ELGIN HERITAGE COMMISSION
Tuesday, September 3, 2019 7:00pm
City Council Chambers, 2nd Floor North Tower 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, IL 60120
AGENDA
A. Call Meeting to Order and Roll Call
B. Approval of Minutes 1. August 6, 2019
C. Recognize Persons Present
D. Plaque Applications 1. 263-267 Douglas Avenue 2. 269-271 Douglas Avenue
E. Old Business 1. Reports from Neighborhood Groups on Heritage Related Activities 2. 2019 Elgin Heritage Commission Goals a. Historic Resources Survey (No Update) b. Elgin Historic District and Landmark Design Guidelines (No Update) c. Update to requirements for Heritage and Sears Plaque applications
F. New Business 1. December Plaque Awards – Tuesday, December 3, 2019 a. Potentially eight plaques will be awarded b. Discuss ideas for the lecture/presentation 2. Funding Request by the Downtown Neighborhood Association – Design Committee for supplies to move and secure the Crocker Theater façade pieces
G. Other Business 1. Upcoming Events a. Historic Elgin House Walk – September 7th and 8th, 9:00AM-4:00PM, check in at 364 Division Street b. Silent City Memorial Dedication – September 14th at 3:00PM, Bluff City Cemetery c. Elgin History Museum – Bluff City Cemetery Walk – September 22nd at 11:00AM- 3:00PM, Bluff City Cemetery d. Silent City Speaks Theater Production – September 29th at 4:00PM, Iglesia Principe de Paz
H. Adjournment
THE CITY OF ELGIN IS SUBJECT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990. INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES WHO PLAN TO ATTEND THIS MEETING AND WHO REQUIRED CERTAIN ACCOMMODATIONS IN ORDER TO ALLOW THEM TO OBSERVE AND/OR PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING, OR WHO HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING THE ACCESSIBILITY OF THE MEETING OR THE FACILITIES, ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT, ADA COORDINATOR AT (847) 931-5620 {TDD (847) 931-5616} PROMPTLY TO ALLOW THE CITY OF ELGIN TO MAKE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THOSE PERSONS. City of Elgin Elgin Heritage Commission August 6, 2019
Proposed Minutes
A. The meeting of the Elgin Heritage Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers by Chairman John Wiedmeyer.
1. Members Present: Brian Anderson, Len Govednik, Rebecca Hunter, John Marston, John Regan (7:03), George Rowe, Scott Savel, Steven Thoren (7:01) and John Wiedmeyer
2. Members Absent: None
3. City Staff Present: Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner
B. Approval of Minutes: 1. A motion was made by Commissioner Anderson to approve the April 2, 2019 minutes with the following amendments, under adjournment the name “Rose” to “Rowe.” The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rowe. The motion passed 5-0-4 (Govednik and Hunter abstained; Thoren and Regan absent). 2. A motion was made by Commissioner Rowe to approve the June 2, 2019 minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Marston. The motion passed 5-0-4 (Govednik and Hunter abstained; Thoren and Regan absent).
C. Recognize Persons Present: Janine Hnatusko (public) The Commission welcomed new committee members Len Govednik and Rebecca Hunter and gave introductions.
D. Plaque applications: 1. 461 Division Street – The plaque nomination received the following average scores: Historic Significance 8.38; Architectural Significance: 7.13; Current Maintenance: 6.50. A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to approve awarding the plaque for the property with the inscription that would read G. W. (George Willard) Reed, 1890. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Thoren. The motion passed 8-0-1 (Hunter abstained). 2. 52 N. Crystal Street – The plaque nomination received the following average scores: Historic Significance 9.00; Architectural Significance: 7.43; Current Maintenance: 7.29. A motion was made by Commissioner Anderson to approve awarding the plaque for the property with the inscription that would read W. & C. (William and Caroline) Kimball, c. 1870. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Marston. The motion passed 7-0-2 (Hunter and Savel abstained). Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 2 August 6, 2019
3. 315 Mountain Street – The plaque nomination received the following average scores: Historic Significance 8.57; Architectural Significance: 7.14; Current Maintenance: 7.29. A motion was made by Commissioner Anderson to approve awarding the plaque for the property with the inscription that would read W. & C. (William and Caroline) Kimball, c. 1870. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Thoren. The motion passed 7-0-2 (Hunter and Savel abstained). 4. 326 McClure Avenue – The plaque nomination received the following average scores: Historic Significance 6.67; Architectural Significance: 6.11; Current Maintenance: 7.11. A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to approve awarding the plaque for the property with the inscription that would read A. & L. (August and Lena) Podewills, 1906. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hunter. The motion passed unanimously.
