Danada House

Most folks around Wheaton already know Danada House, but we’re always grateful for the chance to share this place with more people.

This was a beautiful wedding Friday, filled with color, joy, and meaningful tradition at Danada House. We were honored to host this stunning South Asian wedding celebration, surrounded by vibrant florals, loved ones, and the peaceful beauty of our gardens. Congratulations to the happy couple!

As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, may we also take time to remember and honor the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. We are grateful today and always.

The Danada grounds are “starting” to get real pretty, this time of year. Some of the best flowers have yet to bloom but we will keep you posted!

Happy Mothers Day from all of us at Danada House!

Danada House is a beautiful setting for baby showers, bridal showers, birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings, and special celebrations.

With historic charm, indoor and outdoor spaces, and the natural beauty of Danada Forest Preserve, it’s a place that makes the day feel a little more meaningful.

Learn more: https://DanadaHouse.org/private-events

Private Events, Baby And Bridal Showers | Danada House From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, enjoy your private events with exceptional service, and an experience tailored to your vision.

Yesterday’s Derby crowned a new winner, but Danada has had roses in its story since 1965.

Lucky Debonair, owned by Dan and Ada Rice of Wheaton, won the 1965 Kentucky Derby with legendary jockey Bill Shoemaker aboard.

Lucky Debonair was bred by the Rices at their Danada Farm satellite operation near Lexington, Kentucky. He was sired by Vertex out of Fresh as Fresh, a mare descended from Count Fleet, the 1943 Triple Crown winner.

Trained by Frank Catrone, Lucky Debonair rose quickly as a three-year-old. He won the Santa Anita Derby, setting a stakes record of 1:47.00, then won the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland before heading to Churchill Downs.

On Derby Day in 1965, Lucky Debonair defeated a strong field that included Dapper Dan, Tom Rolfe, Hail To All, and favorite Bold Lad.

He later returned to racing in 1966 and won the Santa Anita Handicap, defeating Native Diver.

Lucky Debonair was retired to stud at the Rices’ Kentucky farm and went on to sire fifteen stakes winners, including Irish Derby winner Malacate.

He died in 1987 at age twenty-five. In 2002, the City of Wheaton honored him with a plaque and memorial rock at the Danada Equestrian Center.

Danada’s Derby story is not just history from somewhere else. It is part of the land, the people, and the legacy still remembered here today.

Danada has a fascinating history and won many races to solidly their legacy in horse racing. Here are some of the trophy’s on display at Danada House. There is so much great information on danadahistory.org so to learn more about Lucky’s journey and the history of Danada:

https://danadahistory.org/notable-horses/lucky-debonair/

Beautiful setting and delicious, gourmet My Chef Catering!

Tables set, buffets built, and another season of weddings right around the corner. From clean, elegant tablescapes to full buffet spreads your guests will keep coming back to, this is what we love bringing to every celebration.⁠ ⁠ Warm weather, long days, and a calendar full of great weddings ahead. Let’s make it a good one.⁠ ⁠ #MyChefCatering #SummerWeddings #WeddingSeason #TablescapeInspo #WeddingBuffet #ChicagoWeddings #EventCatering

This was a beautiful October wedding at Danada House! Thanks for gorgeous garden photos, the first dance and cake cutting inside the Atrium. Congratulations to this beautiful couple! Thank you for letting Danada House be part of your story.

Photos by TWA Photographic Artists