1262 W. HIGHLAND AVENUE
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE
1262 W. Highland Avenue was originally built in 1929 for Edwin and Rose MeLahn for $3,400. Edwin’s occupation was a Work Dispatcher for Northern Illinois Gas Company’s Operating Department in Aurora. He began working there in 1926 and stayed there for 35 years. Edwin and Rose had one son, Douglas, who was born on April 8, 1928. The Melahns lived at 1262 W. HIghland until 1940 when they moved to 610 Standish Street in 1941.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
1262 W. Highland Avenue is an excellent example of a 1929 Sears, Roebuck and Company, Honor Bilt Modern Home. Known as the Betsy Ross Model, the Honor Bilt Modern Homes catalog boasts that, “it combines the charm of a pure colonial exterior with all the comforts and economics of a Bungalow. Judges of good architecture proclaim the perfect proportions and balance of this house.”
Sears offered building plans and provided bulk lumber to build them. By 1915, Sears was following the lead of other companies such as the Aladdin Company and offered “Ready Cut” homes as well as plans and materials. Read-cut, also known as kit or precut homes were welcomed by home buyers, who realized savings of up to 30% over the cost of standard construction. The primary savings was because they did not have to pay a carpenter to measure and cut each board, nor did the buyer have to pay for the design and blueprint services, shop for hardware, windows, doors or roofing materials.
1262 W. Highland contains many aesthetically pleasing “Already Cut” and Fitted, architectural features including its true colonial entrance with hood and pillars; original six over six windows; clear cypress siding and trim details; unique masonry designs found in the built in brick planter located at the chimney; texture sheet plaster walls and original millwork and hardware.
TIMELINE OF PREVIOUS OWNERS
Sources: 2016 Heritage Plaque Application; Audio: TextAloud