Frankly, a steal: Armour hot dog family estate, featured in 1983 movie, sold

The Armour family played a pivotal role in Chicago’s economic and industrial rise. Armour & Co., once the world’s largest meatpacking company, helped earn Chicago the nickname "Hog Butcher for the World." The company’s influence extended beyond meatpacking, shaping many industries and driving Chicago’s transformation into an industrial powerhouse. The transportation sector flourished due to the widespread distribution of their products.

In addition to their business success, the Armour family made significant philanthropic contributions, funding hospitals, universities, and cultural institutions. Their investment left a lasting impact on the city’s infrastructure and social services.

The family’s influence is still visible today, particularly in the West Loop, once home to Armour & Co.'s meatpacking plants, now a vibrant neighborhood of trendy restaurants, offices, and residences. Several of the family’s historic properties remain, including one that sold in November 2024, offering a lucky buyer a rare chance to own a piece of Chicago’s industrial and architectural legacy.

The Suffield House

The Suffield House, located at 255 N. Green Bay Rd. in Lake Forest, is a stunning testament to the Armour family’s legacy of wealth, influence, and sophistication. Built in 1912 as a gift for J. Ogden Armour’s wife, Frances, by architect David Adler and his designer sister Gertrude Elkins, the home reflects the grandeur of its era. Ogden’s father, Philip Danforth Armour, founded the Armour & Co. meat-packing business. Ogden expanded it to become the most profitable in the country by the end of World War I. However, after a series of poor investments, Ogden passed away in 1927, leaving only $25,000 and worthless Armour shares.

Frances inherited these shares, but saw the company’s potential and strategically revived the business, turning the shares into a valuable asset that secured her wealth and solidified the Armour family’s legacy.

The estate, set on five and a half acres, embodies the elegance of early 20th-century design with exceptional craftsmanship and manicured gardens. Gertrude, in tribute to her Connecticut hometown, named the house the Suffield House, and her influence is evident in every detail.

As a forward-thinking woman, Gertrude ensured modern amenities were integrated, including a fully functioning four-stop elevator. The walls feature antique Chinese paintings, English paneling, and original fixtures. The home offers five en-suite bedrooms and unique spaces such as cedar closets, a flower-arranging room, a gift-wrapping room, a vault, and a wine room.

The expansive backyard includes a pool, spa, and pool house large enough to serve as a guest home. Along with a carriage house and two two-bedroom staff apartments, the property blends historic charm with modern comforts.

Gertrude’s personal style is especially shown in her dressing room, which showcased her impressive collection of historic shoes. Her most prized pieces included two pairs of shoes worn by Queen Anne of England. One pair was worn at her own court and the second pair was worn while she danced a minuet with King Louis XIV at his court. Upon Gertrude’s passing, the collection was willed to the Art Institute of Chicago and has been featured in past exhibitions. Much like her prized collection, the Suffield House is a rare piece of history, combining timeless luxury with a storied legacy.

The house made a memorable appearance in the 1983 film “Class,” starring Rob Lowe and Andrew McCarthy. In the movie, it was the extravagant home of Skip Burroughs, played by Rob Lowe. The stunning estate was a fitting setting for Skip’s wealthy, carefree character, helping to set the tone for the movie’s exploration of privilege, relationships, and coming-of-age moments. It’s one of those iconic film locations that adds a touch of glamour to the story.

For the first time in 50 years, the home has been sold. After Gertrude’s passing, the house passed to her daughter, Lolita, who sold it in 1958 to Frank Keenan, the Cook County assessor, for $350,000. The home has remained a private residence ever since. It was sold for $5.7 million, a steal for anyone looking to live like royalty and own a rare gem and piece of Chicago history.

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