E. Old Business 1. Reports from Neighborhood Groups on Heritage Related Activities a. Commissioner Rowe gave an update on the work at the Nancy Kimball House (302 W. Chicago Street) noting that the south elevation work is underway with tuckpointing, repairs, new door and surround has been ordered and the investigation of the limestone sill at the front door entry. b. Commissioner Rowe also reported on the successful car show that the Elgin History Museum hosted and they hope to expand next year. It was mentioned that Commissioners Savel and Thoren both won awards for their antique vehicles. c. Commissioner Thoren stated that there are new owners at 920 W. Highland Avenue and that the home was rehabbed prior to their purchase. He stated that the home was painted white but he was given permission to add a bit of color to the porch to highlight the details. The new homeowners seemed enthusiastic about living in a historic home and are planning on painting the remaining detail to match that on the porch. d. Commissioner Anderson reported that the Northeast Neighborhood Association has a watchful eye on a significant building that’s being threatened with possible demolition in the neighborhood. It was noted that the building is not located within the historic district.
2. 2019 Elgin Heritage Commission Goals a. Historic Resources Survey No update. b. Elgin Historic District and Landmark Design Guidelines Staff stated that she is continually working on the update to the guidelines and will provide the Commission updates on her progress. The goal is to provide the amendments for review and approval to City Council in the fall. Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 3 August 6, 2019
c. Update to requirements for Heritage and Sears Plaque applications The Commission briefly touched on the adjusted guidelines for the plaque applications but are planning on revisiting this at the September meeting.
F. New Business 1. Elgin Heritage Commission Budget Review Staff gave a recap of past expenses and the remaining funds left in the account. She noted upcoming expenses and asked the Commission approve the funding. Commissioner Savel made the motion to approve the renewal of memberships in the total of $200; the renewal of the Historic Elgin website fees of a total of $236, and the approval of the funding of 5 new plaques and 4 replacement plaques for an amount of $171.00. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Regan. The motion passed unanimously. 2. Plaque Replacement The Commissioners agreed that they will continue to replace the plaques for no cost to the homeowner. However, they noted there will come a time when they receive a large amount of replacement requests that they will not be able to fund due to the minimal budget that is given to them. 3. Renew Memberships: NAPC and Landmarks Illinois The renewal of the memberships were covered under the budget review.
G. Other Business 1. Commissioner Marston and the other commissioners gave their condolences to Commissioner Thoren for the loss of his father. 2. Staff reminded the Commissioners of the upcoming Solar Systems on Historic Structures presentation that she along with the Citizens Utility Board will be giving on Thursday, August 8, 2019. She encouraged the members to join as it will be informative and also located at the historic 1967 Kane County landmark designed by John Schmidtke.
H. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Regan and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner Community Development Department
Approved: Scoring Guidelines for Heritage Commission Plaque Applications
Introduction
The Elgin Heritage Commission plaque program recognizes buildings with both historic and architectural merit. The program is intended to promote preservation and awareness of Elgin’s past. The plaque is an acknowledgment of the owner’s efforts to research and document the building’s history and to maintain these structures as worthy examples of architectural style. The buildings and owners which receive plaques serve as role models for the larger community to emulate. The buildings become “reference books” for use in teaching others about our architectural and cultural heritage.
There are a large number of “kit” or “catalog” homes in Elgin. These buildings were originally constructed using precut lumber and other materials largely supplied by a single source. The buildings were marketed through catalogs and sold by Sears, Roebuck and Company and other firms. The Heritage Commission plaque program recognizes these homes with a special plaque that documents the name of the original owner, the date of construction and the model name.
The following guidelines help to delineate the criteria used to evaluate a building and merit receiving the special status of being awarded a plaque.
Scoring Guidelines
The scoring guidelines use three indices to assess an application. These cover the following considerations: 1. Architectural Considerations 2. Historical Considerations 3. Maintenance Considerations
Each of these indices has a point scale from 0 to 10. To receive a plaque, an applicant must score 6 or higher on each of three indices. In addition, the building must have been constructed more than fifty years ago.
Architectural Considerations
10 - A superior example of an established architectural style. The key elements of the style are both present and well executed in the design. There is no, or very little, evidence of architectural details, or other features (such as antennas, mail boxes, storm doors/windows, gutters/down spouts, etc.) that are inconsistent with the style or original appearance of the building. This score maybe awarded to an exceptionally well executed building of vernacular design, if all the architectural details and other features are consistent with period in which it was built. From the exterior, the building appears to be in original, as built, condition.
8 - A very good example of an established architectural style or vernacular design. The building may have alterations from its original appearance, such as additions, modified porches, changes to the windows, or missing architectural elements, etc., if these are changes are consistent with the overall style of the building, or, if not consistent, they have minimal impact on the building’s appearance.
6 - A good example of an established architectural style or vernacular design. Alterations maybe present but do not substantially obscure or compromise the style or original design of the building. Examples of these alternations may include additions or changes to the porches that are not consistent with the original design; Use of substitute siding in soffits and fascia; Use of substitute siding if the appearance and exposure of the siding is consistent with the original look and other details, such as corner boards, window/door moldings, etc. are present and appropriate to the style of the building.
