Joseph Royer is perhaps the area’s most esteemed architect, designing such local landmarks as the Champaign County Courthouse, Urbana High School, and our own Urbana Free Library, among many others. Royer was born in 1873, graduated from the University of Illinois College of Engineering in 1895, and became the Urbana City Engineer shortly after.
While many of his designs maintain a consistent style, the home he designed for his mother-in-law, Ella Danely, marks a distinct and whimsical departure. It’s easy to see why the asymmetrical house gained the nickname the Fairy House when considering its shingled roof with curved lip, prominent chimney, raw fieldstone arch above the heavy front door, and brick and fieldstone wall with wooden gate that opens into a yard filled with hundreds of tulips.
Adelaide Danely Royer, Joseph’s wife, was a poet who wrote a series of children’s books featuring the Fairy House, including Fairy Book in the Round Window Series, published in 1925. The style of illustrations by Nell Brooker Mayhew mimic the Arts and Crafts interior of the house.
The Fairy House, located at 701 South Busey Avenue in Urbana, was once part of the Joseph Royer property at 801 West Oregon and originally contained only five rooms. The properties were divided in the 1970s, and the garage and stable behind the Fairy House were torn down. These two houses now comprise the Joseph W. Royer Historic District.
In 2007, the City of Urbana’s Historic Preservation Commission hosted an art show and contest for local high school students. An illustration of the Fairy House by Zach Krol won third place.
The Archives recently acquired the National Register of Historic Places (NHRP) nomination applicated for the Joseph Royer House and Ella Danely Cottage, 801 W. Oregon St., and 701 S. Busey Ave. This document includes detailed architectural and historical information about the two properties, and photographs of the interior and exteriors.
-Kati Haskins
Archives Assistant