Pictures of Sanfilippo's Estate

[Retrograde]

Glad everyone has enjoyed the video. It's "part one" of the estate and only included the main house. "Part two" will include the other building showing the trains, steam engines and other amazing sights.

FWIW, I was told this year by a docent that video/filming was not allowed, however still pictures were allowed. I go every year and take the same pictures of the same stuff, just can't get enough of the place. I have some video too.... shhhhhhh.

[Couch Potato]

Thank you very much for posting this video and pictures. It is truely a wonderful collection of items from another age. Did anyone see a Victrola X or Victrola XI in the estate? Did not see any in the photographs. Maybe those are still on the list of things to get? The quality of the collection is simply astonishing.

[antique1973]

Cool video, thanks for posting! Anyone know what model that is at 1.00?

[phonogfp]

Cool video, thanks for posting! Anyone know what model that is at 1.00?

That's a Victor V in a custom Douglas cabinet, sitting on a Salter record cabinet. There's a full-page photo of the same machine on page 121 of Discovering Antique Phonographs.

George P.

[phonogal]

Thanks for the video. Loved it. Now I know where all those hard to find cylinder and disc cabinets went.

[antique1973]

Cool video, thanks for posting! Anyone know what model that is at 1.00?

That's a Victor V in a custom Douglas cabinet, sitting on a Salter record cabinet. There's a full-page photo of the same machine on page 121 of Discovering Antique Phonographs.

George P.

Thanks George, it looks pretty nice!

[Phonofolks]

That does it! Just when I remove an item from my "Bucket List", something like this comes along that I must add-on to it. These videos and photos are nothing short of "AMAZING"! Is there a website associated with this museum? I need to visit it and then plan my trip. Thank you very much for posting this.

Wow, I don't t get to Chicago often, Maybe once every 20 years, but if I am ever in the area, I will be sure to check that place out. It looks like an absolute wonder of amazement!

Tony K.

The place isn't really a museum; it's Jasper's house (the largest private residence in Illinois!). As such, there aren't regular hours when it's open. The Sanfilippos often make it available for charities and other philanthropical endeavors, but it's not really a "stop in the next time you're in Chicago" kind of venue. The best time to see it is the Saturday night of the Union show weekend, when Jasper opens it for all the phonograph collectors. I've been trying to talk my wife into flying out to the show just to see Jasper's place. So far, no luck.

George P.

Well George instead of asking her to fly out with you, tell your bride you will drive her out to the Union show. She may take you up on your offer.

[Henry]

What, no model railroad? Fuggettaboutit!

When one owns a full size working steam locomotive, there's no need for no stinkin' model train.

(there's a fully restored passenger car and caboose back in there for completeness.)

So Retro, how often do they run that train? I assume that they have their own trackage on the estate, or access to some. (BTW, not to disregard the effort, but I daresay this "restoration" is quite overdone. I've looked at lots of photos of vintage machines, and some real ones restored to "as built" conditions, and this one seems over the top. Still, any preserved steam locomotive is a universal good )

[Jerry B.]

I could be wrong but I think the original intent was to transport guests from the house to the carriage house using the train. Jerry

[Retrograde]

So Retro, how often do they run that train? I assume that they have their own trackage on the estate, or access to some. (BTW, not to disregard the effort, but I daresay this "restoration" is quite overdone. I've looked at lots of photos of vintage machines, and some real ones restored to "as built" conditions, and this one seems over the top. Still, any preserved steam locomotive is a universal good )

I've not seen it in action, but I was told that it is in working condition. And yes, the estate has some standard gauge track coming out of the building (1000 feet or so, maybe), no main lines nearby.

One thing you may notice about Jasper is that he doesn't own anything that's underdone, and the folks that work for him have the most fascinating stories on how many of the items were acquired and restored. Overdone, well maybe, but I don't think I'd have it any other way.