Duncan Manor The Howells (2021) by Randi and David Howell and Landmarks IllinoisLandmarks Illinois
A grand undertaking
The Howells put their passion and creativity to work restoring Duncan Manor, a large, 1866 Italianate farmhouse sitting on six acres on old Route 66 near Towanda. This imposing house is visible from Interstate 55 and was included on Landmarks Illinois’ 2007 Most Endangered list.
Duncan Manor Dinning Room (2021) by Howells, Duncan ManorLandmarks Illinois
Statewide preservation award
The Howells’ efforts earned them a 2021 Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award. Friends and family members were instrumental in helping restore the large home.
“We literally would not be here saving this house if it weren’t for the support of our family and community,” Randi said. “We may sound like a broken record, but it’s the truth, it really does take a village. Our family, friends and community are sharing in this vision and making it possible for us to continue our preservation efforts.”
The Howells know the historic home has meaning to people near and far, and ensuring its maintenance for generations to come is the couple’s goal. They aim to keep the story of the home alive. “Old buildings are being bulldozed without a second thought in our country because they are believed to be too expensive to upkeep,” the Howells said. “We think differently. If these historic structures die with us, we pass on no visual history of times past to our children.”
Duncan Manor Winter (2021) by Randi and David HowellLandmarks Illinois
Passing it on
“Our hope is that our children grow up to feel as passionate as we do about these old buildings and the history they hold,” said Randi. “This landmark is their reality, and every day they get to see just how much appreciation the world around them has for our home.”
Music Performance (2021) by Randi and David HowellLandmarks Illinois
Welcoming the community
The restored Duncan Manor not only provides a home for the Howells, but serves as a place where the community can come for a reprieve from daily life. Today, the mansion hosts weddings, tours, concerts and other events.
“This house is our home, but it is a home we plan to share with the community as long as we are the stewards,” the Howells said.
Learn more about this award-winning preservation project.
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