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By Robin Banqueton, Blogger for Eleganté Cuisine
Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to embark on a journey back in time to a place where elegance meets history.
Today, I'm taking you on a whimsical tour of The Lodge at Katherine Legge Memorial Park, one of our cherished partnered venues where Eleganté Cuisine takes the stage as a preferred caterer.
Picture this: 52 acres of meticulously groomed parkland, a quaint English-style building, and an atmosphere that oozes charm.
Welcome to The Lodge, a gem built in 1927 by the legendary R. Harold Zook, an architect who clearly believed that architecture should be as fabulous as his name.
Versatility Meets Grace
The Lodge is like that timeless black dress in your closet - versatile, always in style, and suitable for any occasion. From weddings to corporate meetings, it wears many hats with effortless grace.
The first floor is a treasure trove of character, featuring a spacious living room complete with a fireplace, a piano that's just waiting for a serenade, a dining room that whispers of intimate dinners (who knew dining rooms could whisper?), a kitchen where culinary dreams come to life, an alcove with its own secrets, and access to patios and grounds that serve as an outdoor canvas for your event. It's like the Swiss Army knife of event spaces.
But hold onto your hats because the second floor ballroom is where the real magic happens. It's like stepping into an elegant fairy tale, minus the wicked stepmother.
Imagine ceremonies, dancing, parties, and corporate gatherings all unfolding within these walls, each with its own unique ambiance. If these walls could talk, they'd probably gossip about all the love stories and dance moves they've witnessed over the years.
A Glimpse into History
Behind every great venue is an even greater story, and The Lodge's tale is nothing short of fascinating. It's like a classic Hollywood plot with love, loss, and a twist of fate.
Alexander Legge, former President of International Harvester, and his wife, Katherine, had grand plans for a weekend escape, including building a home on this very site.
But life had other plans when Katherine tragically passed away in 1924.
In her memory, Alexander established Katherine Legge Memorial Park & Lodge, a retreat dedicated to rest, recreation, and the well-being of the women employed at International Harvester.
It's a bit like building the world's most extravagant treehouse in honor of a loved one – except it's not in a tree, and it's way fancier.
Fast forward to 1973, and this legacy was graciously handed over to the Village of Hinsdale, where it continues to flourish as a remarkable venue for weddings and special events.
The Village has masterfully preserved The Lodge's history and charm while modernizing it with thoughtful improvements.
A Venue Like No Other
The Lodge is tailor-made for wedding ceremonies and receptions.
Whether you prefer the cozy intimacy of the first floor or the grandeur of the second-floor ballroom, it's a dream come true.
The outdoor spaces, with a wedding arbor, patios, and lush grounds, provide a picturesque backdrop for outdoor ceremonies, cocktail hours, and photography that will leave you breathless. Seriously, the backdrop is so stunning; even the trees take selfies here.
Eleganté Cuisine is proud to be a preferred caterer at The Lodge, ensuring that every culinary aspect of your special day is a delight.
And don't worry about hunting down vendors; The Lodge has a roster of pre-approved special event vendors, including caterers like us, alcohol purveyors, and a full-service tent rental company, to make your day seamless.
So, you can focus on the important stuff like dancing and eating cake.
Corporate events at The Lodge are a breath of fresh air.
Step away from the mundane office environment into a quiet and unique setting that inspires productivity.
The living room, dining room, and upstairs ballroom offer spaces conducive to both large presentations and intimate breakout sessions.
With audio-visual equipment at your disposal, including an 80” television monitor and a portable projector and screen, you're ready to conquer your business goals.
Who knew business meetings could be this fancy?
Whether indoors or outdoors, The Lodge accommodates up to 150 guests for seated events on the first floor and up to 100 on the second floor. If you're planning a larger gathering, the outdoor patios, grass space, and arbor can be transformed with tents, lights, and outdoor furniture.
So, there you have it, folks! The Lodge at Katherine Legge Memorial Park, where time stands still, history whispers through the walls, and Eleganté Cuisine brings culinary magic to your special moments.
Whether you're planning a wedding or a corporate gathering, this venue is a slice of perfection.
Book your date, and let the elegance unfold.
Contact Us
Eleganté Cuisine: Website: elegante.net Phone: (847) 806-0000
Contact The Lodge at Katherine Legge Memorial Park
Website: https://www.klmlodge.com/ Phone: 630.789.7095