Hovhaness's parents moved to Arlington Heights when he was 5 and he lived there until about 1933. It was in this house that he began composing in earnest, usually in secret by night, hiding manuscripts under the bathtub.

The composer's final visit here was in 1982, passing through with his wife. He later remarked in interview "I was glad to see that the hickory tree in front and the ash tree in the back were doing well."

Arlington honoured Hovhaness by declaring March 11 1985, his 74th birthday, Alan Hovhaness Day.

     Photographer unknown.