Stacy’s Tavern Museum

This is one of the first buildings that was built in Glen Ellyn, and the museum is currently restored to the mid-​1850s. None of the furniture is original, which is typical for small museums like this. There are some nice examples of painted furniture, plenty of trompe l’oeil painted woodgrain, and one original piece, a small needlework sampler presented as a gift to the family. The tavern had an addition built over the original well, which is still spring-​fed and has a reproduction well-​house built over it.
The building is two stories; the tour includes both stories and the back yard (which I missed), including a smokehouse, the kitchen garden, and the privies. Exhibits in the yard are particularly well-​labeled; the kitchen garden is kept up by a local garden club. You’ll go through with a docent; the gentleman who took me through was very well-​informed and a pleasure to listen to, as well as being responsive to questions.
The second floor addition to the building includes photos of the area and the inhabitants of the era, including photos of a building which, after serving as a community ballroom, became a brothel, with several photos of the madam and one of the women who worked for her. There are also a few items from excavations on the site, mostly broken dishware.
Suggested donation (adults) is $ 5; $ 2.50 for students.
If you want to hit the gift shop, it’s two buildings down at the Glen Ellyn Historical Society; come on a Wednesday or make an appointment, as on Sundays the Historical Society is closed.