The city of Crystal Lake, officially founded in 1874, had its roots planted long before that. The Crandall family, believed to be the first settlers, arrived in 1836 and quickly discovered what residents still cherish today: Crystal Lake is a ‘good place to live.’ With its name-sake lake, beautiful parks, charming downtown, and rich history preserved in its architecture, the town holds a timeless appeal. Among its historical gems is one of the oldest buildings still standing, the Crystal Lake Academy Building on McHenry Avenue. This structure has witnessed the town’s evolution and holds countless stories of its past.
The history of the building at 210 McHenry Avenue in Crystal Lake begins in 1855 when the Crystal Lake Academy was constructed as a two-story brick schoolhouse. It served as the area's first higher-education institution, offering college preparatory courses in subjects like science, mathematics, and literature. At a time when most schools focused only on primary education, the Academy stood out as a forward-thinking institution. Despite its initial success, the school closed by 1860 due to financial struggles.
Following its closure as a school, the building found new life as a boarding house under different owners. In 1867, Simon S. Gates, a prominent local farmer and businessman, purchased the property and transformed it into his family’s residence. During their time in the home, the Gates family made significant improvements, including the addition of a distinctive mansard roof that gave the building its architectural character.
The family’s influence extended beyond their home, with Simon’s oldest son, Sumner E. Gates, having an especially tragic connection to the era. Sumner served as part of Company H in the 8th Illinois Cavalry during the Civil War. Captured and held at the notorious Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia, Sumner’s experiences as a prisoner reflected the larger struggles of the time. After the war, he returned to Crystal Lake but sadly passed away in 1885 at the age of 39. He is buried in Crystal Lake's Lake Avenue Cemetery besides many members of his family.
Simon's other son, William D. Gates, who grew up in Crystal Lake, would later go on to establish the American Terra Cotta & Ceramic Company, a business that became nationally renowned for its architectural terra cotta and TECO pottery. William's contributions helped shape the future of Crystal Lake, further cementing the Gates family’s legacy in both the community and the broader industrial world.
After Simon’s passing in 1876, the estate was settled, and the house was sold, marking the end of the Gates family’s direct connection to the property but not their lasting influence on the town's history. The Gates family’s presence in the building helped preserve the structure while their work in Crystal Lake and beyond left a lasting mark on the town's development.
In 1883, Katie Gridley Jones of Chicago purchased the property for $3,850. Her husband, Henry T. Jones, was a successful brick manufacturer whose company supplied materials for notable Chicago landmarks like the Palmer House and Cook County Hospital. The purchase marked the beginning of a period of transformation for the house.
The Joneses immediately began renovations, adding a wrought iron fence along McHenry Avenue, which still stands today, and refurbishing the house and barn. They expanded the property west to Division Street, creating an entire city block.
Both Katie and Henry became involved in Crystal Lake's civic life, with Henry serving as Village President in the 1890s and Katie active in educational and temperance efforts. After Henry's death in 1898, Katie remained in Crystal Lake for a time, raising Angora cats and continuing her community involvement. By 1901, she returned to Chicago, renting out the house before selling it in 1904.
The new owner, Alonzo B. Lucas, brought his family to Crystal Lake after years of farming. The Lucas family were active members of the Nunda Christian Church and, like their predecessors, advocated against alcohol. Alonzo's time at the house was relatively brief. By 1911, financial troubles led him to deed the property to a local banker, and it was eventually sold to William J. Nye in 1912.
Nye, a grain dealer from Oak Park, used the house as a summer residence for his family. They modernized the interior and became active in Crystal Lake’s social circles. One highlight of their time at the house was a grand musical concert hosted in 1916, featuring the famous Paulist Choir and benefiting the Ladies’ Aid Society. The event brought over 100 guests to the home, showcasing the house as a hub for community activity. In 1920, the Nyes sold the property.
Frederick B. Mathis purchased the home next, beginning a period of civic engagement and community leadership. Retiring early due to health reasons, Mathis moved to Crystal Lake with his wife, Lillian, and their two teenage children. Fred quickly became a prominent figure, serving as president of the Community Club and District 47 Board of Education before being elected mayor in 1927. During his term, Crystal Lake adopted its first zoning ordinance and continued infrastructure improvements like road paving and well drilling.
The Mathis family's presence added a multigenerational aspect to the home when their daughter Rosalind married Major E. Gates, a descendant of the original Gates family. Rosalind and her husband raised their children in the house alongside her parents. By 1941, the Mathises decided to relocate to California, and the property was deeded to Rosalind for $1 with the understanding she would care for them in their later years.
The property changed hands again in 1947, this time marking a significant transition in its use. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church purchased the home for $40,000, intending to repurpose it for religious and community activities. The house became known as "The Mission House," and plans for a new church sanctuary on the property began shortly after. By 1958, a new church building was completed, followed by a rectory in 1961. Over the years, the Mission House continued to serve as an educational and social hub for the church and the larger Crystal Lake community.
In 1972, the house was renamed "The Rev. Kenneth J. Tarpley House" in honor of a beloved church leader and teacher at Crystal Lake Community High School. Throughout the years, the church made numerous efforts to restore and maintain the historic structure, including a major renovation in 1985 that stripped paint from the exterior and restored the brickwork to its original appearance.
The house at 210 McHenry Avenue has seen Crystal Lake grow from a small farming community to the lively town it is today. From its beginnings as an academy to its current role as part of a church campus, the building has continuously adapted while maintaining its historical significance. Through generations of owners and evolving purposes, it has served the community well and is a wonderful reminder of our rich history. As Crystal Lake continues to grow and be recognized as a wonderful place to live, it is important to remember and honor the many citizens of Crystal Lake who have left their mark on this building and countless others in the community.
The house at 210 McHenry Avenue has continuously adapted while maintaining its historical significance.