A Letter to Francis

Dear Francis,

       As you might have heard, I have a gift for you.  If there’s anyone I can temporarily trust this dear old farm to, it’s you.  I think my grandfather, David Perry and his father-in-law, Thomas Durham would have found you to be a decent owner as well.  I don’t expect you’ll want to stay there as the place becomes more public, but I’ve given you a lifetime’s worth of owning the land so I suppose we’ll just see what the Lord’s plan is for you and your family.  As your parents have came all the way from Sweden I can only imagine there is no doubt so much more in store for the DuVoisins.  

This is the two-story “I” house built by Thomas Durham in 1840.  It went on to be Lomira Perry’s summer home in the 1920s for her family.  The house still stands in Perry Farm today with multiple renovations.

     I’m sure you’re aware but that farm has been a comfortable lodging for travelers, a source of modest fortunes, and most of all, a home to all of us.  Once you’ve finished his time at my childhood summer home, I envision a recreational park in the farm’s future that can serve as home and history.  There is plenty to see and do at the farm with the expanse of field and prairies and old landmarks that deserve monumental appreciation.

      The farm stands on lands that were once inhabited by Potawatomi natives, who helped Thomas Durham and his family settle in this land, originally called “Twin Oakes.”  These natives faced hardships as the land was bought and cultivated, like the Treaty of Camp Tippecanoe in1832 when the Potawatomi had to move to the western side of the Mississippi River, adjusting to a brand new bargain while having plenty of roots at Twin Oakes.  Even years later when you and your family were already on the farm, I believe it was the 20s and you were very young, but you know how my mother and I didn’t like it when people passed through our farm just to explore the old Indian Caves.  There is something sacred to this land that I think very few people understand and I would rather not bear the burden of keeping it for myself.  In fact, I will be glad to be rid of it, knowing full well that it belongs to all sorts of people who will be kind to its past.  My sole desire is for the land to be enjoyed as I have enjoyed it after 125 years of my family line maintaining the place.  So please make yourself at home for as long as you like.

      Here are just a few of my wishes which I’ve put into my will: I want the Perry name kept on 40 acres of the farm which can be turned into a park.  That name is very important to me, not just as a name of the past but as a name of the future.  You remember little Perry Oakes, the son of another family who took care of the farm.  Small children like he used to be, remind me of future generations who lead curious lives and see the past in their brand new worlds.  It is also my family name so the farm’s name shouldn’t be a surprise to you.

      As for the Illinois Department of Conservation, if you can help it, please don’t let them blow this out of proportion.  Let this park be a part of a long-lasting American and French-Canadian culture.  One that stood up against slavery with steadfast Quakers, and one that has selfless, hard-working thoughts always on their mind.  I understand that no matter what happens to this farm, it’s out of my hands and rest assured I won’t come back to haunt you if things go awry.

This is Lomira Perry, the last member of the Perry family who handed the farm over the the Illinois Department of Conservation. She was born on June 11th, 1887 and died on December 29th, 1961.

      I’m not only writing to you, but I’m also bidding Perry Farm farewell.  So I hope you stop by and say hello for me.  Say hello to the ghosts of my family, the Potawatomi natives, the Oakes, the DuVoisins, and all the lovely caretakers who brought the farm to the preserved home it is whenever you take a walk there.  Most of all, know that you are very welcome.

Your friend,

Lomira Perry