Illsley / Illsley Place

Illsley, also, Illsley Place. . , Illsley. "Illsley" was the name of the large estate of Frank Illsley Brown and Anna Bond Brown. Their stately Italianate home faced west toward the St. Mary's River and was surrounded by extensive gardens. The front of the property on Broadway featured decorative stone piers, an iron fence, and a long drive leading to the home. In 1923, the estate was sold to local land developer W.E. Doud and the Illsley Place Company for $50,000. The Browns retained ownership of the house; however, it was moved and turned to face north. It is now on three lots at 1225 Illsley Drive., Illsley Place. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. The Illsley Place Company was incorporated in 1923 for the purpose of developing a parcel of land now known as Illsley Place. Local newspaper promotions declared the new development "Fort Wayne's Most Exclusive District", "Illsley Place offers to the man who is now planning his future home, every advantage he may desire". This included "Graceful maples, sturdy oaks and beautiful shubbery," providing "peaceful quietude". The development quickly filled, with all but three houses constructed prior to World War II.