Mark Morton Co-Owner Morton Salt (Chicago, Wheaton: house, school, salvaged) - Chicago Suburbs - Illinois (IL) - City-Data Forum

Homesinrockford · 03-12-2008, 02:00 PM

Growing up a child we used to live right off the corner of Morton Rd and North Ave. This is where the New Wheaton Bible church is. I'm wondering what people know about this place. The old Morton Manor Mansion was built in 1930's by Mark Morton. He lived there until he was 92 and than died. It was then bought by Robert VanKampen who was a self made millionare. The property was filled with exotic animals zebra,Camel,etc. I found a web-site that had some pictures of it, but I can't stop thinking about it. If you know anything or pictures let me know.

Steve-o · 03-12-2008, 02:03 PM

I know of the place, I grew up around that area. I know the new church is there, not sure what ever came of the mansion though. I know, Im not really much help. haha

gardener34 · 03-13-2008, 07:45 AM

Yeah - i remember driving past that place and seeing the animals. I knew it was morton mansion in there, but never knew what happened and why the church bought it. Thanks.

irish setter girl · 03-13-2008, 08:44 PM

From what I understand the second owner, VanKampen, had ties to the Bible Church and that is how they afforded to built such a large facility there. The Bible Church is selling their old facility to the Luthern Church which is currently next door. It is amazing the kind of money some of the churches have in the area!

sbd78 · 03-14-2008, 05:45 AM

I grew up right near there as well, and remember driving by it as a kid and looking at the animals. I haven't been by there in years. So it is a church now? Did they tear the mansion down?

Homesinrockford · 03-14-2008, 06:24 AM

Yup, the mansion is gone. I can't believe they tore down a 8,000 sg.ft building. I found a web-site that actually had bought the salvage rights to 3 rooms in the house. The rooms were made od solid walnut. They also bought the pillars on the house which were made out of handcarved limestone. I'm still awating someone that may have pictures, but I could be dreamin'

irish setter girl · 03-15-2008, 08:50 PM

Board Staff Report, Carol Stream, Illinois (IL) (http://www.carolstream.org/ReferenceDesk/AgendaandMinutesArchive/2002BoardAgendas/BoardAgenda031802/StaffReport-Resolution1926.htm - broken link)

I found this link to the Village of Carol Stream. Apparantly in 2000 the plan was to build the new church and keep and restore the mansion. Obviously things have changed. I didn't have time to read the whole document but you may get more info there??

DianeOC · 05-06-2008, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homesinrockford

Growing up a child we used to live right off the corner of Morton Rd and North Ave. This is where the New Wheaton Bible church is. I'm wondering what people know about this place. The old Morton Manor Mansion was built in 1930's by Mark Morton. He lived there until he was 92 and than died. It was then bought by Robert VanKampen who was a self made millionare. The property was filled with exotic animals zebra,Camel,etc. I found a web-site that had some pictures of it, but I can't stop thinking about it. If you know anything or pictures let me know.

Hi, I have a friend that purchased a room salvaged from this house and I did an album for them. I'm always looking for new things to add about the history of the house. Could you give me the website where you found pictures? I got some info from the West Chicago City Museum if that heps you. Thank you.

Homesinrockford · 05-14-2008, 08:48 PM

Architectural Antiques Info is the website I found with pictures of the other room that was salvaged (walnut room) and exterior pictures. If you can share what you found I'd appriciate it. I am looking for more Pictures do you have any?? Also if you go the the chicago harold or tribune archives (you have to pay) they have several articles on the home. I know at one point they used it as a school and I have a small picture of a girl in front of the home. If you want me to send you a email of the picture of what I found sent me a direct message. I have become obsessed with this house. Also, I think if you go to Zillow.com and type in morton rd it will give you a arial view of the mansion.

ou8122 · 10-02-2008, 01:43 PM

I lived in west chicago and we used to drive by the morton manor because we heard it was haunted or that monks lived there and there were clubs hanging from the trees. We used to dare each other to drive down the driveway and no one would take that bet. I know there are many many people that heard the same stories out there about the manor.