If the walls at 101 S. Maple Street could talk, they’d have a lot to say about the Friedrichs family. Dietrich, Lena, and Bessie Friedrichs were long-time residents of this home, with at least one family member in residence from the time it was built in 1906 until it was sold to another family in 1966.
All three Friedrichs were involved in Mount Prospect community life. Dietrich was a house painter, but also played the violin and harmonica for local dances. Lena was an active member of the St. Paul’s Ladies Aid Society, where she cooked meals, sewed clothing, and made quilts for families in need. The Historical Society owes their daughter, Bessie, a debt of gratitude for her immense help in transforming her former home on Maple Street into the Dietrich Friedrichs House Museum. Her detailed memories of living there and donations of original furniture and family items guided the entire restoration process.
You can “meet” this family and tour their home this Sunday, January 9th from 11:30am to 1:30pm during the Second Sunday at the Society program. Costumed interpreters portraying Dietrich, Lena and daughter Bessie will guide you through the house and tell you what it was like in the early 1900s. Central School will also be open for fun seasonal make-and-takes and visits. This FREE event welcomes all ages. Masks are required.