Home Furniture Lafayette La

before the highways, there wasthe prairie, an ocean of grassesdotted by islands of trees. the prairie, an ocean of grassesdotted by islands of trees.among the settlers attracted to dotted by islands of trees.among the settlers attracted tothose trees was one family who among the settlers attracted tothose trees was one family wholeft an indelible mark on our those trees was one family wholeft an indelible mark on ourhistory and on agriculture left an indelible mark on ourhistory and on agricultureworldwide. history and on agricultureworldwide.i am jim which will elm. worldwide.i am jim which will elm.behind me is a rest stop in i am jim which will elm.behind me is a rest stop inshirley south of bloomington.

behind me is a rest stop inshirley south of bloomington.a lot of people stop here shirley south of bloomington.a lot of people stop herewithout ever realizing the a lot of people stop herewithout ever realizing theimportance of this location or without ever realizing theimportance of this location orfamily name it bears. importance of this location orfamily name it bears.on this spot in 1824, issac family name it bears.on this spot in 1824, issacfunk, penniless and in debt, on this spot in 1824, issacfunk, penniless and in debt,built a cabin on his claim. funk, penniless and in debt,built a cabin on his claim.it took nearly two years before built a cabin on his claim.it took nearly two years beforehe plowed through enough of the

it took nearly two years beforehe plowed through enough of thetough prairie grasses and their he plowed through enough of thetough prairie grasses and theirroots to plant his first corn tough prairie grasses and theirroots to plant his first corncrop which he used to feed his roots to plant his first corncrop which he used to feed hisgrowing cattle herd. crop which he used to feed hisgrowing cattle herd.eventually he started driving growing cattle herd.eventually he started drivingthe cattle north to chicago eventually he started drivingthe cattle north to chicagowhere he helped establish the the cattle north to chicagowhere he helped establish theearly stockyard and where his where he helped establish theearly stockyard and where hisbrother had built one of the

early stockyard and where hisbrother had built one of thefirst meat packing plants. brother had built one of thefirst meat packing plants.issac became one of illinois' first meat packing plants.issac became one of illinois'first cattle kings. issac became one of illinois'first cattle kings.with the money from the cattle, first cattle kings.with the money from the cattle,he bought more land, raised more with the money from the cattle,he bought more land, raised morecrops, created larger herds and he bought more land, raised morecrops, created larger herds andbought more land. crops, created larger herds andbought more land.after 40 years, issacs had the bought more land.after 40 years, issacs had thelargest, richest soil farm in

after 40 years, issacs had thelargest, richest soil farm inhistory acquired by a single largest, richest soil farm inhistory acquired by a singleperson. history acquired by a singleperson.he was also a state senator and person.he was also a state senator anda founder of the republican he was also a state senator anda founder of the republicanparty, and he was very generous a founder of the republicanparty, and he was very generouswith his knowledge and his party, and he was very generouswith his knowledge and hismoney. with his knowledge and hismoney.for example, he helped establish money.for example, he helped establisha bank for area farmers, and he

for example, he helped establisha bank for area farmers, and hebuilt schools and a nearby a bank for area farmers, and hebuilt schools and a nearbycollege. built schools and a nearbycollege.the funk's had ten children college.the funk's had ten childrenbeing and their fifth, a son, the funk's had ten childrenbeing and their fifth, a son,was the first family member sent being and their fifth, a son,was the first family member sentaway to college. was the first family member sentaway to college.on graduation day in 1863, away to college.on graduation day in 1863,buffet funk promised to on graduation day in 1863,buffet funk promised toelizabeth, promising to return

buffet funk promised toelizabeth, promising to returnonce he built them a home. elizabeth, promising to returnonce he built them a home.she waited two years while he once he built them a home.she waited two years while heand his brothers and his friends she waited two years while heand his brothers and his friendsbuilt this house. and his brothers and his friendsbuilt this house.why not hire a crew? built this house.why not hire a crew?despite the fact that the funk's why not hire a crew?despite the fact that the funk'shad millions in assets, they despite the fact that the funk'shad millions in assets, theyreally didn't have that much had millions in assets, theyreally didn't have that muchcash, plus they were a hands-on