4 - A fair example of an established architectural style or vernacular design. Alterations are present and while not entirely compromising the original design they noticeably detract from the original appearance. Examples of these detracting features are: Key architectural elements of the style are missing or no longer visible; Additions and alterations are not in character with the original style or age of the building; The use of substitute siding has obscured corner boards, window/door moldings, etc. The design or application of substitute siding is not consistent with that used when the building was constructed, for example, excessively wide exposures, or ship-lap, or board and batten profiles. Or, the color scheme greatly varies from those typical of the era in which the building was constructed.
2 - A poor example of an established architectural style or vernacular design. The building may have had very little architectural merit when constructed. Or, the building may have had subsequent additions and alterations which not consistent with the age of the building or have obscured many of the original architectural details. Or, the building has substitute siding made from asbestos, asphalt or a tar paper based products.
Historical Considerations
10 - A building associated with one or more individuals who played a leading role in Elgin’s history (e.g., significant community leaders, business persons, artists, educators, builders/tradesmen, etc.) Or, a building that was the site of one or more significant historic events. Or, a building that by virtue of its use over time for either residential, commercial, institutional or industrial purposes, was associated with of a very large number of citizens. Or, a building that has a significant symbolic connection with city’s identity (e.g., the Tower Building, Observatory, high schools, colleges, major institutions, prominent religious, commercial or public buildings.)
8 - A building associated with one or more persons who were representative of Elgin’s history but may not merit individual attention in an historical account, (e.g., watch workers, early settlers, small business operators, professionals, minor community leaders, etc.). Or, a building which was the site of one or more minor historic events. Or, a building that by virtue of its use over time was associated with many citizens (e.g., large churches, smaller size schools, public or commercial buildings). Or, a building that has some notable connection with the city’s identity (e.g., Teeple barn, Armory, Professional Building, etc.).
6 - A building that is typical of the era in which it was constructed, or representative of larger developments (e.g., a home in specific subdivision or area which was developed more or less as a whole). Or, a building that was used over a number of years by small groups of citizens (e.g., small churches, private clubs, etc.). Or, a building that was associated with one family for a long period of time. Or, a building that has some association with the city’s identity (e.g. in a prominent or landmark location).
4 - A building which contributes only to a small degree to the larger historical context of the area in which it exists.
2 - A building not associated with any of the historical or cultural conditions above. Or, while of an age eligible to receive a plaque, exists in isolation from a larger historical context (e.g., an in fill building from an era different than its surrounding structures).
Maintenance Considerations
10 - An exceptionally well maintained building showing virtually no signs of deterioration or in need of immediate maintenance or care. The surrounding landscape is also well maintained and complimentary to the building.
8 - A very well maintained building that may show some minor indications of needing periodic maintenance, such as, touch up paint, small scale tuck pointing, very minor carpentry work, etc. The surrounding landscape is nicely maintained.
6 - An adequately maintained building that may be in need of periodic maintenance such as minor painting, simple carpentry work, or repair/replacement of some secondary features such as gutters, screens, smaller size decorative elements which do not greatly detract from the overall appearance of the building. The surrounding landscape is adequately maintained.
4 - A building noticeably in need of periodic maintenance which may include large areas of faded or peeling paint, worn out stairs, porches, siding or roofs, broken windows or doors, damaged or obviously missing architectural elements, etc. And/or, the surrounding landscape is poorly maintained and is such a condition that it noticeably detracts from the building’s appearances.
2 - A building in poor repair. One or more major areas needing immediate attention to prevent further rapid deterioration of the overall structure. And/or, the landscaping is in very poor condition, e.g. debris, overgrown vegetation, dead limbs or plants or large numbers of weeds. ELGIN HERITAGE COMMISSION BUILDING PLAQUE APPLICATION
Applicant Information Name: Grant Born Building Address: 263-67 Douglas Avenue, Elgin IL 60120 Building Name (for public/commercial structures only): Current Owners: Grant Born Street: 25810 Cresthill Dr. Daytime Phone: 847 791-7087 City: Barrington State: IL Zip: 60010 Email Address: [email protected]
Nominated Property Information Name of District: Spring-Douglas Architectural significance rating: Significant Name of Property: Nelson Rogers Home / Howie Flats Address of Property: Current owner: Grant Born Owner’s address: 25810 Cresthill Dr Barrington IL
Original owners: Sarah and Nelson Rogers / James Howie Date of construction: c.1884 /1910 Architect (if known): /C. Saxe Builder (if known): /Henry Jensen (1910 apartments) Legal description: P. J. Kimball Jr’s 3rd Addition to Elgin Block 1 N 54” of Lot 1
Required Documentation: Check if attached: __x__ Current photos
__x__ Statement of Value
__x__ Building Alterations
Signature of owner ______
Date ______
Historical Significance P. J. Kimball Jr. platted his third addition to Elgin in 1854. The north 54 feet of Lot 1 in Block 1 remained vacant until the Nelson Rogers House was built c.1884. The house that currently stands on the rear of the lot was the main part the original house, numbered 265 Douglas. When the current apartments were built in 1910, the old house was moved to the back of the lot. The discussion below is divided into two sections; the original house, and the later apartment building.
