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Home of:
Janet and Brett McGreevy 907 West English Street Design: Janet and Brett McGreevy Garden: Danville Floral |
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Brett McGreevy's parents, John and Lavonne, purchased the 1917 bungalow at 907 English Street in 1969. This home has been in the McGreevy family since that time. Brett and Janet met in 1982 and decided that they this was the home they wanted to begin their life together in. The brick-lined streets, the historic homes, so many of which are still close to their original spirit, lend an air of timelessness to the Lincoln Park area that appeals to the McGreevys.
This Arts and Crafts Bungalow is a full two-story dwelling, with most of the features traditionally identified with the bungalow style: informality in the arrangement of the rooms; exposed rafters, beam, wood detailing; a dormer; and, a large porch along the front of the home. This house is a stucco dwelling, so regular examination of the exterior is a must, so that any noticeable cracks can be repaired before they become significant. The garage was originally built as a two-vehicle unit, with a stucco exterior. Later, the "other side" of the garage was added to this original structure, when the home at 1101 North Sheridan was built in 1922. This is why one side of the garage structure is stucco, and the other side is brick. Each side matches its residence.
This home has had several well-known Danville residents living in it, since it was originally constructed by John Clark, a well-known builder in the area, in 1917. Clark sold the home to Mr. Tilling, who lived in it during the 1920's. Restaurateur Jack Conner resided in the house in the 1940's, and the Arnholt family bought this home in the 1950's. The house is said to have a ghost, who primarily haunts the south bedroom occasionally.
Some sections of the yard are fairly shady, given the trees and large shrubs that the McGreevys have, so plantings must be selected with that in mind. Favorite plantings include: the various hosta varietals, which love shade, but will grow in sunnier locations, if encouraged; astilbe, an old plant, that tolerates various growing conditions, including shade, and has interesting texture and distinctive flowers; impatiens & snapdragons, for their wide variety of colors and easy care; Japanese Maples, which are good in shade, with some varietals that will thrive in sun; and the Flowering Dogwood, with its beautiful show of delicate blossoms in white/pink in the spring.
Scents of July
Vermilion County Museum
116 North Gilbert Street
Danville, Illinois 61832
217-442-2922
Copyright © 2004, Vermilion County Museum Society All rights reserved.