The Winningham House

Little is known of what buildings might have occupied the land during the passage of time. However, we do know that the deeds to the land surrounding the present building can be tracked back to 1852.

A barn stood on the land when Charles Winningham purchased it in 1919. He moved a vacant school house from Saginaw Trail (Woodward Avenue) and joined it to the barn. This was the start of a beautifully unique home.

To the original buildings, sun porches were added in 1920, the west wing in 1922 and the east wing in 1929. The rare timbers of the barn were retained for the living room. This room had been the hayloft of the barn.

Mr. Winingham was considered an authority on Robin Hood lore. Murals depicting scenes from the tales of Robin Hood adorned the living room walls. Thus, the home became known as Robin Hood's Barn. He also had a yacht named Maid Marion, which then was the largest privately owned seagoing yacht ever launched in Chicago.

In addition to the living room, there were six master bedrooms and baths, a library, dining room, breakfast room, servants' quarters and a pool large enough for swimming meets.

There was a small room, reached from a balcony in the living room, which provided a secluded place for card games. The Winninghams' daughter, Gail, had a small space, concealed in the paneling of the entrance hall, which was a great place to hide and surprise guests as they arrived for parties. It is still there today.

The house was converted into five apartments shortly after World War II. Although Mr. Winningham died in 1954, his wife and daughter continued to live in one of the apartments until the sale of the house to The Village Woman's Club in 1961.

The Village Club was formed as The Village Woman's Club in 1956. Prior to purchasing the Winningham home, the club held meetings at other area clubs and at the Community House in Birmingham.

The educational, philanthropic and social principles, upon which the Club was founded, continue to be the main focus of the Club today. Classes are held, social events and trips are planned, and fine cuisine is served. The Village Woman's Club Foundation is a very important part of the Village Club and a testament to the Club's community involvment.