1. 265 Douglas 1884 Prior to the 1894 street address re-numbering the house was listed as 165 Douglas Avenue. The house was built c.1884 for Nelson Rogers. The address first appears in the 1884-85 Elgin City Directory. The house does not appear in the 1880 aerial view of Elgin, nor is Nelson Rogers listed in the 1881-82 City Directory. Although the house had already been built, on October 16, 1886, Sarah Rogers and her husband took out a mortgage for $500. They again borrowed money in 1892, and again in 1897.
Sarah Rogers was born in 1836 in New York, as were her parents. Her husband Nelson was born two years earlier. The 1860 census lists Sarah and Nelson, and a son, Eugene, age seven months. They had two more children, Sherman born in 1866 and Fred born in 1867. According to the 1880 census, they lived at “164” Douglas Avenue in Elgin with Fred age 13 and Sherman age 14. Sarah died in 1904, at which time ownership of the house passed to her children. Fred transferred his share to Eugene by means of a quit claim deed in 1904. On May 9, 1908, Eugene sold the property to James Howie.
2. 263-67 Douglas The Elgin Daily Courier of March 3, 1910 announced the planned construction by James Howie of a four-flat building at 263-67 Douglas Avenue. The architect was C. Saxe of Chicago, and the builder was Henry Jenson. The Elgin Daily News of March 11, 1910 announced that the main part of the old Rogers Homestead was to be moved to the back of the lot. James Howie and his brother John Howie took out a mortgage for $6000 in July of 1910, and another for $2000 a month later. In August of 1910, James and his brother John and John’s wife Catherine borrowed another $2000.
The 1909-10 City Directory lists James Howie as occupant of 265 Douglas. James Howie was born c.1868, the son of Robert (born in 1821) and Anna (born in 1832) Howie. His siblings were Mary (born 1856), John (1863), Robert Jr. (1866), and Anna Jr. (1872). In 1870, the family lived in Dundee; in 1880 they lived in Burlington/Campton.
By 1915, names of tenants are listed, including Mrs. Belle Wallis, Alexander E. McCornack, MD, Charles H. DeWees and Harvey C. Nader in the front building, and Charles H. Hoose in the rear building.
In January of 1913, James, his brother John and John’s wife Catherine took out another mortgage for $6500. Later that year, the three Howies sold the property to Henry and Alwine Quindel of Schaumburg for $16,500. Three months later, the Quindels sold to David and Tillie Goldforb for $15,000, apparently taking a loss of $1,500. The Goldforbs owned it for seven years but did not live there. The 1913 City Directory lists their address as 161 Douglas. He was a grocer and confectioner.
The Elgin Courier News of May 12, 1920 announced the sale by David Goldfarb to David and Ethel Nerove, who lived at 451 Ann Street. He was a shoe dealer, working at 225 Chicago Street. The Neroves borrowed a total of $12,000 on the property in 1923; the following year they then sold it to watch factory worker John Schopen and his wife Olga of 451 Washburne, who in turn sold to Albert and Mary Logeman of Wisconsin in 1925. The Logemans were successful in managing the apartments for thirty-three years. From 1925-1927, the Logemans borrowed a total of $22,300. Thirteen years later, in 1940, they borrowed $5600. In 1958, the Logemans transferred the property to Esther Mitchell, a watch factory worker who lived at 268 DuPage, who then borrowed $35,000 on 263-67 Douglas plus two additional parcels in Elgin. The following year, Mitchell sold 263-67 to Tom and Lottie Porter of 454 Villa Street, who financed it for $35,600 in 1961. The Porters retained possession until 1967, when they sold to construction worker Willie E. and his wife Josephine of 114 Ludeke Place, who agreed to repay the balance of the Porter mortgage. The Binions were unable to keep this bargain, and in June of 1969, forfeited the buildings to First National Bank of Elgin subject to back taxes and to a mortgage made by Tom and Lottie Porter in April of 1961. In December of 1976, the bank transferred the property to Paul L. Mann of 1635 S. Clinton, Chicago, Illinois.
Beginning in 1967, city records indicate a long period of poor property management. From 1967 until 1982 the property was cited eleven times for code violations such as broken window glass, missing sash cords, holes in the walls and ceilings, cracked plaster, missing or broken interior doors, leaking faucets and a plugged toilet, insufficient heating, dangerous electric wiring, and overcrowding. In 1980, the building was declared as unfit for human occupation and vacated. A 1981 appeal to retain illegally installed space heaters was denied.
In 1982, there was a conflict of interest regarding the properties at 263-67 Douglas, 269- 71 Douglas and 278 Douglas, when ownership was claimed by both Raymond Gross as trustee of the Paul Mann estate, and Vic Sarro.
