110 SLADE AVENUE

HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE

110 Slade Avenue is an English Tudor Revival home built in 1928 by Coleman Miller, a building contractor, who built many homes in Elgin. The property was purchased by Edward Howard in 1925 from Oscar B. McGleason and Nora his wife, and the building permit was issued on September 19, 1928. According to the permit, the house was to be 24 by 49 feet two story house with a two car with brick veneer and would cost $9000.

Edward Howard and his wife, Augusta, were the first owners of this house. While it was being built, they lived at 809 Prospect Boulevard. They maintained ownership of 809 Prospect for several years and rented it for additional income. Edward became the superintendent of the Watch Case Company in 1927, so 110 Slade Avenue may have been his sense of accomplishment with that promotion. Edward came to Elgin in 1892, having learned the watch case business in Sag Harbor, New York. He became a foreman at the Watch Case Factory in Elgin just four years after his arrival here. In 1912, he became an Assistant Superintendent, which eventually led to his promotion as Superintendent in 1927. The Illinois Watch Case Company was located at the corner of Slade Avenue and Dundee Avenue. 

Edward was a member of St. Joseph's church in Elgin and was affiliated with the Elgin Lodge of the Elks. Interestingly, both Edward Howard and his wife Augusta (nee Bolz) were born as half of a set of twins. Also noteworthy, Bolz Road, north of Meadowdale shopping center, is named after Augusta's family, her maiden name being Bolz. They had a farm in that area for more than 50 years. After Edward's death in 1942, their son Gordon took over the maintenance of the home. Gordon was the advertising director of the Elgin National Watch Company for 38 years and published the periodical, "The Watch World." After the death of her mother, Augusta (d. 1968), and later her brother (d. 1984), Gordon, the home was sold in 1984 by the only daughter in the family, Mrs. Mary Childs. 

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

110 Slade Avenue is an excellent example of the English Tudor Revival style home. It has an asymmetrical front gable entryway and six over one double-hung windows. There is also half-timber detailing of wood and stucco on the second floor. The steep roof is also another indicator of the Tudor Revival style. Some interior characteristics of the home include a classic wooden curved stair railing, a velvet theater rope used as a stair railing, all original hardware, a phone niche in the hall, and a milk delivery door in the kitchen. 

Sources: 2014 Heritage Plaque Application; Audio: TextAloud