As St. Charles nears its 175th birthday next year, it is important to reflect, embrace, and preserve our history for future generations. We have an amazing history and we should be proud of it. We are reminded of how important it is to be aware of it once again with the Landmark Designation of 606 Cedar St., an 1837 home that is in the process of becoming the first St. Charles verified Underground Railroad Home.* When Faith and John Peloso purchased the home, it was very non-descript, covered in aluminum siding years ago, and was said by some to be a good tear down. But Faith and John knew it was old and decided to restore it. What they didn’t realize was what amazing hidden history the home held.
The Pelosos began to unveil the house and discovered that the original home was actually made of limestone, with an old frame addition. Even though the home was not located within the Central Historic District, the Pelosos asked for guidance and research assistance from the Historic Commission and City Staff.
During this cooperative effort and additional exploration done by the Pelosos, it was determined the home was built in approximately 1837, with the original owner being Gideon Young, an abolitionist and member of the Kane County Anti-Slavery Organization. This would make 606 Cedar the second Underground Railroad home discovered within the last two years. The other home was slated for teardown, but at the last minute the owner decided to keep the home and renovate it. During the renovation, a well, tunnel and hidden room were discovered. That home was built in the early to mid 1850’s and was originally owned by another member of the Kane County Anti-Slavery Organization.
During the explorations by the Pelosos, they discovered what is believed to be sleeping berths along with many artifacts.
Thanks to their real estate agent Marian Boveri, the African Scientific Research Institute (ASRI) is now working to verify this site as part of the Underground Railroad, and hopes to use it as a research project and possible educational tool. ASRI has begun researching the role St. Charles played in the Underground Railroad, and they are amazed at how many “known” sites we have. Significant early residents of St. Charles, such as Wheelers, The Youngs, The Finleys, The Footes, The Moodys, The Wards, and of course The Farnsworths, were members of the Kane County Anti-Slavery Organization. Many of their homes still stand today, and it is very possible there are hidden historic areas, in the basements, attics, staircases, or storage areas. Although some of these homes were grand, like the Farnsworth Mansion, many others were simple and small.
If you own a home that was constructed prior to 1861, we suggest you do a little exploration and investigation of your own. Research the history of your home and find out who the original owners were. If you would like more information on how to research your home please contact the City of St. Charles Community Development Department at 630-377-4443. There is no doubt that we have lost some homes, like the Farnsworth Mansion, that had connections to the Underground Railroad, such as filled-in tunnels, but we can preserve those we still have. You just never know what hidden history your home may be holding.
Note: Many homes have been thought to be stops on the Underground Rail Road, however, due to the illegal nature of the URR, no documentation was kept, and reference to these homes as URR stops are not verifiable.