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'Compound' a curiousity to Farmer City residents
By Bob Holliday
bholliday@pantagraph.com
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FARMER CITY — James Swartz may have provided a glimpse of the intrigue to come when he wrote in his 1962 high school yearbook, “Greater men than I have lived, but I can’t think of any right now.” | Photo gallery

Fast forward several decades and Swartz is still a curiosity to many Farmer City residents.

After sticking mostly to himself in high school and then making his fortune overseas, Swartz has returned periodically to Farmer City and bought up more than two dozen pieces of property. He’s created a complex that encompasses about two square city blocks near downtown that includes houses, ornate gardens and a tennis court.

The website of the DeWitt County Treasurer’s Office shows that in the past tax year, Swartz owned about 30 separate parcels in Farmer City.

Farmer City Councilman Carl “Chico” Parr was in the same high school graduating class as Swartz, but hasn’t talked to him recently.

“It almost looks like he’s trying to buy the whole town,” said Parr, adding his former classmate began buying up property at least a decade ago.

While that is unusual in itself in a small town, the secrecy surrounding what some refer to as “the compound” makes it water cooler talk among some Farmer City residents.

When Swartz visits his hometown once or twice a year, he sometimes throws catered parties. But beyond that, people don’t know a lot about him except that he’s a wealthy lawyer who lives in London. Several residents have heard the rumor that he may have worked for an Arab oil sheik.

Adding to the mystery is that much of the Swartz compound is hidden from public view by ornate gates allowing only a partial view inside.

What can be seen from the street is striking: Huge gate entrances are reminiscent of horse and buggy days and the grounds are covered with trees, ivy and shrubs. A veranda has ornate wrought iron furniture.

“It’s all very interesting. I’d like to know more,” said Terry Emmerson, an owner of K & S Furniture in downtown Farmer City.

Joyce Thomas, who operates a day-care center in the town of about 2,000, is curious, too. She calls Swartz’s property “The Ponderosa.”

“If he’s got all this money, why not do something for the community?” Thomas asked.

Adding to the intrigue is that few Farmer City residents have been inside the compound that includes Swartz’s boyhood home. Similarly, only a few have had recent direct contact with Swartz, a member of what was then the Moore High School Class of 1962.

One local who has been a guest is City Manager Dave Joswiak, who thinks Swartz must feel sentimental value for the property he’s buying.

“A lot of people are fascinated,” agreed Joswiak, who earlier this year was invited to the property to discuss some business Swartz had with the city.

“He was a very proper fellow with an English accent,” said Joswiak, adding that they sipped tea.

While his high school yearbook indicates Swartz, who should be in his early 60s, was in the National Honor Society and acted in a senior play, his principal, Dewey Gronau, said Swartz stuck mostly to himself.

Swartz’s yearbook quote, in Gronau’s view, was more about ego than an attempt to be clever.

He suspects Swartz is planning to retire to the compound. However, he hasn’t talked to Swartz since those long-ago high school days.

Like others in Farmer City, Gronau is fascinated by the compound. But he’s likely to remain in the dark.

Swartz “doesn’t do interviews,” said Farmer City resident Darby Brackenhoff, who counts herself among Swartz’s friends but declined to talk about him.

Ken Peters, who is the caretaker at the compound, declined comment, referring inquiries to another Swartz associate, Dan Dolbert.

Dolbert, who said he’s known Swartz all his life, said Swartz is a very private person and doesn’t want to call attention to himself.

“He comes here to relax. He’s never told me what he’s planning,” said Dolbert.

Attempts to reach Swartz through other friends and associates were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, city officials are among the many wondering about the future of the well-maintained property. They don’t believe Swartz has children.

Joswiak said it’s “a pretty hard call” whether Swartz’s actions have been a plus or negative for the city because some of the houses he’s taken down haven’t been replaced on the tax roll. He estimated Swartz pays about $14,000 in property taxes yearly just on the main portion of the compound.

Terry Amacher, who has property abutting Swartz’s, is among those who thinks Swartz has improved the area — though like many others, he hasn’t talked to Swartz and would like to know more.

DeWitt County Treasurer Christy Long, who once lived in Farmer City, understands the buzz.

