Take a tour of one of Chicago's oldest houses with its 'stubborn steward'

[@mackhopper]

This entire story just made me happy. I love his love, passion and dedication. I love and appreciate his daughter’s connection to their father and home. This is a wonderful story!

[@pinkrose076]

❤

[@kindlydude]

...and one of them is an excellent harpist! What beautiful sounds must flow through the house and bring it an harmonious vibe ❣

[@Chulitatr]

Well said.

[@delvindoodles2182]

This is such an excellent example of what journalism can be. This was so beautifully created and I thank all involved in bringing this to us.

[@FloraSpencer-m7l]

I love the fact that it's not just a house but a home of love and appreciation for history. This home tells an amazing story. The gentleman and his family have my utmost gratitude for keeping it alive and continuing it's story. ❤

[@zzizahacallar]

It's beautiful how he is taking care of that house. He ❤s and cares so much

[@pamelasmith6221]

I agree. I just hope in the future, the next owner cares as much.

[@elizabethmcguire1366]

It's wonderful that he is keeping the historical integrity of the house intact! So many historical homes in Chicago have fallen victim to super modern renovations and the only old thing about them is the facades.

[@suzzane.notsusan.1078]

This man is a gem god bless him for keeping the house original and not modernizing it. This is a BEAUTIFUL historical home that should be preserved and living in It I would love to live in a home like that. I wish there were more people that would do what He's doing. Preserving not bulldozing n building ultra modern. But i guess i love old homes like this gem

[@tomiossi8092]

Love this piece. Thank god there are some of him left in the world.

[@NotfromDetroit]

That’s the truth!

[@krabgrass]

I would do the same if I could afford one of these beautiful, old homes. Here in Phoenix they suck at presrving history and many old homes/buildings end up getting torn down. I think that's part of the reason why I've always been so fascinated by older homes. I can't wait to move out of this hellhole and find older homes where they are more common.

[@maguffintop2596]

I am 58 yrs old. Been watching WGN since babyhood. This was the most entertaining story I've ever seen on this station! Terrific reporter - AMAZING homeowner with adorable daughters. Thank you!!

[@coniwatson9512]

We need more people like him to save our history.

[@Victoria3232-j7o]

You heard him it’s a full time job he is 67 not to many people want to work manual labor now

[@johnogrady2418]

@@Victoria3232-j7o I will be 68 next week and my bones are creaking!

[@wildflowerwind6941]

So glad he is preserving art and history. Beautiful home. Love it.

[@InvalidPhrase]

One of the most wholesome and engaging news segment I've seen in a long time. I love these kinds of stories, makes me appreciate Chicago's history more 💛

[@deenababie]

Oh my goodness!! I just LOVELOVELOVE this man!! He not only raised two beautiful girls in a gem of a historic home, he taught them the same love for this home as he very clearly has!! The clip of the girls with their Dad looking at their family photos growing up in this house was as endearing as their Dad’s painstaking lifetime of renovations. He oozes love for this home and his girls. What a wonderful thing to have come across my feed. I am so glad I clicked to watch this!! THANK YOU!! I really needed to watch a good and real story about real people. This family and their home are all absolutely CHARMING!!! ♥️♥️♥️

[@inr63]

Native Chicagoan here and I’m awestruck. Though privately owned, he’s truly returned a gem back to the city; bless that man.

[@MeMeDaVinci]

This gentleman is inspiring. This house is beautiful.

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

What a talented man! What a lucky house! It takes tons, tons of money to renovate and keep something like that up. We owned a Victorian Gothic house for three years once. It was wonderful and had a lot of old fixtures, pocket doors, etc., but we didn't have the income to maintain it. We finally sold it when the heat bill got to $400 a month!. It finally sat vacant for many years and was in danger of being demolished. Thankfully, someone has come along and has been renovating it for several years. Our sons loved living there.

[@Chgo1221]

Nice presentation I wanted to see more of the house.🤭🏠

[@yolandahebert2350]

A time when craftsmanship and dedication was paramount.

[@tryggr1703]

Right?! And it had brick! So much better than the kind of crappy houses we have today. ❤ I love brick houses.

[@TommyChardonneret]

@yolandahebert2350 Indeed!

[@TommyChardonneret]

@@tryggr1703 Certainly "right!" As to the brick construction, not only was it critical to surviving the historic Chicago Fire, but your reference to today's all too common house building materials, completing a modern day structure often is defeated because of the intrinsically flammable nature of today's resin rich and plastic sourced structural elements. Whenever a fire breaks out while a modern building is under construction, the vast majority of the time WHATEVER PART HAS BEEN BUILT BURNS TO THE GROUND! The particle board sawdust (at best) plus petroleum products composition is not only an intrinsic fire hazard, but the chemical off gassing can be an ongoing health hazard to each and every resident therein FOR YEARS AFTERWARD, not to mention what it does to the longterm health of the 10's of 1,000's of construction workers!

