2005 Year in Review

The Brick House Reigns Again

Frank and Stephanie Vavra join John Toman at his Brick House reception.

There are so many stylish homes in Morrison that seem to have been designed for entertaining. Spacious, high-ceilinged rooms flow, one into another. Tall, shuttered windows overlook expansive lawns and former gardens. We can only wonder at the graceful gatherings once held in their salons, libraries, parlors, and dining rooms.

Such an event was held Friday, May 6 from 7:00 to 10:30 P.M. at the Brick House, 402 W. Lincolnway. The Honorable Robert J. H. de Leeuw, Consul General of the Netherlands, and his wife, Trudi, were to be houseguests of John A. Toman during the Fulton, IL Dutch Days, May 6-8. An elegant reception was planned for them, hosted by Toman, featuring live music and light refreshments.

Sadly, a few days before the reception, de Leeuw suffered a heart attack and was unable to visit our communities. He is resting comfortably in Chicago.

As in the theatre, “The show must go on” applied to the preparations that had been made for this party. Well over 100 guests enjoyed the warm spring evening, piano music, numerous hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, and luscious dessert table.

Toman is a retired Chicago florist, so he ordered several gorgeous, spring floral arrangements. They were a feast for the eyes.

The Brick House bar, a modern addition, was open for champagne, wine, and conversation. Decorating the paneled walls were Toman’s Aggen-family photographs and early issues of the Whiteside News-Sentinel.

To add to the fun, guests were asked to relive the past by dressing in elegant clothes from any era, from 1855 to 2005. Residents of Fulton wore traditional Dutch clothes and wooden shoes. Men wore tuxedoes, suits, or fringed buckskin and moccasins. Women wore long dresses or skirts, sequined jackets, and lovely accessories. There was even a chic hippy from the 1960’s.

Because Morrison celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary this year, recognition was given to Ira Towne, builder of the first home on this site. That occurred in 1855. The street behind the Brick House is named for Ira Towne. Horses were unable to approach the front of his house because of the steep hill, so the city built a street behind.

After Towne’s death in 1878, Charles Foster removed the original dwelling and built his impressive home. This local treasure is beautifully appointed and retains much of its original architectural details. It served as a popular restaurant for many years.

The evening also marked the tenth anniversary of Toman’s purchase of the Brick House in May 1995.

The photograph is courtesy of Marc Adami.

by Stephanie A. Vavra, Guest Columnist
May 9, 2005