COACH HOUSE HISTORY

Located in the heart of the Lake Shore Historic District on the shores of Lake Michigan, this landmark home has a storied history.  

Alanson Stewart, contractor for the Michigan & Illinois canals is credited for introducing the use of mirrors to amplify light within tunnels, moved to Evanston in 1855 so that his children could achieve a higher education. His son, Hart L. Stewart,  was one of the first ten students to enroll & graduate at North Western University (as it was originally spelled). Upon Alanson Stewart’s death, his property, which included the entire block, was subdivided and sold.

Burton Cook, a highly respected and well-known Illinois Senator & Congressman, purchased 1632 Sheridan Road from the Stewart estate. As a founding member of the Republican Party and an intimate friend of Abraham Lincoln, it was Burton Cook who nominated Lincoln for President in 1860. In 1864, before the Republican Delegation in Chicago, it was Burton Cook who shouted out the nomination of his dear friend to be re-elected as President of the United States.

Mr. Cook had many accomplishments. He faithfully served Illinois as a Senator (1852-1860) and as a Congressman (1865-1871).  He originated the statue that protected officers and solders from suits for damages done while on military duty. As an Illinois Senator, he drafted the bill and was successful in establishing the state system of public schools to be supported by taxation; he prepared and secured the passage of the first legislative act that gave married woman the right to own property, and he sponsored the bill establishing our first national public holidays. He is also one of the founding fathers of Howard University in Washington, D.C. His list of accomplishments is vast, and his name is revered in countless books.

Upon Mr. Cook’s death, another notable gentleman to occupy this home was Charles Gates Dawes. Mr. Dawes entertained many distinguished guests in his lake-front home including President-Elect William McKinley. Their friendship was one of deep loyalty and respect and is described by historians as having a bond as close as a father and son. Dawes successfully ran McKinley’s presidential campaign in Chicago which greatly contributed to McKinley winning the 1896 presidential election. After McKinley’s victory, he appointed Dawes as Comptroller of the U.S. Currency. Mr. Dawes is a Nobel Peace Price recipient and became Vice President of the United States under Calvin Coolidge.  Dawes Park, which is across the street from 1632 Sheridan Road, is named in his honor.

The Coach House was redesigned at the turn of the last century by renowned architect, Edgar O’Vett Blake. Mr. Blake accomplishments included working on Chicago’s 1893 Columbian Exposition and for his design of many well-known houses and churches in the Chicagoland area.

Most recently, NBC’s Chicago Fire, with 10 million viewers, chose 1632 Sheridan Road to film, “What Happened to Courtney”, Season 4, episode 17. 

In 2012, Laurel Cohen, as a Northwestern freshman, filmed  “Jonah and the Crab” at 1632 Sheridan Road.  The film is a charming 8-minute short. Laurel won best Silent Film at the International Student Film Festival, and rec'd additional awards and recognition at the Toronto Internat'l and San Francisco Internat'l Film Festivals for this film.  Since she graduated, she has had quite an accomplished career. https://laurelcohen.com