[@tryggr1703]

@@TommyChardonneret EXACTLY! You said everything that I was thinking of. 😊

[@TommyChardonneret]

@@tryggr1703 Thanks immensely for your recognition and confirmation!

[@genearoth3970]

I'm enjoying watching this story of this old Chicago home !!" My house isn't quite as cold as this house is . But mine house is 138 year's old . I'm the 3rd owner of the house . " Great Story !!!" Gene ,

[@lorihoop3831]

Mine was built in 1900

[@timward3116]

Wow! What a great house! And what a great steward! Truly a match made in Heaven.

[@sharonb537]

I remember passing this house when it was in sorry disrepair in the 90s. So glad this wonderful German has taken it up with his tinkering, restoration skills and fortune. Bravo!

[@CharlotteIssyvoo]

If my husband and I had more money, we'd live like this too. As it is, we have a 1928, Craftsman bungalow, furnished with antiques. Just now, we were looking for old flower boxes to put outside. It's like an ongoing museum, and art project, just living in all this history and beauty. This guy's house is so much more!

[@kelsonl6084]

I’m guessing you can’t really have a dog if you live in a house like this 😅

[@ummmm....-sd9eb]

I would love to live in an original Sears house...cannot say I'm a little jealous ☜⁠ ⁠(⁠↼⁠_⁠↼⁠)

[@ummmm....-sd9eb]

This is so inspiring ⟵⁠(⁠๑⁠¯⁠◡⁠¯⁠๑⁠) such a wonderful person!!!!

[@JaneHudnell-m1d]

Is your Craftsman bungalow located in California? I used to see them when I lived in California.

[@CharlotteIssyvoo]

@@JaneHudnell-m1d No, but it is on the west coast.

[@mgo4917]

I was born and raised in Chicago as a child. I live in Texas now. I could feel and smell that house just watching it. I love every fiber of Chicago and it’s history. I really wanted to see the basement! Lol Amazing story WGN! Keep them coming.❤

[@rustyrelicsfarm2406]

I wanted to see the kitchen.

[@Mzd455]

What a great house and a great steward and his family! So much respect! I love antique houses I would absolutely love this tour!

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

What a lovely family. God Bless this man & his contribution to preserving historical architecture.

[@catherinechiara3914]

What a gorgeous piece of history and thanks to this gentleman and his daughters, the home remains in all it's glory. Thank God for people like this.

[@ohnoyce]

Those floors!😍

[@cdynes385]

Wow. What talented lovely people he and his daughters are. Such an amazing dedication and appreciation for a historic home. May they have many more charmed years in their home.

[@christopherlabas7724]

AWESOME! Thanks for saving this house! What a great guy!

[@ktracy9241]

I am gobsmacked at the craftsmanship that has gone into this home. And this current owner’s dedication to preserving it is beyond admirable.

[@OldWurlitzerMusic]

great old house 💖 it is art on a bigger scale , great collection of family photos and all the stuff

[@bertdashurt5202]

Truly a Renaissance man. All I could think about was the dusting of all these nooks and crannies. I’m very jealous of those original floors. Best part is his harmonica playing. He probably also knows how to play the saw. Thanks Woody and WGN.

[@cindyrenfroe5212]

What a beautiful old historic house ,,,I just love it ,,it has so much character and it's charming,,a real beauty even today ,,,

[@76TomD]

Ironic that both the man and the house are gems and caretakers of each other's spirits.

[@asabovesobelow7981]

well said..

[@miss3meow]

What a fascinating human (and ofc beautiful old home and lovely talented daughters)

[@Brend.0]

As a local historical in Southern Illinois, Artist, AND a musician. He is living my dream life. I am becoming him every year that passes lol. We are about to buy a 150 year old church with the original organ in it in two weeks and renovate it as a community center, community kitchen, and my offices. This is going to be me. Love it

[@terribelbliss9646]

I’ve always loved that house, I pass it frequently. It’s a unique locale in a charming neighborhood. I’m glad it’s being preserved. 🙂

[@tonydagostino6158]

Thanks so much for these stories, both Woody's and the home's. I hope he's not the last to live in that amazing structure.

