Heritage House Museum

The Heritage House Museum comprises three preserved residences on North Hanover Street: the Frank Schlosser Complex, the Dr. Robert C. Poos Home, and the Joseph Schlosser Home. Each building displays rooms with original furnishings and period objects that show how families lived during different eras.

Frank Schlosser operated a harness shop on the property while his wife Sophia and daughters ran laundry services for guests visiting the nearby mineral spa. The Joseph Schlosser House was built in 1869 and represents older construction methods common to the area.

The museum displays Victorian furnishings and medical equipment that reflect how different families lived and worked in the community. These objects reveal the various professions and daily routines that shaped Okawville across generations.

Guided tours through all three houses are conducted by the Okawville Chamber of Commerce, with knowledgeable guides explaining the architectural features and how each space was used. The houses are typically open during weekend afternoons, allowing visitors to walk through at a leisurely pace.

The Joseph Schlosser House is one of the last remaining examples of Old World building traditions in Okawville, constructed directly adjacent to the street. The brick facade and close proximity to the street edge demonstrate construction practices that are no longer common in the area.

Location: Okawville, Illinois

GPS coordinates: 38.43472,-89.55167

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:44