“I understand why people are curious,” she said.

Take a look
James Swartz has built a legacy in Farmer City anchored by his boyhood home. A gate, remenicent of a carriage entrance, is on the north side of the home. (Pantagraph/LORI ANN COOK) August, 29, 2007)
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Reader comments on this story - 58 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Paul wrote on Sep 16, 2007 9:24 PM:

" Never met the man, but am happy to see someone from our area make it, (his dreamscape) and be able to travel the world. Beats being a hum drum in this hum drum city does it not? Having an enclosed compound is one way not to have to look at the rest of this poverty stricken city where not to many property owners will keep up their little piece of the world. I know the lawn is well kept in there. "

Lived here all my life... wrote on Sep 11, 2007 10:23 PM:

" And I knew his mother, Phil Swartz back in the early 80's and have been in the "main" home before she passed away and the so called "compound" was being planned. It was an average mid-60's brick ranch home built on a very nice landscaped lot. Mr. Swartz inherited his mother's home and simply wanted to keep it for personal reasons. The man is loaded and has money to spend on his every whim. Which happens to be buying up the surrounding property of his childhood home and making more out of it because he CAN! Why does anyone care? The property he has bought has given the sellers more money for the property than if selling to anyone else. He pays his taxes and has improved the neighborhood. I will be very surprised if Jim retires to return to F.C. We have nothing to offer a man of this status other than his past memories. People, this is a hobby for him. Mind your own business and enjoy the scenery. If we were all smart, we would be buying surrounding property in hopes he approaches us for a sale and we'd make a huge profit! "

reply to Carlton wrote on Sep 10, 2007 8:25 PM:

" If you build in an already developed area you should be fully aware of the surroundings. The track has been there for years and I am sure it's appraisal is higher than your 200,000 dollar home. Sell and move. "

I wonder wrote on Sep 10, 2007 10:56 AM:

" if he knows about this article and if he is sitting in another "compound" somewhere exotic, totally getting off on reading how fantastically intrigued and impressed those peons from his former little hamlet are at the mere thought of him? "

I'm trying to figure out wrote on Sep 10, 2007 10:54 AM:

" why someone who high-tailed it outta here and who obviously (to some) has some amount of wealth, and who seems to live a high-rolling lifestlye, globe-trotting all around the world plans to "retire" back to po-dunk, Illinois., the arm-pit of the world? Personally, I think some of you've got it all wrong. I imagine it's highly unlikely that he plans to return here in any capacity. It might however, be likely that he enjoys stirring up grand impressions in folks from his past, and that his current life might not be quite as exciting and glamourous as some might think- beings he's got plenty of time to be thinking about Farmer City and impressing/intriguing those he left behind here after his escape. Afterall, he wouldn't be the first person who went to eccentric lengths to do things to appear as something he is not. "

TO: Dear "Impressed-No" wrote on Sep 10, 2007 5:30 AM:

" He seems like a pretty every-day Joe to you. Are you kidding? "

Amused #2 wrote on Sep 9, 2007 11:24 PM:

" Perhaps he is buying the property to annoy everyone who ever picked on him! "

Ya-Ya sister wrote on Sep 9, 2007 9:58 PM:

" Growing up in one of those small villages near BN I am thinking of about what his former principal said about him "keeping to himself". I'll bet that he was smarter than most and probably gravitated towards things of culture even as limited at it can be in small places. Back then teens were unforgiving and probably snubbed him for being different. Now its time to pay the pauper as he does the snubbing, leaving everyone to wonder what he will do next with his money and their property. "

Another great story wrote on Sep 9, 2007 9:58 PM:

" on the front page...i wonder if he has a cat...that's front page news for days. "

Carlton wrote on Sep 9, 2007 8:22 PM:

" Kuddos to Mr Swartz. As far as I am concerned, this man cannot buy enough property in this swamp. I am hoping that Mr. Swartz someday (soon) buys the race track. Oh what a dream it would be not to have the dirty people driving by my $200,000 house on the weekends!! "

Yes, Yes, Yes wrote on Sep 9, 2007 8:03 PM:

" Please do a ton of feature stories on the movers/shakers/big money folks in Mclean Cty. I would love to read about them. "

