“He was a warrior for historic preservation”

About 50 people, many in Civil War era fashion, listened as Theo Kenyon spoke at a ceremony April 11 about her late husband’s dedication to historic preservation. She was the primary donor of funds for construction of an elevator for the Grand Army of the Republic Greenhut Memorial Hall, 416 Hamilton Boulevard. Her husband, Leslie Kenyon, is widely credited with saving the G.A.R. Hall as well as many other historic structures in Peoria.

Local architect Leslie H. Kenyon, founder and president of Kenyon & Associates architectural firm, was a long-time historic preservationist in Peoria. After he died in 2011 at 88, his widow Theo Kenyon worked to fulfill some of her husband’s works in progress.

One project was dedicated last month. Theo Kenyon was the primary donor of funds for construction of an elevator for the Grand Army of the Republic Greenhut Memorial Hall, 416 Hamilton Boulevard.

Known as the G.A.R. Hall, the building was constructed in 1909 as a memorial to Civil War soldiers. Leslie Kenyon is widely credited with saving the building from demolition, and the elevator now makes the building handicapped accessible and more suitable as a location for events, receptions and dinners.

“He was a warrior for historic preservation,” Theo Kenyon said at the dedication ceremony April 11 with about 50 people in attendance, many in Civil War era dress.

Former City Councilman Jim Bateman said that by the 1970s, the building had deteriorated to the point demolition was being considered, but “one of the strongest voices to save the building was Les Kenyon.”

Leslie H. Kenyon

The structure needed a new roof, extensive tuck pointing and other major work, “and each time, Les Kenyon put together the resources and made sure the building was secure,” Bateman said at the dedication ceremony.