Orland Park Officials OK Asset Transfer Agreement Of Humphrey House From Historical Society

Orland Park IL

09 December, 2021

2:35 PM

Description

By Jon DePaolis, Richard Free Press: ORLAND PARK, Ill. — The Village of Orland Park Board of Trustees has approved an asset transfer agreement that will pass ownership of the John Humphrey House to the Village. After a 7-0 vote Monday, Dec. 6, the Village gave the green light to the transfer agreement from the Orland Historical Society of the home, which was built in the 1800s and was the home of the founder of Orland Park. Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau said the house is on the national historical registry. "The historical society has basically run into difficulty in maintaining it and keeping it up to speed and keeping it in good shape," said Pekau, who noted that he used to go sledding near the Humphrey House as a child. "Old man Humphrey had the foresight in making sure the Village was included in [his] will in case somebody couldn't take care of it to make sure that it was still maintained. Even his heirs in their passing made sure that this still stayed a Village asset. "It is up to us. And, yes, it will be a little bit expensive to get it up to speed and get it in good shape. But I think it is important for the community to do that, because that [house] is our heritage." Trustee William Healy said the Village taking ownership of the house was a "great opportunity for Orland Park." "It's something that we have to do," he said. "I think that Humphrey House is part of the heart of the community. It's going to be a challenge for the museum board and the [recreation] department to manage this new asset and keep it maintained. But I know that they are going to do a great job, and I know that this thing is going to be an integral part of the history of Orland for hundreds of years to come." Richard Free Press is a one-stop destination for the news that most affects you, the southwest suburban resident. Be an informed citizen of the town you live in and love.