really didn't have that muchcash, plus they were a hands-onfamily that really loved the cash, plus they were a hands-onfamily that really loved thephysical labor of building and family that really loved thephysical labor of building andfarming. physical labor of building andfarming.completed the same year the farming.completed the same year thecivilar ended, 1865, the house completed the same year thecivilar ended, 1865, the houseresembled both a mansion and a civilar ended, 1865, the houseresembled both a mansion and aworking farm home. resembled both a mansion and aworking farm home.the main drive deposited guests, working farm home.the main drive deposited guests,not at the front door, but aside

the main drive deposited guests,not at the front door, but asidegate which had a carriage step not at the front door, but asidegate which had a carriage stepfor dismounting. gate which had a carriage stepfor dismounting.visitors would then follow a cut for dismounting.visitors would then follow a cutlimestone walkway to the front visitors would then follow a cutlimestone walkway to the frontdoor. limestone walkway to the frontdoor.considering the funk's vast door.considering the funk's vastholdings, visitors would find considering the funk's vastholdings, visitors would findinside a very unpretentious holdings, visitors would findinside a very unpretentioushome.

inside a very unpretentioushome.while the furniture may look home.while the furniture may lookpretty fancy, we were told it while the furniture may lookpretty fancy, we were told itwas quite middle class for that pretty fancy, we were told itwas quite middle class for thatperiod. was quite middle class for thatperiod.but the house didn't look like period.but the house didn't look likethis whenla fayette's bride but the house didn't look likethis whenla fayette's bridearrived. this whenla fayette's bridearrived.it took them ten years of saving arrived.it took them ten years of savingand buying to acquire theese

it took them ten years of savingand buying to acquire theesefurnishings. and buying to acquire theesefurnishings.the fanciest piece is this desk furnishings.the fanciest piece is this deskbout in philadelphia during the the fanciest piece is this deskbout in philadelphia during thecentennial dedication. bout in philadelphia during thecentennial dedication. like his father, he, too, becamea cattle king raising fields of like his father, he, too, becamea cattle king raising fields ofcorn to sell and to feed his a cattle king raising fields ofcorn to sell and to feed hisherds. corn to sell and to feed hisherds.unlike his father, he, too, left

herds.unlike his father, he, too, lefthis mark on illinois history. unlike his father, he, too, lefthis mark on illinois history.la fayette was the president of his mark on illinois history.la fayette was the president oftwo banks, co founder and la fayette was the president oftwo banks, co founder anddirector of the chicago union two banks, co founder anddirector of the chicago unionstockyards, sat on the state director of the chicago unionstockyards, sat on the stateboard of agriculture for 29 stockyards, sat on the stateboard of agriculture for 29years, and was chairman of the board of agriculture for 29years, and was chairman of thestate highway commission. years, and was chairman of thestate highway commission.as such, he was responsible for

state highway commission.as such, he was responsible forthe construction of the first as such, he was responsible forthe construction of the firsthard paved road in mc clean the construction of the firsthard paved road in mc cleancounty which interestingly hard paved road in mc cleancounty which interestinglyenough eventually became a part county which interestinglyenough eventually became a partof route 66. enough eventually became a partof route 66.but that wasn't his only of route 66.but that wasn't his onlyappointment. but that wasn't his onlyappointment.as this painting will attest. appointment.as this painting will attest.la fayette was senior chairman

