523 Harrison Street
Chester, Illinois
618-615-1548

The Cohen Memorial Home is a beautiful historical site located on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Its unusual blue storm windows make it a very visible landmark for boats on the river and travelers approaching the Chester Bridge from Missouri. It is speculated that the window color cut down on the heat entering the house. It is said that Mark Twain referred to the Cohen Home as "the house with blue windows" as he traveled the Mississippi.

The home was built by the Hasken family in 1855 and was the home of the William Cohen family from 1886 until the youngest son, Bud, died in 1983. The home is now owned by the city of Chester and operated by a committee of volunteers. Bud Cohen lived a simple, almost austere life and folks were surprised that upon his death, he left $7 million dollars to the youth of Chester. The city build a community sports center. The boy scouts of Chester attend the National Jamboree each year and receive scholarships. The girl scouts also receive scholarships and before they age out of scouts, they visit Savannah, Georgia, the birthplace of Juliet Lowe, the founder of girl scouting.

The main floor parlors are furnished with tables and chairs to facilitate use of the home as a meeting place. The second floor bedrooms contain furnishings and collections from several families of Chester including the Cohen family. The home is now owned by the city of Chester and is operated by a committee of volunteers.

Visiting the Cohen Memorial Home
Tours of the home are available by appointment.
Admission