May 2, 2005
"It looks like it's floating!," more than a few people have said in astonishment when visiting the site of the Zook house, 327 S. Oak St., this past week.
The entire northwest addition of the house, measuring roughly 20-feet by 35-feet and weighing beaucoup tons, is girdled in steel beams and straps and sitting - four feet off the ground - on three huge eight-wheel trucks, ready to be pulled a mile south to its new location in Katherine Legge Memorial Park, 5901 S. County Line Rd.
Next up, literally and probably this week, will be the Zook garage-studio, followed by the front portion of the main house and then the long middle portion, the largest of the four house buildings.
The preparations for lifting and moving the buildings have completely changed the landscape, which is scarred and cluttered but in a fascinating and revealing way. The heavy machinery, immense steel beams and large holes in foundation and house walls testify to the stoutness of the Zook structures.
"I would never have believed that they could do this," is another remark heard often at the site.
Yes, we know a picture is worth a thousand words, and Yes we have pictures, and Yes we hope to get some of them on our Web site, hinsdalehistory.org, soon.
Away from the site, other key developments for the relocation are taking place, including topographical and structural engineering plans, water run-off disposal and utility hook-ups at the Park; finalizing the Historical Society's lease with the village for the land at the Park and the renovation and operation of the restored Zook house; coordinating the delicate wire and cable work needed from Com Ed, SBC and Comcast, and securing permits to make the move.
A side story. The attention in recent months on R. Harold Zook brought us a tip that a house designed by him, yet not known about, was in a neighboring suburb. Initial visits seem to confirm that the house is a Zook, having many of his tell-tale features and a few surprises. Research continues.
Again, moving day is now scheduled for Tuesday, May 24.
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