3 miles east of Kewanee, the unique home of Frederick Francis was built in 1890 out of brick, stone and native wood. The house features disappearing doors and windows, an air cooling system, radiant heat deflectors in the fireplace chimney, and running water, all without the benefit of electricity. The park also sports camping sites, a shelter house, picnic facilities, playgrounds, and a baseball diamond.
Fred Francis, a Leonardo da Vinci-like man, was an artist, poet, inventor, builder, mathematician, engineer, and a nudist. Fred started to build the home in 1890 and worked on it for the next 36 years. It features hand carved molding, a water purification system, and is the first house in the state of Illinois to have to air-condition without the aid of electricity.
This geocache is located a short distance away from the main camping area of the park and the Woodland Palace. It is on a trail and no more than 4 feet off of the trail, so little to no bushwacking is required.
Placed with permission from the Kewanee City Manager.
Small trophy for the FTF.