AT ALLERTON" BY NATE BECCUE, NATURAL AREAS MANAGER Allerton is home to a group of mounds now called ‘Samuel’s Mounds,’ named after Robert Allerton’s father. Samuel’s Mounds consist of ten mounds thought to date to the Late Woodland Period, roughly 1,000 years ago. Mound groups like these were likely abundant up and down the Sangamon River pre-settlement, but unfortunately most mounds have been destroyed … [Read more...] about Archaeological Work at Allerton