Mills Park/Pleasant Home

Acquired in 1939, the historic John Farson House, known as “Pleasant Home”, is a National Historic Landmark designed in 1897, by architect George W. Maher. Outbuildings on the attendant grounds were subsequently razed and Mills Park has been maintained as open space for many years. Mills Park carries the namesake of its second owner, Herbert S. Mills who purchased the property from John Farson’s widow in 1910. Pleasant Home was used for decades as a community center and is now also rented out to the public for events.

Major projects from 1939 to 1990 included: rebuilding of two front porch plaster medallions, restoration of one of Maher’s urns, remodeling of the restrooms, replacement of some windows, removal and replacement of front walkway and steps, and on-going exterior painting and roof repair. A comprehensive existing conditions report on the home was conducted in 2002, and subsequent restoration and repair has included: rebuilding the entire roof structure and most gutter systems, restoration of the library and great hall fireplace, restoration of the front fence entry, addition of an accessible lift at the west elevation, repair of the living room fireplace, front door, sun porch door and threshold, and boiler room mold abatement. In 2005, the restoration of the front entry fence was completed with the support of the Rotary Club of Oak Park and River Forest. In spring 2009, masonry repair was completed on all four sides of the house and also the chimneys. In late 2009, the interior walls of the first floor rooms were painted to their original colors.

The development of a site master plan for Mills Park began in late 2008, and was updated in 2017. Identifiable needs included: renovation of fencing, ADA-accessible walkways through the park, natural discovery areas, and landscaping. In fall 2011 a major renovation of Mills Park commenced. New accessible entrances in the historic fence (restored in 2011) opened the historic site to all, allowing greater access to the museum and park. Park improvements included paved walkways leading to and from the new entrances, a looped walking path in the northwest corner, interpretive signage, and a children's "nature discovery" play area including a unique labyrinth using motifs from Pleasant Home. New benches, lighting and landscaping were also part of this project. Additionally, 51 shade trees, 86 ornamental trees and 7 heritage oak tree were planted throughout the parks. The Park District applied for and was awarded a $400,000 State of Illinois OSLAD grant to help fund these improvements, which complete the site master plan.

In 2011, the boiler system and fire alarm at Pleasant Home were replaced. Additionally in 2011, lead remediation was completed around the perimeter of the Pleasant Home. There were also improvements to the lower level restrooms in the Pleasant Home. In 2016, the 2nd and 3rd floor were renovated with refurbished floors, plaster repairs, painting, and plumbing work. In 2018, the roof was returned to a clay tile roof and the two front door stained glass panels were restored with help from the Pleasant Home Foundation. In 2022, geothermal air conditioning was added to the home.