455 Birch

This whimsical Arts and Crafts house was designed by Charles Haag in 1920 for well-known activist and artist Lola Maverick Lloyd. Born in Texas in 1875, Lola was the granddaughter of early Texas pioneer and landowner Samuel Maverick. The term “maverick” was coined for her grandfather’s non-conforming lifestyle.

Lola moved to Winnetka in 1902 when she married William Bross Lloyd, son of famous Chicago journalist Henry Demarest Lloyd. Like her famous father-in-law, Lola dedicated much of her time to championing the causes near and dear to her heart. She became a delegate for the Women’s Peace Party with famous activist Jane Addams, marched to demand for women’s rights to vote, joined the Illinois Socialist Party, and eventually co-founded the Campaign for World Government. However, after her activism took off, her marriage deteriorated, and she and her husband divorced in 1916.

After her divorce, Lola worked alongside her friend, Swedish sculptor Charles Haag, to design this one-of-a-kind house for herself and her children. The house remained in the Lloyd family until Lola’s daughter, Georgia, died in 1999. Georgia’s daughter, Lola Moonfrog, deeded the house to a foundation in New Mexico. It has since been sold to an individual family.

In terms of style, it should come as no surprise that Haag, the architect, was primarily a wood sculptor. His friend, Frank Lloyd Wright, once said that Haag “had a unique charm because of the purity of his mind, as well as the supreme skill of his hands.” Lola, a talented artist in her own right, collaborated with Haag on many of the design decisions, and both of their artistic touches can be seen throughout the property. Inside the home, murals and custom woodworking by both Lloyd and Haag make this house the perfect space for artistic inspiration. On the outside, the house is a great example of the American Arts and Crafts style. The style’s focus on handmade crafts, woodwork, and natural earthy tones can still be seen on the house.

Today, this house is both a Local Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.