Big Surprise wrote on Sep 9, 2007 7:05 PM:

" Here's a shocker for some of you... even big city papers (NY Times, Chicago Tribune) sometimes put feature stories on the front page, even on Sunday. Is there some rule against that? Good grief. It's amazing what sets off some people. No one forced anyone to read this article. I found it interesting. If you didn't, then why did you read it? "

Dear "Impressed-NO" wrote on Sep 9, 2007 6:56 PM:

" So, the picture you paint- 'tho logically seen by some to be an attempt possibly to discredit or demonize the man, to me just points to his "regularness". Afterall, many of us support or oppose war, served or didn't serve, fled to Canada or did not. Your account shows that this man is much more LIKE the rest of us than UNLIKE us. Seems like he's a pretty every-day Joe to me. "

Sorry, "to; This backward article" wrote on Sep 9, 2007 6:52 PM:

" what you see as genuine public curiosity paving way to legitimate journalism, I see as nosy neighborliness that ought not be encouraged by professional news sources. It's one thing for an individual or even a group of same to hold curiosities... but for a newspaper to fan the flames and legitimize this by posing stories on a private citizen's property is to me an invasion. It also shows a quirky pettiness on behalf of those who have the curiosity. We all often think and wonder things from time to time that are likely better kept stifled. "

Veruca wrote on Sep 9, 2007 6:11 PM:

" Daddy, I want a golden ticket! "

poor taste wrote on Sep 9, 2007 5:22 PM:

" for news, more like junk! "

Mr swartz wrote on Sep 9, 2007 5:22 PM:

" There is property availiable in saybrook. Visit www.saybrook-il.com love to have you retire to little community "

Wingy wrote on Sep 9, 2007 5:08 PM:

" What are we expecting, the guy to offer up five golden tickets for a tour of his home? This isn't Willy Wonka. Why is this news? "

to; a joke wrote on Sep 9, 2007 5:06 PM:

" So publish your own newspaper. "

Zap Branigan wrote on Sep 9, 2007 4:33 PM:

" Farmer City..isnt that an oxymoron > ..a city..inhabited by farmers (!) "

God Bless Bloomington wrote on Sep 9, 2007 3:56 PM:

" LOL all of these comments are HILARIOUS! "

I think wrote on Sep 9, 2007 3:53 PM:

" all towns has that one unusual home. Prett groovy, I'd like to see the inside as well! "

Mystery? wrote on Sep 9, 2007 3:23 PM:

" The only mystery here is why someone who has done well for himself would return to a town full of gossiping, small-minded people who think that keeping to oneself and buying property is so extraordinary it should be made into a feature story. "

A Joke wrote on Sep 9, 2007 2:32 PM:

" This story is a joke. Another example of the Pantagraph being a weak, barely college-level paper. Simply terrible. Front page news...what a joke. I am canceling my subscription. "

Stop it wrote on Sep 9, 2007 2:30 PM:

" I can't believe this story was FRONT PAGE NEWS today. This is a prime example of how the Pantagraph and people in this area are "small town jokes." Who cares? For the many people who get this "newspaper" and don't live in Farmer City....WHO CARES!? Even if your'e in Farmer City, this is a great example of your "small town" mentality. Rumors, being nosy, and being small-minded. I can't believe that a newspaper would write a story...with zero story to it...and put it on the front page of their Sunday paper when it is nothing but being nosy in someone else's business. Leave this guy alone and give me a break! "

In the Know wrote on Sep 9, 2007 1:56 PM:

" Aw, come on Pantagraph....this was Sunday, front-page news???? A gross waste of space when there are other more pressing news items. At best, this should have been in the Life section. Leave the man alone. "

to: waco wrote on Sep 9, 2007 1:54 PM:

" It's our business because real estate transactions are public records. I suppose we could descend on the county clerk's office seeking copies of the records, but it's much more efficient for the media to do that for us. "

My Comments- wrote on Sep 9, 2007 1:31 PM:

" to Kent Dorfman I totally agree with you. To an idea - that is hillarious - you made my day with that comment. "

Farmer City resident wrote on Sep 9, 2007 12:52 PM:

