Echo Valley Farm in Campton Hills Granted Historic Landmark Status to Preserve Agricultural Legacy

Echo Valley Farm in Campton Hills, owned by Jerome Johnson, has been granted landmark status by the Kane County Board at the recommendation of the Kane County Historic Preservation Commission.

The farm, located at 41W652 Beith Road, has been a fixture in the community for nearly two centuries and holds significant historical and architectural value. The farm’s history dates back to 1843 when it was originally purchased by John Maxwell from the U.S. government. Maxwell likely acquired the land for its timber, as the area was heavily forested at the time. Over the years, the farm changed ownership multiple times, with notable transformations occurring in the early 20th century.     

By 1922, the property had transitioned from a subsistence farm to a hobby farm under the ownership of the Johnson family, marking a significant shift in agricultural practices in Kane County. The Johnsons, particularly August Martin Johnson and his wife, a dairy farmer’s daughter, raised chickens and dairy cattle on the 11-acre property. The farm became less of a primary income source, reflecting broader changes in the county as suburban development began to take hold.

The property features a residence built between 1892 and 1904, with distinctive Queen Anne-style stained-glass windows and a poured concrete foundation, which was unusual for the time. The barn, constructed in 1924 by local builders Frank Richmond and Peter Denker, is a gable-roof structure with post-and-beam construction, showcasing the agricultural building practices of the era. The property also includes a milk house, chicken house, brooder house, and a granary, all of which remain in excellent condition and reflect the evolving nature of the farmstead.

Officials say the farm is a prime example of the evolution from subsistence farming to a hobby farm in Kane County. The historic structures retain high integrity, and the property is seen as a valuable part of the county’s agricultural and architectural history.

The Kane County Historic Preservation Commission recommended that Echo Valley Farm be designated as a Kane County Historic Landmark for its architectural significance, historical value, and preservation potential.

The landmark designation highlights the importance of Echo Valley Farm in the larger context of Kane County’s agricultural heritage and suburban development. The farm will now appear on the Kane County Register of Historic Places, ensuring its continued preservation and recognition as a vital piece of local history.

Jerome Johnson, the property owner, pursued the landmark designation to protect the farm’s historical value and ensure its preservation for generations to come.

For more information on the Kane County Historic Preservation Commission, visit:
https://www.kanecountyil.gov/FDER/Pages/development/historicPreservation.aspx​