The architect’s Lake Forest home, Bagatelle, pictured in 1976. The home was located on land subdivided from the estate of David Jones, Catherine Jones Bennett’s father.
Edward H. Bennett (1874-1954).
Bagatelle gardens, 1983. Center fountain and pool surrounded by potted flowers and shrubs with view of rear façade of residence.
Edward Bennett was born England in 1874, later moving to San Francisco. There, well-known architect Bernard Maybeck, convinced Bennett to attend the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He returned to New York and worked for George B. Post, who recommended Bennett to Daniel H. Burnham.
By 1903, Bennett was in Chicago working with Burnham on the Plan for San Francisco and the Plan of Chicago. He is credited with creating these well-known urban designs. Soon, Bennett became one of the most highly respected city planners in the country. He went on to partner with William E. Parsons and Harry T. Frost. The majority of his work reflects an interest in the Beaux Arts tradition.
Locally, Howard Van Doren Shaw tapped Edward Bennett to consult on the design of Market Square. Bennett also laid out Knollwood Club and the home lots that weave around the club. He married Lake Forester Catherine Jones and the family resided at 89 East Deerpath or “Bagatelle,” an estate he designed in 1916.