Woodland Palace at Francis Park

06/14/2026

Looking for something to do on July 4th? Stop out to Francis Park and enjoy the festivities!

06/10/2026

We thank the Cade Zima from Sorenson's office for coming to see the Palace and the work it needs.

The Friends of Woodland Palace have raised more than a quarter of a million dollars to pay for repairs to the historic home in Francis Park. But they’re still short of their goal. And on Wednesday, a representative of Congressman Eric Sorensen promised to do what he could to help them make it. Sor...

04/22/2026

“The time has come," the Walrus said, "To talk of many things: Of shoes—and ships—and sealing-wax”— Of drywall and construction… or something like that.

The visible work begins. The Palace’s facelift is beginning this week. Look for lots of pictures of all the work — beginning with this piece of drywall that is obvs not original

04/22/2026

Thank You to Rotary Club of Kewanee! Your donation is much appreciated!

04/11/2026

We are very excited that our first contract has been signed and restoration work will begin. This is all due to public generosity. We are thankful to everyone who has donated so far.

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

Friends of Woodland Palace
Moving Forward With Repairs

The Friends of Woodland Palace (FOWP) have announced that they have signed their first contract to repair the aging home of Fred Francis. Oldeen Roofing Company from Kewanee will begin the needed repairs as soon as supplies and weather permits. “First, the roof structure will be rebuilt to make the building water-tight once again. Selecting a contractor that would have the best interests of the project was extremely important to FOWP. A third-generation Kewanee company, Oldeen Roofing, fits that requirement” stated Ray Jacobs, FOWP President.

Friends of Woodland Palace was formed in 2025 to help the City of Kewanee, which owns the house and 60 acre park 3 miles East of Kewanee. The Mission of the FOWP is to help maintain the house and educate the public about this historic structure. Fred Francis, the inventive genius, built the home and left it to the city when he passed in 1926. Known for his engineering skills, Fred’s house had innovations decades ahead of its time.

To restore the Palace, Friends of Woodland Palace volunteers are working with the city and historical architect David Leonatti of Springfield, Illinois. Over the last several months they have created a plan to bring the house back to its former self. Fundraising has been taking place over these many months to be able to begin the transformation.

It is planned to have the house open for the July 4th celebration that takes place at the park. Some areas may be off limits due to ongoing construction at the time.

Any individual or business interested in donation to the renovation may contact Sherry "TD" Welch at [email protected]. Donations can also be sent to the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce 113 E. 2nd St. Kewanee, IL 61443. Please make checks payable to Kewanee Preservation Society and mark your donation “Woodland Palace”. Visit the website, www.woodland-palace.com or the page “Woodland Palace at Francis Park” for updates and news.

04/05/2026

04/02/2026

Friends of Woodland Palace and Kewanee Preservation Society thank the Woman's Club for their continued support of the revitalization of Fred's home. In the 1970's, it was Rosemary Kuster and the Kewanee Woman's Club who spurred a movement to recognize Fred Francis and his Woodland Palace as the treasure it is. They worked to get it recognized as a historic structure and they made significant contributions to its preservation. We thank them for hosting this fundraiser for us and for the proceeds to further the restoration and maintenance.

Kewanee Woman's Club donates fundraiser profits to Woodland Palace restoration

The club also thanked the many businesses and individuals who helped make the soup dinner a success. Get more details at the link.

MORE: https://kewaneevoice.com/kewanee-womans-club-donates-fundraiser-profits-to-woodland-palace-restoration/

01/19/2026

Please share with your friends!

01/19/2026

Thank you Kewanee Woman’s Club for hosting this event to support Woodland Palace!

11/28/2025

Looking for a home town Christmas gift? The Friends of Woodland Palace are selling Tshirts and sweatshirts at the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce. Sizes Med to XXL are in stock. Cost is $15 for a T-shirt, $20 for a crew neck and $25 for a hoodie. Start your holiday shopping with a local gift that helps support the improvements of Woodland Palace at Francis Park.