DU QUOIN HAYES HOME

Hayes House: A Celebration of Illinois’ Heritage

In addition to preserving the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield, the Illinois Governor’s Mansion Association is proud to oversee the Hayes House on the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in southern Illinois.

Hayes House is one of two homes built by Du Quoin State Fair founder W.R. Hayes in 1942. It was the home of Hayes’ son, Gene, his wife, Leah, and their children for more than two decades. After the death of Gene Hayes in 1967, his son, Bill, and his family lived there until 1979, when it was sold to the Jabr family. The home was purchased by the State of Illinois in 1986 and serves as the downstate executive residence for the Governor and his family when they are staying in southern Illinois. 

To learn more about the history of the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, please click HERE.