In 1983, the Chicago Title and Trust Company, in order to secure indebtedness of $132,500, executed a assignment of rents to Elgin Federal Financial Center for three parcels owned by Vic Sarro: 263-67 Douglas, 278-280-282 Douglas and 536 N. Liberty.
In 2011, the property was advertised for sale at $280,000. In 2017, Grant Born purchased and rehabbed the buildings, for which he received a 2917 Mayors Award.
Architectural Significance 1. Rogers Homestead The current structure is a two-story cross gabled vernacular building. The house appears on the 1887 Sanborn Fire Insurance map as a frame building two stories high, with two wings on the rear, and an open half-width porch on the south end of the west elevation. There was a two-story accessory frame structure on the northeast corner of the lot. No alterations appear on the 1891 map. By 1897, an additional small accessory structure appears along the north boundary of the lot. This is still present on the 1903 map.
2. Howie Flats The massing of the apartment building is typical of Elgin’s many early Brick Flats such as those designed by Gilbert Turnbull from 1883-90, for example 427-29 Fulton Street, 150-54 S. Gifford Street, or by David Postle in 1904 (314 E. Chicago Street), or 269-71 and 280-82 Douglas Avenue. These buildings are symmetrical, multi-story, flat-roofed structures with polygonal or rectangular bays on the front elevation, and a central porch. As was common in commercial construction, brick of a high quality was used on the front elevation, while less costly brick covers the side and rear elevations.
Born in Germany, builder Henry Jensen (1852-1918) came to Elgin in 1871 to work with architect/builder Smith Hoag as a carpenter. He became one of the most successful contractors and builders in the city. He made detailed hand-drawn renderings of the plans for many structures he built. A number of these, beginning in 1898, are available at Elgin History Museum reference room. They were donated by Elgin historian and former mayor Mike Alft, to whom they were given by someone who bought them at a local garage sale. Refer to copies of drawings for this apartment building in the Addenda.
Jensen’s hobbies included cultivation of trees and flowers, carving furniture, and reading books. He and his wife Fredericke had two children, Walter and Emma. Emma taught at Franklin School. Henry Jensen’s brothers and sisters also lived in Elgin.
The 1913 map shows the new apartment building facing on Douglas Avenue, and the front part of the original building sited on the east edge of the lot. The subsequent Sanborn maps indicate no alterations.
Building Alterations No exterior alterations to the apartment building The non-original rear porch was rebuilt in 2017 by Grant Born The rear house was rehabilitated in 2017.
Permits on file with the City of Elgin include: 1939 residential card showing a two-story multi-family unit with a rear house numbered 265 Douglas 1945: repairs 1958: re-roof 1958: repairs, for William Howie 1961: plumbing work by Hans and Sons 1966: wood porch floor repairs for J. Binion 1968: additional electric outlets 1980: electric revision for 263 – permit was cancelled 1967-82: eleven citations for code violations
Addenda Photos Deeds: Rogers 1886, Howie July and August 1910 Architectural survey City Directory page1884-85 Excerpts from 1880 and 1895 maps of Elgin Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps 1887, 1897, 1913
265 Douglas southwest elevation
West elevation
Decorative brick cornice
Porch detail
1884 purchase by Sarah and Nelson Rogers
Howie mortgage July 1910
Howie mortgage August 1910
Elgin City Directory 1894-5
Excerpt from 1880 map of Elgin showing 259 Douglas, demolished in 1981
Excerpt from 1895 map showing apartment building with house in back Sanborn map 1887:
Sanborn map 1897:
Sanborn map 1913:
ELGIN HERITAGE COMMISSION BUILDING PLAQUE APPLICATION
Applicant Information Name: Grant Born Building Address: 269-71 Douglas Avenue, Elgin IL 60120 Building Name (for public/commercial structures only): McBride Apartments/Thomas McBride Flats/Miami Apartments
Current Owners: Grant Born Street: 25810 Cresthill Dr Daytime Phone: 847 791-7087 City: Barrington State: IL Zip: 60010 Email Address: [email protected]
Nominated Property Information Name of District: Spring-Douglas Architectural significance rating: Significant Name of Property: Address of Property: Current owner: Owner’s address:
Original owner: Thomas McBride Date of construction: 1892 Architect (if known): Builder (if known): Lilley and Palm Legal description: P. J. Kimball Jr’s 3rd Addition to Elgin Block 1 Lot 2
Required Documentation: Check if attached: __x__ Current photos
__x__ Statement of Value
__x__ Building Alterations
Signature of owner ______
Date ______
Historical Significance The apartment building at 269-271 Douglas Avenue, variously referred to as McBride Flats, McBride Apartments and Miami Apartments, was one of many significant buildings in Elgin erected by members of the McBride family.
