The Brickey House of Prairie du Rocher Illinois
The Brickey House in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, was an impressive three-story residence with a rich history originating from an 1860s lottery win associated with an opera house in Chicago. Abraham Hagerman Lee, the winner, sold his claim for $200,000 and used the money to construct the house. Later owned by F. W. Brickey, the mansion became a local cultural center. Tragically, it was abandoned and ultimately burned down in April 1970, marking the end of a storied legacy that began with a simple lottery ticket.