[@shawnaepich5991]

22 rooms! That DEFINITELY is a full time job - GREAT JOB ❤

[@herberthallum2078]

Great video. Love the house and wanted to see more of it. The basement was omitted and I was interested in the boiler and heating system. So much enjoyment seeing this house being restored. Thank you for sharing.

[@jessevillanueva6153]

My god that’s beautiful. I would take this over any new home.

[@M0odyBlue]

What a gorgeous old house. So glad he is in love with it and taking care of it! What a treasure for my eyes and heart!

[@Paulco67]

What a superbly built and designed home. Outstanding! What a lovely family too.

[@SometimeAgo65]

I LOVE ART!! Love this house and I hope he can keep it ❤

[@silverstem2964]

If not for this guy that house would be a faded memory. Well lived life!!

[@bluffem]

The whole neighborhood used to look like that. America cherishes nothing. May this man live to be 1,000.

[@KristenZianourry2015]

How i feel about it… going to the historic downtowns in the midwest makes me wistful for a time gone where the buildings had craftsmanship and character. They would sign their last name on buildings do you see any new buildings with the year and or last name on it?

[@Helladamnleet]

Incredibly doubtful.

[@KristenZianourry2015]

@@Helladamnleet what are you saying this to this doesn’t make any sense

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

What a fabulous home, home owner, and interesting person who also happens to have TWO lovely daughters! THANK YOU for this story!

[@winnysneece694]

Beautiful Home Beautiful Family. Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@adamkern3689]

Great positive story!

[@armandomorgado1625]

Thanks for such a great tour❤

[@annabelleb.8096]

What an amazing house! Those floors...staircase, and stained glass windows 😲

[@jaimeochoa7256]

Congratulations! What a wonderful and inspiring story...He is a true lover and keeper of history, an artist, and he has passed it on to his children....Thank you for sharing his passion and dedication to conservancy....❤

[@Analog_Momo]

Haha I need to meet this guy ASAP! I’m 19 but live the exact same life he does! Just my big ole house is from 1894. I would love to hear from him because it’s HARD to find people who appreciate the past to this extent. Every time someone comes into my restored hallway they are blown away. I want my entire ghost town to be like my hallway❤️

[@jo8726t]

What a great story. Loved it.

[@quitaulla1569]

I am so glad they foind each other...this wonderful man and that beautiful home both full of history and art. ❤🎉

[@jacquelinewilson2279]

Wonderful. Beautiful home. Lovely man and his children. What a nice story.

[@ranuts2]

Love this house. Appreciate his efforts immensely. A rare find indeed. Thank you.

[@emmyali920]

Great story!! I love hearing about locals and their interesting history.

[@Rocketjay12]

I spent a great deal of time in one of the apartments next door on Aldine. Back in the early 70's three of my childhood friends moved next door as roommates on the 3rd floor. We were always fascinated by "the house next door". I don't recall if anyone lived there at the time. So glad this man and his family made it their home.

[@AmusedChild]

How wonderful that this home has this owner! He is indeed a steward of history.

[@GaryRayBetz]

Thank-you so much for this interesting little tale!

[@seanmcmeown1992]

More stories like this on the News please

[@rosemarymagrino772]

Wow! What an amazing house!

[@joshuataylor6087]

Woody is living my dream.

[@offshorequest]

Glad that people like Mr. Slaymaker are around to preserve such unique properties. Keep up the good work !

[@SuperMickey57]

He was playing Mercy, Mercy, Mercy on the piano from Cannonball Adderly, written for him by Joe Zawinul. One of my absolute favorite songs of all time!

[@MariaGarcia-zd3st]

This Man will live to be beyond a 100? He loves his home, he loves work and that makes for a very happy Life. Hopefully, his daughters will continue with his work if they too feel the same? Beautiful home, nice video.

[@carolynbucy4877]

Grew up in a house built in the 1800's. These old homes are a delightful pain in the caboose 🚂

[@Dixon_Yamada1]

This was a beautiful story. Thank you!

[@okdk7]

Beautiful ! Thank you for sharing your awesome home !

[@JaneHudnell-m1d]

Woody and his daughters are lovely. The home is historically gorgeous. I would love to see it in person one day!

[@sabrinas.9490]

This house is stunning but I bet it is freezing in the cold Chicago winters!!!

[@MsBonijoni]

. .🐐 “ a stubborn steward because home . .is where the art 🖼 is . .” well spoken ✔️

[@shellydehart8217]

Oh my gosh! How I love to hear that there’s still beautiful old houses still standing. I felt it’s a honor to be able to see this video n learn some knowledge from its history. I too love old things as Woody does. It has history n a story. It’s amazing that this house survived the Chicago fire. I hope it continues to bring much joy to those who enter it. ♥️😊👍👍

[@debbiem9218]

Beautiful story thank you for sharing it! I live in Chicago's sister "windy" city, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I love the old styled door knobs. I would love to be the keeper of a place such as this but we just don't have them here. I wish this building many more years, and a bed and breakfast would be a wonderful idea.

