DeKalb in DeKalb County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Little House
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, September 10, 2026
1. The Little House Marker
This charming structure was built in 1891 as Patten Mfg. Company's contractor's model and parade float. William Ellwood acquired the building to use as a playhouse for his daughters, Jessie Jean and Harriet Elise. After they outgrew it, the little building was handed down to other Ellwood grandchildren, ending with I.L., Patty, and John, children of Will's younger brother Perry. The Perry Ellwood family would eventually give the Little House away, and after moves over the years, it came back to be located on the Oderkirk property on the west edge of DeKalb. Mrs. Burt Oderkirk returned the Little House to the Ellwood House grounds in 1973.
The elaborate siding and trim is typical of Queen Anne style, which treats wall surfaces as decorative elements by using materials of differing textures. The porch that covers the doorway and extends along one side is also common to this style. The delicately turned posts and spindlework porch and gable ornamentation is sometimes referred to as gingerbread trim.
The Queen Anne style was extremely popular from about 1880 until 1900; it fell out of fashion by 1910.
Erected by the
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.
Location. 41° 56.141′ N, 88° 45.193′ W. Marker is in DeKalb, Illinois, in DeKalb County. It can be reached from Linden Place west of North 1st Street, on the right when traveling north. This marker is located in front of The Little House at the Ellwood House Museum park in DeKalb. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 420 Linden Pl, Dekalb IL 60115, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Illinois. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ellwood Green (within shouting distance of this marker); Mrs. Ellwood’s Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Major General Johann De Kalb White Oak
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, September 10, 2026
2. The Little House Marker & Structure
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, September 10, 2026
3. The Little House
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, September 10, 2026
4. The Little House
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, September 10, 2026
5. The Little House Porch Marker
Little House
Restored in loving memory of
Jessie Jean Ellwood Chappell
and
Harriet Elise Ellwood Keeney
by their children
Marian Elise Chappell Bassham
Frank Huntington Chappell Jr.
and
Harriet Keeney Pinney
Elise Keeney Irving
William Ellwood Keeney
Robert Leland Keeney Jr.
John Henry Keeney
"For every child who looks through my windows or walks through my rooms, especially those who don't have to stop to enter."
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, September 10, 2026
6. The Little House Backside & Ellwood House
The back door to enter The Little House can be seen in the photo. Visitors are allowed to enter at the end of each tour of the mansion, as well at special events.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 10, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