P. J. Kimball Jr. platted his third addition to Elgin in 1854. Prior to 1892, Lots two and three in Block one were owned by the Stone family, where they built a house c.1865. The Stone house does not appear on the 1855 Kane County map. Stone family members were among the early settlers of Elgin; grocer Rodney Worthington Stone arrived in 1853, and surgeon and dentist Arthur N. Stone came in 1866. Charles C. Stone, Sr., retired, lived on Douglas between Kimball and Franklin in 1871, and is listed at 275 Douglas in the 1889-90 Elgin City Directory. After the 1891 death of Charles Sr., his heirs sold lot 2 to Thomas McBride.
The McBrides were a prominent Elgin family for 100 years, contributing in many ways to the economic development of the town which was founded in 1835. They were purveyors of a variety of products, including farm implements, carriages and automobiles, real estate and pharmaceuticals. For additional information, refer to David Seigenthaler’s article “The McBrides of Elgin”, and Kane County Probate Records, available at Elgin History Museum.
The first McBrides arrived in Elgin in 1850. Thomas McBride Sr. (c.1810-1888) married Rebecca Robinson (1860-1906) in 1846 in Ireland. Shortly thereafter, they left Ireland for the United States, arriving in Elgin with their first two children in 1850. Thomas was initially a produce dealer, later greatly expanding his business interests to include stone, coal, wood, lime, brick, tile, ice, farm produce and livestock. When Thomas Sr. retired in 1877, his business interests were taken over by sons David S. and Thomas Jr., who operated lumber and coal yards at 200 Douglas Avenue and other businesses from their father’s grain and produce office on the corner of Highland and Douglas. In 1889, Thomas Jr. replaced this office building with the substantial McBride Building now known as 57 Douglas Avenue. The street directly east of the Fox River, extending from Kimball Street to Lincoln Avenue, was named after the McBride family.
Rebecca and Thomas Sr. had seven children: David (1848-1904), Henry (1850-1904), John (1852-1922), William (1854-1854), Thomas Jr. (1855-1941), Mary Jane (1859- 1937) and Rebecca (1862-1944). Rebecca and Thomas Sr. divorced around 1880; in 1886 he married his housekeeper, Lydia Munson. Thomas Sr. died in 1888, leaving real estate worth $38,068.00. His heirs were his wife Lydia and his children from his first marriage, David, Thomas, Henry, John, Rebecca Burritt, and Mary Jane Fuller.
Thomas Jr. married Salina (18??-1938). They had seven children: Jennie E. who died in infancy, Elsie R., Fred, Laura McBride Ladd, Thomas Walter, Helen McBride Morgan, and Margaret McBride Norling. When Thomas Jr. died in 1941, he left $100,000 worth of real estate in trust for his daughter Helen to distribute to his heirs.
In 1924, the property was purchased by James E. and Esther Sullivan, who financed it with a mortgage of $10,000 that year, and an additional mortgage of $1000 two years later. The Sullivans retained the rental property for only three years, losing it to foreclosure in 1931. The next owner was George Bernard, who acquired the building in 1932 and owned it until his death in 1935. In his will, he left all his property to his wife, Lottie Tetzner Bernhard, who pre-deceased him in 1930. As he had no children, his estate of $45,000 in real estate and $30,000 in personal property then passed into the Lottie Bernhard Trust, administered from 1935-1972 by his sister-in-law Amelia Tetzner as trustee. Bernard’s heirs included his, sister, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, a niece, the Old People’s Home at 204 S. State in Elgin, and the Larkin Home for Children.
In 1973, Howard and Ruth Haumiller acquired the apartment building, which continued to be operated under a bank trust until 1983, when Crispin C. and Janelle Elliott purchased it. The Elliotts sold the property to Grant Born in 2017.
Architectural significance The McBride Apartment Building is an extravagant structure with elaborate architectural detailing. The annual building report of December 30, 1892 states “Lilley and Palm built the… elegantly finished flats on Douglas Avenue for Thomas McBride. Their front is of red pressed brick and stone and the building is most conveniently arranged. It cost $11,000.” The massing is typical of Elgin’s many Brick Flats such as those designed by Gilbert Turnbull from 1883-90, for example 427-29 Fulton Street, 150-54 S. Gifford Street, or by David Postle in 1904 (314 E. Chicago Street), or 280-82 Douglas. These buildings are symmetrical, multi-story, flat-roofed structures with multi-story polygonal or rectangular bays on the front elevation. As was common in commercial construction, brick of a high quality was used on the front elevation, while less costly brick covers the side and rear elevations.
A number of architectural styles are reflected in the complex detailing. Elements derived from the Italianate Style include wide overhanging eaves supported by brackets, dentils on the cornice and below the porch roof, and rounded windows. Queen Anne era architects used wall surfaces as decorative elements by creating bays, towers, overhangs and wall projections, as well as use of multiple wall surface materials. The exterior cladding of 269-71 Douglas Avenue consists of brick, stone, wood and masonry. Differing patterns of brick courses, horizontal bands, and low-relief designs on lintels are reminiscent of Queen Anne Patterned Masonry subtype. The projecting porch exhibits details of Queen Anne Free Classic subtype in its symmetrical construction with round columns. Many of the decorative details are similar to those seen on the 1896 Elgin Fire Barn #3 at the intersection of Dundee Avenue and Duncan Street, designed by Smith Hoag, and the 1889 McBride Building at 57 Douglas Avenue.
