1032 PROSPECT BOULEVARD

HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE

1032 Prospect Boulevard was built in 1929 for George and Clara Scheer. They hired builder Herman A. Teschke to construct a 1 ½ story, brick home at a cost of $8,000 and was issued a building permit on October 23, 1928. The 1929-1930 Elgin City Directory is the first directory to officially show George and his wife, Clara, residing at the home.

George was born in 1879 and married Clara in February of 1907. They resided in Hanover Township where George was listed as a farmer. They moved to Elgin around 1919 where he was listed as a Highway Commissioner. By 1927, he was a partner of Reinert & Sheer of which they owned the Algood Gas Station located off of Highland Avenue.

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

1032 Prospect Boulevard is a great example of a Craftsman style bungalow. Bungalows were extremely popular in the early part of the 1900s due to their size, typically 1 ½ stories, and the ease of access to materials making these particular homes affordable to the working class.

This particular home has a low pitched gable roof; jerkinhead gables; brick exterior; divided-lite windows; partial-width front porch; and rectangular plan. In 2021, the property was designated as a part of the Bungalow Thematic Historic District.

Sources: 2021 Heritage Plaque Application; Audio: TextAloud