as this painting will attest.la fayette was senior chairmanof the columbian exposition. la fayette was senior chairmanof the columbian exposition.he suggested montgomery who did of the columbian exposition.he suggested montgomery who didthis style of painting in return he suggested montgomery who didthis style of painting in returnfor room and board show it at this style of painting in returnfor room and board show it atthe fair. for room and board show it atthe fair.he did, and it was voted as the the fair.he did, and it was voted as thepublic's favorite. he did, and it was voted as thepublic's favorite.next to the living room is the public's favorite.next to the living room is themost elegant space in the house,

next to the living room is themost elegant space in the house,the formal parlor where guests most elegant space in the house,the formal parlor where guestswere entertained. the formal parlor where guestswere entertained.in the corner stands this chick were entertained.in the corner stands this chickerring piano bought in 1867. in the corner stands this chickerring piano bought in 1867.the company refused to ship it erring piano bought in 1867.the company refused to ship itby train so it was delivered the company refused to ship itby train so it was deliveredhere by ox cart. compared to the parlor, themaster bedroom is almost spartanin appearance. master bedroom is almost spartanin appearance.floor is unpainted with only a

in appearance.floor is unpainted with only athrow rug. floor is unpainted with only athrow rug.in addition, because this was throw rug.in addition, because this wasthe largest room upstairs, it in addition, because this wasthe largest room upstairs, italso doubled as the children's the largest room upstairs, italso doubled as the children'splayroom. also doubled as the children'splayroom.notice that the hat rack is an playroom.notice that the hat rack is anupturned pitchfork. notice that the hat rack is anupturned pitchfork.yes, those hats were worn byla upturned pitchfork.yes, those hats were worn bylafayette funk.

yes, those hats were worn bylafayette funk.this is the oldest item in the fayette funk.this is the oldest item in thehouse, a hand painted hatbox this is the oldest item in thehouse, a hand painted hatboxfrom new york city that dates house, a hand painted hatboxfrom new york city that datesback to 1801. from new york city that datesback to 1801.each bedroom had its own sink, back to 1801.each bedroom had its own sink,fed from a tank in the attic. each bedroom had its own sink,fed from a tank in the attic.and because the house was heated fed from a tank in the attic.and because the house was heatedby a boiler, the funk's had hot and because the house was heatedby a boiler, the funk's had hotand cold running water in 1865.

by a boiler, the funk's had hotand cold running water in 1865.the third tap was for drinking and cold running water in 1865.the third tap was for drinkingwater from a well. hanging on wall is this picturefrom a family trip out west in1874. from a family trip out west in1874.noticing the devastation of the 1874.noticing the devastation of thebuffalo herds, the funk's noticing the devastation of thebuffalo herds, the funk'sdecided to help. buffalo herds, the funk'sdecided to help.they brought back a few head, decided to help.they brought back a few head,raised a herd, and donated it to they brought back a few head,raised a herd, and donated it tothe national park service.

raised a herd, and donated it tothe national park service.another picture from 1915 is the national park service.another picture from 1915 isfrom one of the first farm another picture from 1915 isfrom one of the first farmprogress shows which was hosted from one of the first farmprogress shows which was hostedby the funk's. progress shows which was hostedby the funk's.one of the speakers was u.s. by the funk's.one of the speakers was u.s.secretary of agriculture who was one of the speakers was u.s.secretary of agriculture who wasso impressed at the funk's secretary of agriculture who wasso impressed at the funk'soperation, he invitedla so impressed at the funk'soperation, he invitedlafayette's son back to

operation, he invitedlafayette's son back towashington. fayette's son back towashington.from then on, presidents from washington.from then on, presidents fromwilson to reagan received advice from then on, presidents fromwilson to reagan received advicefrom members of the funk family. wilson to reagan received advicefrom members of the funk family. we are in the master bedroomwhich says a lot about the funk we are in the master bedroomwhich says a lot about the funkfamily. de spate their wealth, which says a lot about the funkfamily. de spate their wealth,it is not an elegant or a showy family. de spate their wealth,it is not an elegant or a showyroom, but a comfortable room of