[@clairwaucaush7225]

That house NEEDS to be a museum some day.

[@jeanbeans7926]

But who would maintain it? We need young people who are interested in these old trades. Brickwork, carpentry, etc..

[@beckyaquino5007]

I passed by this house a few weeks ago and it stopped me in my tracks! I thought it was so beautiful on the outside and was so curious about what it might look like inside. I really enjoy learning about history and historical preservation. What a fantastic house! Thanks for doing this story! Now I got a glimpse of this beautiful historical home and so happy someone lives there that loves it so much to put so much time and energy into it. I think it would be amazing if he turns it into a bed and breakfast! If not, it would be a wonderful museum to visit one day should he decide that instead.

[@boyohio1980]

This was a stunning display of why I LOVE YOU TUBE!. First. The caretaker of this house and his house was soo fitting. Second the house itself was soooo preserve sooo though after and sooo elegant that it blow me away. The people/ family that reside in this house were so beautiful handsome and well wound with both muisc and education that it fits all into the puzzle of this home.. Clapp Clappp I oved this video sooo very much. . And hugs to you from Canton Ohio and a nod that you were from Cleveland Ohio.

[@j.s.3297]

Nice home....I grew up in a house that was built in 1882 and many members of my family claim they saw paranormal activity.

[@QueenofArgyle2525]

More of these type of news pieces, please. Quite interesting. Thank You.

[@sallyberlin1127]

What a special person!

[@autumnsmom1117]

Love the craftmanship of older homes. As he stated, plumbing and installation is truly needed for these beautiful landmarks. As well as time and money.

[@samparkerSAM]

Cheers from New Orleans Louisiana, Chicago Soul ... One Brick at a Time!

[@TommyChardonneret]

Viewing this video gives rise to so many questions about such promising histories of the people past and certainly present who have resided in this remarkable home! Mr. Slaymaker and his daughters alone evoked so much wondering about their family, their missing wife and mother, their personal interests and professional pursuits - what a densely rich and provocative short video!

[@tanyasmith2173]

Just stunning! May it have a long line of loving owners to care for it far into the future.

[@danondler8808]

Bravo to the story and the man. What a legacy. He deserves recognition. Well done.

[@utahdan231]

What a beautiful interior. The metal work , knobs are simply amazing. A treasure. ❤

[@mybabba]

This is the most beautiful house I have ever seen. The corner tower and green house took my breath away.

[@hermyt]

It's a beautiful home and hope it is preserved for generations.

[@TwinCitiesFancy]

Literally, a house this gorgeous to make me cry. I love everything about it and am so happy you're keeping up the charms of yesteryear.

[@cactusbound]

The comments here have said it all for me. Thank you for a beautiful piece. 😊 I’m from Chicago living in the SW now. Chicago has the most beautiful architecture in the older neighborhoods.

[@Poppykat9866]

This home is a true treasure and it has found its perfect caretaker. I love that he was a real estate investor, but put his heart and soul into caring for the house and made it his family home. I hope it can stay in the family for generations!

[@janetjones1615]

Absolutely a brilliant home. Glad he is preserving the house for future generations to come.

[@marieduran6286]

The house itself is a work of art. All that workmanship is not done anymore, it is mostly machine-made today. Things like doorknobs, frescos, stain glass windows, and all the wood flooring. It is gorgeous!! He should be proud of himself for keeping up the delegate time capsule.

[@auberjean6873]

Thank you Ray Cortopassi and all who were involved in fiming and editing this. NICE WORK! Feel-Good story. Loved it.

[@galvaceci6498]

Thank you for the tour, what a beautiful historic home.

[@JeffCrowell11]

What a great piece. I lived in Lakeview years ago but did not know about this beautiful home.

[@donnamays24]

What a gorgeous home! The owner certainly has been a good steward to it. Loved this story❤

[@bondjovi4595]

Looks like a really neat old building, and seems like he does good work keeping it in good shape.

[@JohnPotts-kq7kk]

Thank you for giving me a glimpse into these magnificent homes which I would have never experienced had it not been for this fantastic video on youtube! Thank you!!!!

[@missalbania9260]

Wow 67, he has such energy and a wonderful outlook on life. I wish more people especially younger generations would appreciate history and culture with the same type of passion!