Film displays DeKalb's historic homes

DeKalb County residents took a tour into the past Thursday night.

The debut of the film entitled “Historic Homes of DeKalb County,” produced by DeKalb resident Jim Barker, was the feature attraction at the event held at Sycamore State Street Theatre, 420 W. State St. in Sycamore.

Wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres kicked off the event, followed by the film. The film is based on a 94-part newspaper series written by Steve Bigolin which began in the Daily Chronicle in 2000.

“After co-founding and serving over 22 years on the City of DeKalb Landmark Commission,” Bigolin said, “I stepped down and wanted to go in a different direction.”

The articles were first published in the Chronicle and then developed into a book, Bigolin said.
Bigolin said his love for architecture started when he was an NIU graduate student.

“I took a tour of the Ellwood House and fell in love with it,” Bigolin said.

Bigolin’s book features over 100 houses throughout DeKalb County. Barker read Bigolin’s articles in the Chronicle when the idea of making a film came to him. “There’s things you can do in a video that you can’t do in newspaper,” Barker said.

In 2004, Barker began production on the “Historic Homes of DeKalb County” film.

Barker’s goal with the film was to focus on showing the houses and showing details, he said. “I really thought they complemented each other quite well,” Barker said.

Bill Cumming, a DeKalb resident for over 25 years, said he enjoyed the production.

“I think it was very well done,” Cumming said. “It would be good for anyone who is interested in the history of this county.”

The Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center will use the profit from ticket sales to help expand its property. “We were first to offer the DVD in our gift shop,” said Kathy Siebrasse, Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and historical board president.

Although the Glidden Homestead is not included in the DVD, Siebrasse said the evening was for interested residents.

“I know there are a lot of history buffs in DeKalb County,” Siebrasse said.

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