Kerr Township

Middlefork Forest Preserve (c. 1873-1998)

One of the most elaborate brick buildings in the County, this house was built around 1873 as the residence of Levi Wood, who farmed 1000 acres in northern Champaign County. It was one of the finest farm residences in the County and an excellent example of Italianate architecture.  The structure was acquired by the Champaign County Forest Preserve District in 1973 and for a time was used to house employees at the Middlefork Forest Preserve. By 1990, the house was abandoned and had begun to deteriorate, prompting PACA to raise concerns about the condition of the structure. The Forest Preserve “mothballed” the house, but by 1995 was considering demolishing the structure.

From 1995 to 1997, PACA member Jeff Gordon worked with Forest Preserve officials to develop alternate uses for the house. PACA also provided $7,000 to stabilize the structure, board up the windows, remove the summer kitchen, install an alarm system, and paint the house. During this period, PACA members frequently attended Forest Preserve Board meetings to advocate saving the structure. Despite its stable condition, the Forest Preserve Board, led by President Lloyd Esry, voted to demolish the house in 1997 on the grounds that it was not “economically feasible” to retain it. After numerous eleventh-hour efforts, including a plan to move the building, the house was demolished in 1998. Elements of the house, including the marble fireplace, walnut staircase, and plaster ceiling medallions were salvaged by the Forest Preserve and donated to PACA.  The site remains undeveloped today.