it is not an elegant or a showyroom, but a comfortable room ofa working family. room, but a comfortable room ofa working family.in direct contrast to it is the a working family.in direct contrast to it is theplushiness of the guest room. in direct contrast to it is theplushiness of the guest room.here the ceiling and crown plushiness of the guest room.here the ceiling and crownmolding are covered with stamped here the ceiling and crownmolding are covered with stampedtin, plus the furniture was molding are covered with stampedtin, plus the furniture wasspecially ordered in 1876 from tin, plus the furniture wasspecially ordered in 1876 fromthe same men who made a similar specially ordered in 1876 fromthe same men who made a similarset for president grant.

the same men who made a similarset for president grant.at the foot of the bed is a set for president grant.at the foot of the bed is abuilt-in jewel box. at the foot of the bed is abuilt-in jewel box.beneath the dresser is a hidden built-in jewel box.beneath the dresser is a hiddendrawer thatla fayette used as beneath the dresser is a hiddendrawer thatla fayette used asthe family safe. drawer thatla fayette used asthe family safe.in here, he kept the family's the family safe.in here, he kept the family'smost valuable assets, the deeds in here, he kept the family'smost valuable assets, the deedsto all their farms and lands. in addition to the sink, therewas also a washbowl.that's because in the 12800's

was also a washbowl.that's because in the 12800'speople were still a little that's because in the 12800'speople were still a littleuncomfortable with water that people were still a littleuncomfortable with water thatcame from a wall. uncomfortable with water thatcame from a wall.besides the pressure was uneven, came from a wall.besides the pressure was uneven,so the faucets would often besides the pressure was uneven,so the faucets would oftenburden of proof and spit which so the faucets would oftenburden of proof and spit whichadded to people's concerns. la fayette and his wife wife hadtwo as soon as who reachedmaturity. two as soon as who reachedmaturity.as we shall see, they left

maturity.as we shall see, they leftlasting legacies as well, one in as we shall see, they leftlasting legacies as well, one inthe fields surrounding this lasting legacies as well, one inthe fields surrounding thishome, the other in fields around the fields surrounding thishome, the other in fields aroundthe world. remember that picture of thefarm show?over ten thousand people came farm show?over ten thousand people camehere, mainly to see the work of over ten thousand people camehere, mainly to see the work ofand learn fromla fayette's here, mainly to see the work ofand learn fromla fayette'soldest son, ed funk. and learn fromla fayette'soldest son, ed funk.he founded the funk brother seed

oldest son, ed funk.he founded the funk brother seedcompany and was one of the first he founded the funk brother seedcompany and was one of the firstto apply science in the company and was one of the firstto apply science in theproduction of corn. to apply science in theproduction of corn.in the beginning, the funk's production of corn.in the beginning, the funk'sraised seed the same way they in the beginning, the funk'sraised seed the same way theyraised livestock by picking the raised seed the same way theyraised livestock by picking thebest and selling it. raised livestock by picking thebest and selling it.interestingly, they shipped the best and selling it.interestingly, they shipped thewhole ear in a special container

interestingly, they shipped thewhole ear in a special containerbecause farmers in those days whole ear in a special containerbecause farmers in those daysjudged corn by the whole ear and because farmers in those daysjudged corn by the whole ear andnot kernel. judged corn by the whole ear andnot kernel.in 1916 along with dr. jim not kernel.in 1916 along with dr. jimholbert, he created the first in 1916 along with dr. jimholbert, he created the firstcommercial hybrid corn. holbert, he created the firstcommercial hybrid corn.less than ten years, the funk g commercial hybrid corn.less than ten years, the funk ghybrid was the standard. less than ten years, the funk ghybrid was the standard.many remember the funk seed

