Santa & Mrs. Claus to greet kids at historic Esdohr House in Jefferson Park

by BRIAN NADIG

The historic Esdohr House on the grounds of the Jefferson Memorial Park will take center stage on Thursday, Dec. 5, when Santa and Mrs. Claus temporarily move in and greet area children.

“Holiday Fest,” organized by the Jefferson Memorial Park Advisory Council and Chicago Park District, will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The approximately 140-year-old house is located at 4820 N. Long Ave. along the east end of the park.

The free festival will include photos with Santa, “real reindeer,” crafts, hot chocolate and kiddie train rides around the house. The council encourages families to dress appropriately for the outdoor activities.

The house, which is owned by the Chicago Park District, recently underwent a series of renovations, including ADA, electrical and plumbing improvements, according to park advisory council chairman Lionel Rabb. The house also received a new roof, and some environmental issues were addressed.

The house originally was located at 5425 W. Higgins Ave., where it was the home of Henry and Kate Esdohr, but in 1921 the park’s governing board acquired the house and moved it to Long Avenue. Henry Esdohr held several prominent positions in the community, including postmaster and school board treasurer. 

The Esdohr property, which was part of a residential subdivision that no longer exists, had a 2,200-foot-deep well that provided most area residents with their water, according to Northwest Chicago Historical Society researcher Frank Suerth said. The other homes in the subdivision were either demolished or moved to make room for the park.

The house was used as the park’s first fieldhouse and also a library. Until about 25 years ago, it was a craft shop, where jewelry was made, and in more recent years it was used for storage.

Rabb said that one of council’s goals is to have a cafe operate year round inside the house. He added that a timetable for such a project has not been finalized but that pop-up food stands, such as a snow cone business which operated outside the house in 2023, can be expected next year.

Sponsors of the Dec. 5 holiday festival include the JMPAC, the park district, Alderman Jim Gardiner (45th), Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association, Jefferson Park Forward, 16th Police District, Gale Street Inn, Baked by Jane, Karate Academy and Nadig Newspapers.

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