Scott House (Country Mansion Restaurant)

At one time there was a bowling alley and dance hall in the basement. In 1929 another remodeling occurred when the building was convert to housing for patients from the Keeley Institute. Several first floor rooms were converted to bedrooms so a total of 40 to 50 patients could be housed there. That remodeling included the installation of a new kitchen. The housing arrangement continued until the Keeley Institute closed in 1965.

After the Institute closed James Oughton Jr. opened "the Lodge" restaurant in the building. In 1977 or 78 the restaurant was sold to the Ohlendorfs and opened as the Country Mansion. In 1980 the property was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This is also the home of the 110 foot tall windmill. The windmill was donated to the village of Dwight in 2001 by its then second owners Mike and Bev Hogan.

The village name can be seen on the windmill. The windmill pulled water from an 840 foot deep well.

In its own right the rather stately 1896 barn was turned into a public library after the Oughton family donated it to the village in 1989. It was still serving that purpose when we went by in 2016. But from 1930 to 1965 it was a gymnasium for residents on the main house.

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Vintage Advertising Highlights

THE LODGE
101 West South St.
Dwight, Illinois
Serving fine food and cocktails - lunch and dinner - daily except Monday. The Lodge is a century old, beautifully preserved mansion, situated in a wooded 25 acre park. Be sure to see the old windmill, the lakes, - swans and the herd of deer.
Phone: AC 815-584-****

Photo(s): 2016