hybrid was the standard.many remember the funk seedsigns next to the rows of corn many remember the funk seedsigns next to the rows of cornlining illinois' roads. signs next to the rows of cornlining illinois' roads. la fayette funk had another sonwho was 15 years younger than la fayette funk had another sonwho was 15 years younger thaned, that he st off to the who was 15 years younger thaned, that he st off to theuniversity of illinois to study ed, that he st off to theuniversity of illinois to studyagriculture. marquee delos funk andagriculture never mixed verywell. agriculture never mixed verywell.he minored in a subject the

well.he minored in a subject thefamily never heard of, something he minored in a subject thefamily never heard of, somethingcalled electrical engineering. family never heard of, somethingcalled electrical engineering.he came back with ahead full of called electrical engineering.he came back with ahead full ofideas. he came back with ahead full ofideas.in 1910, he built this structure ideas.in 1910, he built this structureto house a again generating in 1910, he built this structureto house a again generatingunit. to house a again generatingunit.he wired every building and barn unit.he wired every building and barnon the property.

he wired every building and barnon the property.he lit the hen house so the on the property.he lit the hen house so thechickens would lay eggs longer he lit the hen house so thechickens would lay eggs longerand put lights on top of the chickens would lay eggs longerand put lights on top of thefence gates and buried the cable and put lights on top of thefence gates and buried the cableso the wind wouldn't blow them fence gates and buried the cableso the wind wouldn't blow themdown. so the wind wouldn't blow themdown.he also surrounded the family down.he also surrounded the familytennis court with lights on he also surrounded the familytennis court with lights onconcrete poles.

tennis court with lights onconcrete poles.he did the same to the flower concrete poles.he did the same to the flowergarden to which he added a he did the same to the flowergarden to which he added afountain with colored lights. garden to which he added afountain with colored lights.inside the house, he built a fountain with colored lights.inside the house, he built akitchen island with outlets inside the house, he built akitchen island with outletsdesigned each of the home chan kitchen island with outletsdesigned each of the home chandid he leers. designed each of the home chandid he leers.he built design of mason jar did he leers.he built design of mason jarbatteries, the light by the rest

he built design of mason jarbatteries, the light by the restroom would still be on when the batteries, the light by the restroom would still be on when theother lights were off. room would still be on when theother lights were off.he wired the funk farms to a other lights were off.he wired the funk farms to aprivate phone system he he wired the funk farms to aprivate phone system hedesigned. private phone system hedesigned.owe built his own cars. designed.owe built his own cars.all this and electricity, too, owe built his own cars.all this and electricity, too,before world war i. all this and electricity, too,before world war i.when city power finally did

before world war i.when city power finally didreach this area, he wired up all when city power finally didreach this area, he wired up allthe neighbor's houses. reach this area, he wired up allthe neighbor's houses.his was an energy that seemed to the neighbor's houses.his was an energy that seemed tocome directly from a pioneering his was an energy that seemed tocome directly from a pioneeringfounder, and was nurtured with come directly from a pioneeringfounder, and was nurtured witheach generation. founder, and was nurtured witheach generation.while funk's seed no longer each generation.while funk's seed no longerexists, the work the family while funk's seed no longerexists, the work the familybegan still sprouts anew each

exists, the work the familybegan still sprouts anew eachspring in fields around the began still sprouts anew eachspring in fields around theworld. oh, and that grove of trees,that first attracted issac funk,well, unlike the other settlers, that first attracted issac funk,well, unlike the other settlers,he refused to cut those trees. well, unlike the other settlers,he refused to cut those trees.visitors today can still walk he refused to cut those trees.visitors today can still walkthrough the largest track of visitors today can still walkthrough the largest track ofvirgin hardwood timber in through the largest track ofvirgin hardwood timber inillinois. virgin hardwood timber inillinois.to learn more about this

illinois.to learn more about thisremarkable family and to to learn more about thisremarkable family and toschedule a tour of the funk's remarkable family and toschedule a tour of the funk'sprairie home and mineral museum, schedule a tour of the funk'sprairie home and mineral museum,call (309)827-6792.

Home Furniture Lafayette La