The 1887 Sanborn Fire Insurance map shows an outbuilding belonging to 279 Douglas at the site where Thomas Jr. built apartments in 1892. The 1891 map shows that lot divided into two parcels, with the same buildings as the 1887 map. The apartment building first appears on the 1897 map, and appears unaltered on subsequent maps up to and including 1950. The name McBride Flats does not appear in city directories until 1900. The 1894 directory lists two tenants at 269, Fred Adams and George Ludlow; and five tenants at 271, N. D. Crosby, J. and J. Foote, William Ludlow, J. Martin and Carl Schulz.
Building Alterations The non-original rear porch was rebuilt in 2017
Permits on file with the City of Elgin include: 1927: electrical work 1937: remodel apartments 1937: Electric installation 1938: electric fixture installation 1939: residential card indicating a multi-family three story building 1946: electrical installation 1964: re-roof 1969 and 1970: Vic Sarro was extensively cited for many code violations such as missing or broken window panes and sash cords, improper use of extension cords, leaky radiators, leaky roof and chimney, poor condition of rear steps, and need of painting. 1982: Crispin Elliott was cited for code violations including damaged walls and ceilings, missing doors, improper heat, and need for extermination.
Addenda Photos Deed 1892 Book 312 page 464 Architectural survey 1995 City Directory page 1900 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps 1887, 1891, 1897 Map excerpts 1860, 1880, 1895 List of Kane County McBride family probate records List of Elgin properties associated with the McBride Family McBride listings in the 1892 City Directory
Northwest elevation
Porch detail
Brick dentils
Eave projection over bay
Window hoods
Book 312 page 464: McBride purchase from Stone family
1887 Sanborn Map
1860 Kane County Map excerpt showing house at 259 Douglas
Excerpt from 1880 map showing 279 Douglas
1895 map excerpt
Kane County McBride family probate records 1888 Thomas McBride Sr. c.1810-1888 1903 Thomas son of Henry 1903 Waneta daughter of Thomas and Martha 1904 Henry 1850-1904, son of Thomas Sr. and Rebecca 1904 David S. 1848-1904, son of Thomas Sr. & Rebecca 1906 Rebecca, 1830-1906, wife of Thomas Sr. 1924 Josephine 2nd wife of John 1927 David A., son of Henry and Margaret 1936 Margaret † 5/21/1936 no will 1937 Mary Jane McBride Fuller 1941 Thomas Jr., son of Thomas Sr. and Rebecca 1944 Rebecca McBride Burritt Gilbert Thomas W. son of Thomas Jr. and Salina 1960 Wesley son of David and Margaret
Elgin properties associated with the McBride Family Address Description Date Built by Douglas Grain and Produce office c.1850 Thomas McBride Sr 200 Douglas Coal and wood 57 Douglas McBride Building 1889 Thomas McBride Jr. Division/Chapel Residence Rebecca McBride Burritt Gilbert 269-71 Douglas Brick Flats 1892 Thomas McBride Jr. 51 S. Spring Henrietta Building 1908 Rebecca McBride Burritt Burritt Building Commercial building 1914 Rebecca McBride Burritt 891 Douglas Residence 1921 David A. McBride 520 McBride Lumber yard 1925 Thos Jr. and David S. McBride
McBrides in the 1892 Elgin City Directory Residences David, real estate, living at 129 Division David A., carpenter, living at 166 Bridge Henry, coal and wood, living at 162 Bridge with children Henry Jr., Katie and Lizzie Henry, ice dealer, living at 4 Ann Street John, Elgin Watch Factory, living at Morgan and Moseley John, judge, living on Dundee Avenue Rebecca, widow of Thomas, living at 129 Division Thomas Jr., Thomas McBride & Co., living at 22 N. Chapel Thomas, Bookkeeper, living on Bridge and Lynch Streets
Business addresses listed were: McBride Coal and Wood, 7 S. State Street Judge McBride, 2 S. Chester Avenue Thomas McBride & Co., coal, wood, lime, brick and tile, 106 Douglas Avenue, branch office 41 Milwaukee
ELGIN HERITAGE COMMISSION SEARS, ROEBUCK MAIL ORDER HOME PLAQUE Compiled by Rebecca Hunter July 2019
Proposed guidelines for inclusion in the plaque program
I.Historic significance Guildelines the same as for historic plaque, with the addition of a statement about the historic importance of mail order homes
II. Architectrual significance: see below
III. Building maintenance Guildelines the same as for historic plaque ______II. Architectrual significance:
Definition of a mail order home: Advertised in a mail order catalog Plan and materials come from the mail order company Sold as plans and precut framing boards, or as plans and bulk lumber
Visual identification alone has proved to be insufficient to positively identify a mail order house. Typically, mail order home designs were copied from the most popular styles of a given year. Most had no outstanding or unusual features which made them obviously different from any other home built during the same time period. Identical styles, construction materials and technologies were used.
