The house, known today as Reid Hall, was completed in 1908 and the family moved in on May 5, led by J. Ogden Armour, until approximately September of 1927. Many of the house’s mantle pieces, there are 15, and the paneling of the library reading room (or former living room), were imported from Paris, Vienna and London, including the marble dining room while the main walls are of Italian marble, the central panels of each wall have been painted over the plaster to simulate actual marble. It is also reputed that the marble staircase was built with the primary purpose in mind that their daughter, Lolita Ogden Armour, would descend the curving stairway on her wedding day, which she did in 1921, to John J. Mitchell, Jr. Eventually the property was sold to Lake Forest Academy where classes began in 1948. Today, Academy grounds total approximately 170 acres.

Bring your event to Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, a gathering place nestled deep in the 565 acres of the tranquil wooded sanctuary of the Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods, Illinois. We invite you to discover this little-known treasure. Just 25 miles from Chicago’s downtown, Brushwood Center is worlds away from the busyness of life.

With stunning perennial gardens and peaceful lakes as your backdrop, there is no better venue for a special wedding celebration than Kemper Lakes Golf Club. Our beautiful stone patio and elegant ballroom with magnificent chandeliers combine to create a magical setting. Most importantly, I am at your service with expert assistance throughout the whole planning process. Please contact me to set up an appointment to see our venue, discuss availability and your plans.

At The Grove Country Club, we provide a venue that is elegant enough to stand on its own but can easily be transformed to fit your personal taste. We treat each event uniquely and can offer creative ideas on every detail of your special event.  It is ideal for hosting a variety of wedding events. You are welcome to hold your ceremony, reception, bridal shower, and engagement party here. In addition, our hardworking staff of reliable and experienced individuals create an experience that is second to none. Chef Luigi Garcia has a wealth of education and experience in culinary arts with Phil Stefani Restaurants. He observes food trends and Italian traditions related to seafood and apply them in continued pursuit of perfection and development of new dishes and Grove classics.