1010 CENTER STREET
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE
1010 Center Street was built by and for William C. and Anna S. Wendler in 1884. William was born on December 18, 1854 to John and Margarette Wendler who were farmers in the Hanover Township. William was employed by the City working in the Water Department. Anna was born in 1867 in Germany and worked at the Watch Company and later was employed at the David C. Cook Publishing house. William and Anna had eight children. Anna passed away in 1936 with her husband following her in death a year later. Both are buried at the Bluff City Cemetery. The home continued in the Wendler Family's ownership until 1974.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
The house is considered a homestead, Gabel Ell with few ornamental details. The house sits on what is known as Block 3 of Lot 15 in Slade's Addition to Elgin, which was subdivided in 1881. It was quite far from downtown at the time it was built but is considered significant as it shows the beginning of a growth trend in Elgin. Some significant features of the home include its wrap around porch with Doric columns, its unique window and door trim and hood designs as well as its brick chimney.
TIMELINE OF PREVIOUS OWNERS
Sources: 1987 Heritage Plaque Application; Audio: TextAloud