" The Pantagraph is (supposedly) a newspaper....where's the news in this story? You told us nothing we don't already know and the only people you talked to haven't spoken to the man in years and have no idea what's going on. So again, where's the news in this story? Why don't you cover something worthwhile and actually important? "

im Curious wrote on Sep 9, 2007 11:50 AM:

" I am curious when Pantagraph will do similar features on other rich folk(or thought to be rich folks) in say....Bloomington, Normal, Lake Bloomington, Downs, etc. How about that house on E. Empire, next to BCC? Or, that big house on US150 just East of Towanda/Barnes Rd? Or, all those State Farm honchos? And, what about rich folks living in plain ordinary houses(what's up with them)? Could I submit dozens of request to Pantagraph to do similar features on them? Lifestyles of the Rich and Eccentric, they could call it. "

Wierd Article wrote on Sep 9, 2007 11:36 AM:

" I found this article boring to the extreme. I have no idea why it was on the front page. "

Good article wrote on Sep 9, 2007 10:48 AM:

" I've been wondering what was going on there. Now I know. "

An idea wrote on Sep 9, 2007 9:39 AM:

" Do you think he would buy the Coachman? "

I live in FC also... wrote on Sep 9, 2007 9:37 AM:

" The thing that make the compound so unusual is, it is surrounded by houses that are worth anywhere from $50,000 to $150000. It is in an old residential neihborhood, and the houses on his block have all been hooked together. I only live a block away, and I have to admit, I am curious and would love to see the inside. "

waco wrote on Sep 9, 2007 9:30 AM:

" to: i live in fc if he wants to bbuy and the owner wants to sell what business is it of yours? "

ex-fc'er wrote on Sep 9, 2007 9:18 AM:

" There have been many instances of "odd" things going on with Mr. Swartz's property that just don't fly with the rest of the citizens. For example, the "common folk" are prohibited by the city from planting trees on the terraces (the area between the sidewalk and the street) as this is "city property" but Mr. Swartz has planted a multitude of trees on the terraces. Just another example of money having the upper hand. The article didn't address Mr. Swartz's plans to eventually close the streets in the three-block area he owns which would greatly affect the traffic flow in town. What a surprise that his "employees" wouldn't comment. I wouldn't either if I pulled down several thousand a year for basically doing nothing. "

Impressed-NO wrote on Sep 9, 2007 8:54 AM:

" The fact that so many people in our town are curious of Mr. Swartz is understandable. He moved to Canada to avoid the draft and has not lived here since. He comes back to visit a few times a year and buys more property. To give him credit for doing so much for this town.......What about doing for his country and serving alone side of the GREAT AMERICAN HEROS???????? You should know the facts about the people of this small town wondering about this, we are not all that impressed. "

another american wrote on Sep 9, 2007 8:53 AM:

" I agree, leave the man alone. He obviously enjoys his privacy. He isn't hurting anyone. There aren't lots of nutty people living there. He is paying quite a bit in taxes back to his hometown. It isn't necessary for him to give anything more to the community. How many people actually GIVE to their community (aside from taxes)? The mystery is fun, leave it like that. The truth would probably only disappoint you, and take away the fun! "

when wrote on Sep 9, 2007 8:08 AM:

" I drive by the property........I think.....wish he would clean up my neighborhood. "

I live in fc wrote on Sep 9, 2007 7:34 AM:

" and it is not "so wonderful" as many of you thought. I live on the other side of town, but when I drive by there I think, "What house is he going to buy next?" "

My brother is a wrote on Sep 9, 2007 7:13 AM:

" Butler/Chef for a notable family who lives in suburban Chicago with other residences in various locales. He operates each household and manages the staff at each luxury home or "compound" and he enjoys this extravegant lifetsyle of travel and fine living. While it may not be common in this small rural area, there are indeed people of extreme wealth in most places. These people of privilege lead lifestyles and hold positions that do not even allow time for doing simple things we all take for granted like paying their own bills, tending their own yards and cleaning their own homes. So they hire professional staffs to maintain these everyday things for them. It's not such a novelty elsewhere at all. "

Report news, not small town gossip wrote on Sep 9, 2007 7:05 AM:

" DO SOMETHING FOR THE COMMUNITY???? He owns the property, pays the taxes and keeps it up! I'd sue The Pantagraph for invasion of privacy! Since when has someone's private business dealings become the fodder of front page media speculation? "

to; This backward article wrote on Sep 9, 2007 7:03 AM:

" Not true. The Chicago Tribune recently ran a fairly lengthy article on a 44,000 square feet house being built in Burr Ridge. People see large projects like these and wonder what it is. That's a legitimate question for the media to address. "

This backwards article wrote on Sep 9, 2007 6:43 AM:

" and the quirky comments of the "townfolk" show the bumpkinesque quality of the locale. Wealth in no other area is such a curious oddity. Millions of people in this country and indeed the world have tremendous wealth and show it in eccentric manners and purchases. All or most of these folks have such "compounds"- most have multiples. And my guess is that few or none of them have resulted in front page coverage of the area's local paper. It's a bit embarrassing, to tell the truth. "

Kent Dorfman wrote on Sep 9, 2007 6:38 AM:

" He bought it. He maintains it (or has it maintained). As far as it can be told, he does nothing illegal with it. Guess what? Butt out. He's a private "private citizen." It's obviously none of anyone's business other than the owner and his employees. "

Amen Otto wrote on Sep 8, 2007 11:54 PM:

" How about a biplane? "

to: Fyi wrote on Sep 8, 2007 8:33 PM:

" That means we have 15 million people locked up? I think the actual total is about 2 million, which means that 0.67% of Americans are locked up. "

are you kidding wrote on Sep 8, 2007 8:25 PM:

" Mrs. Thomas. I don't know who you are.........but you must not be very smart if you live in that neigborhood and don't appreciate what he has done.. He has improved it greatly. "

I am wrote on Sep 8, 2007 8:15 PM:

" very please that Mr Swartz has been successful. The people that are so nosy and vicious are probably just jealous of the man. He has employed a lot people that are working for him. I say Thanks to Mr. Swartz, It is not a mystery to me that everyone should want to keep their home nice "

Re: waco wrote on Sep 8, 2007 7:57 PM:

" Your comment is right on the money. Just because someone has become successful, why should they give back to the community? Did the community do something to make the person successful? Isn't his tax payment enough? I doubt that many others in FC pay that amount of taxes. Maybe the community should do more to make him welcome instead of speculating about him to a reporter! "

WOW! I think this is... wrote on Sep 8, 2007 7:45 PM:

" awesome. I was raised in LeRoy, but have been gone from IL for about 25 years. I can't even imagine something like this in Farmer City, but am happy to know this part of town is so nice. It does seem a little strange for Mr. Swartz to do this and it is quite mysterious as to what he plans to do in the future. Whatever it is, Farmer City should be proud to have a native citizen who cares enough to do this. Hi, Terry Emmerson! Haven't seen you in years! Patty "

He has done... wrote on Sep 8, 2007 7:09 PM:

" a lot to clean up that side of town. There were some bad homes there. "

waco wrote on Sep 8, 2007 6:40 PM:

" I think that the money this man is paying in taxes is plenty to " give back" to the community. If Ms. Thomas is so concerned about the community, maybe she should "give" something to it "

Ralphie wrote on Sep 8, 2007 6:33 PM:

" Don't we have more "The Cat and Tonto" stories? This story is weak. "

Fyi wrote on Sep 8, 2007 4:42 PM:

" Actually, only 95% of Americans are free; the rest are in prisons/jails. "

i wouldnt complain.. wrote on Sep 8, 2007 4:27 PM:

" if he was my neighbor.he has some lovely property that he has taken well care of.its nice to see someone who never forgets their hometown.as far as him not giving to the community,i dont think its fair to think he should.if that was the case every rich person should and lets face it,thats doesnt happen.be thankful he keeps the property up to standards and doesnt cause problems.if you want some of those problems i can send a few of my neighbors your way. "

An American wrote on Sep 8, 2007 4:18 PM:

" Leave the man alone this is still America and we are all still free "Thank God" "

Otto wrote on Sep 8, 2007 3:56 PM:

" How about the Pantagraph editors stick a crowbar in their wallets and pry loose enough money to hire a helicopter to get some aerial shots of the place? "
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