Hegeler Carus Mansion introduces specialty tour during spring restoration

While spring restoration projects are underway on the main level of the Hegeler Carus Mansion in La Salle, a new tour has been introduced, the Open Court Tour.

In this tour of the ground floor of the mansion, visitors will experience America’s oldest existing gymnasium and home of Open Court Publishing, including the original typesetting room. Visitors will learn how the Hegelers and Caruses founded and ran a publishing company in the mansion that make this different than a typical residence. Open Court Publishing is the company that originally founded and published the Cricket Magazines for more than 40 years.

In addition, attendees will hear stories about the family that lived in the home and the legacy they left. This tour will showcase areas of the mansion re-established as their historical spaces, newly exhibited artifacts and additional historical information about the mansion’s past.

This tour lasts about an hour, and the cost is $18 per adult, $15 per senior/student. Veterans and active duty military are free of charge for this tour.

“The Open Court Tour showcases newly re-established spaces in the Mansion and newly exhibited artifacts,” said Laura Walker, executive director. “This is a limited opportunity to see parts of the Mansion that are not on the general tour and to learn more about the publishing company that was once housed here at the mansion.”

Expanded tours, going all the way up to the cupola, will be available for a limited period of time in January. These tours are $110 per person and come with a special gift. Expanded tours are approximately 2.5 hours in length and will be available Jan. 16-18 and Jan. 23-25.

Visit www.hegelercarus.org for tour times and availability. The mansion is located at 1307 Seventh St.