21 HAMILTON AVENUE
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE
21 Hamilton Avenue was built in 1924 by an unknown contractor for Clarence and Anna Head. Anna's mother, Helen Dunn had purchased the lot next door in 1921 with a double lot. She lived at 25 Hamilton and conveyed 21 to her daughter and son-in-law in 1924.
Clarence and Anna both worked at the Elgin National Watch Company when they were first married. They had this house built in 1924 and remained here until Clarence passed away in 1984 and Anna in 1986. Anna was 86 years old when she passed away. It was only then that the house was sold by the bank in accordance with her will.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
21 Hamilton Avenue was built in the Craftsman Bungalow style. Characteristics of this style include the central dormer, wide eaves and hipped roof. Its porch has been closed in, but still maintains the appearance of a porch. The home was originally built with clapboard siding, however, Clarence and Anna resided the home with a brick veneer in 1963 at a cost of $1,200. The new siding gives the same appearance as an older home that would have been built with a brick veneer.
TIMELINE OF PREVIOUS OWNERS
Sources: 2013 Heritage Plaque Application; Audio: TextAloud