Preservation from Mount Vernon to Crow Island

Nan draws a line from George Washington’s Mount Vernon to Crow Island School. How do we look at our history through buildings? How has our view of history changed over time? How does this affect us in Winnetka and on a national level?

Nan has always loved architecture. She started in preservation in 1992 when she became the first chairman of the Winnetka Landmarks Preservation Commission, a position she held for nine years.

She also served on three state-wide preservation boards, including two 3-year terms on Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council (IHSAC), which reviews nominations for the National Register of Historic Places (inside the state of Illinois).  

Outside of preservation work, Nan served on the Winnetka Plan Commission for seven years, including editing and co-writing with Penny Lanphier the official “Winnetka Comprehensive Plan 2020.” She served on the Winnetka Village Council from 2001-2005 and has served on more study committees for the Village of Winnetka than the Village has problems.

Nan illustrated and wrote one coloring book, illustrated one novel, chaired one Winnetka Antiques Show, chaired one large downtown fundraising gala at Chicago’s City Hall, and designed one bridge, at Elm Street, in the center of Winnetka.

Before moving to Winnetka in 1990 with her husband Wally and son Alex, Nan was a vice president at The First National Bank of Chicago. Both her BA and MBA were focused – like a laser – on economics.

In recent years, Nan has served in non-combatant positions – on the Winnetka Historical Society board and on the Winnetka Community House Board of Governors, where she is past Chair and soon to be retired. So, while you’re in this building, you should probably be nice to her and – also – give her lots of money, because the Community House can always use lots of money in annual support and for necessary building repairs.