Proof of Sears origin 1.The house usually looks like a catalog image. 2. Part numbers can be seen post-construction, stamped in ink or handwritten on structural boards such as joists, rafters, stair treads and risers, and wall studs. 3. Mortgage financing from Sears 4. Depression era re-possession of a home by Sears 5. Blueprints 6. Order forms or other correspondence
Evidence of probable Sears origin 1.Exterior details match those shown in mail order catalogs 2. Exterior dimensions plus or minus 12”, location of doors and windows, configuration, stylistic detail 3. Interior details that match those shown in mail order catalogs Floor plan Room dimensions plus or minus 6” Hardware, door and window designs, built in cabinets, original light fixtures match those in Sears catalogs Shipping labels on trim or framing boards.
Alterations deemed acceptable for approval of the application include: 1.Original alterations from the plan shown in the catalog: Reverse plan from left to right Exterior cladding of clapboard, stucco, brick, cedar shingle Substitute porch from another plan (25 N Melrose) Remove or add an external fireplace chimney Move, change size, remove or add a window Add a room
2. Subsequent alterations: Aluminum or vinyl horizontal siding Porch enclosure Discrete additions to the side or rear of the building which do not obscure the original architecture Attach a garage
Alterations deemed unacceptable Vertical siding Mid-century or later siding style Adding a story Additions which obscure the original architecture
Other considerations Custom design Sears homes, while rare, do occur. There is at least one in Elgin (2251 W. Highland). Custom design was part of the Sears Modern Home program in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Therefore, there is justification for including these in the plaque program, although their images may not occur in any Modern Homes catalogs.
VISUAL EXAMPLES
1924 Sears Modern Homes Catalog
PROPOSED ACCEPTABLE EXAMPLES
Elgin IL. No trellis
Elgin IL original brick cladding
Elgin IL porch screened
PROPOSED UNACCEPTABLE EXAMPLES
Elgin IL porch enclosed, windows replaced, diagonal siding
Lombard IL 2nd story matching original architeture
Wilmette IL major additions
1928 Catalog
PROPOSED ACCEPTABLE EXAMPLES
Villa Park IL rear addition
Elgin IL porch enclosed
PROPOSED UNACCEPTABLE EXAMPLES
Naperville IL porch enclosed, large dormer addition
Elgin IL added second story
PROPOSED ACCEPTABLE EXAMPLES
Mechanicsville IA no alterations
Elgin IL no porch trellis
University Hts OH fence added
Elgin IL original side addition; porch altered
PROPOSED UNACCEPTABLE EXAMPLES
Elgin IL original addition, mid-century siding
Kenilworth IL added 2nd story
Ann Arbor MI porch enclosed, added 2nd story
Elgin Heritage Commission September 2019
Proposal: The Downtown Neighborhood Association requests funds to inventory, secure, and further preserve the facade of the Crocker Theater until such time that a use is determined.
Background : The Crocker Theater was built in 1923 in the Neo-Classical style by Balaband and Katz Chain , with a terra cotta facade. It showed silent films, and had up to three vaudeville acts each day throughout the 20’s. It closed its doors in 1981 and has remained closed until was acquired by the city of Elgin in 2000 as a shell of its former self.
In June 2005, the city had the Crocker Theater razed to make way for a condominium development project that ultimately never happened. Thankfully Elgin’s dedicated preservationists advocated for the preservation of front facade of the Crocker. The facade was removed, placed on wooden pallets and stored by the City of Elgin.
Those pallets ultimately made it to a site north of the Gail Borden Library. Brush and vegetation encompasses much of the storage area. Many of the glazed terra cotta pieces and brick are currently unprotected.
As vacant lots downtown are proposed for redevelopment in the near future the DNA Design Committee is looking for ways that the Crocker’s facade can be integrated into Downtown Elgin once again. What those plans are rely on an inventory and assessment of the pieces of the facade currently in the public works lot in an effort to determine if the facade can exist again in full or in part. The remaining pieces will be photographed, inventoried, stacked securely, banded to plastic pallets, then covered in a tarp and wrapped with pallet wrap.
The end goal is a complete inventory of what remains and protection of those pieces until such a time that a use is determined. DNA Design Committee will then be able to successfully advocate for it’s reuse as an inventory, design plans, and secure and palletized facade pieces will be more marketable than the crocker facade in its current state.
Cost: The funding we are requesting is $500. This amount will go towards the purchase of no-rot plastic pallets, tarps, pallet wraps, banding, and a small shelter logic structure for the most valuable at-risk terra cotta pieces.
Partnerships: The Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Design Committee will be partnering with volunteers from the Elgin History Museum and other local neighborhood organizations to execute this 100% volunteer driven work.
Presented by: Michael Zimmer, Committee Member, Downtown Neighborhood Association Design Board.