302 MCCLURE AVENUE

Front and side view of a brick bungalow house with covered porch and snow.

Brick two-story house with front porch, dormer window, chimney, and clear blue sky.

Front view of a brick house with porch, steps, dormer window, and clear blue sky.

Brick house front with bay windows, a small stained-glass window, and a dormer under a blue sky.

HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE

302 McClure Avenue was built in 1909 for Charles and Sophie Giertz for a cost of $2,000. Charles was a mason by trade and worked for his uncle at Charles E. Giertz and Son. The notable Elgin builders were located at 57 Douglas Avenue and built this home among other buildings including the historic Masonic Temple at 312 E. Chicago Street, the Charles and Louisa Busche House at 616 Park Street, and 12 S. DuBois Avenue. Charles passed away in 1934 and his wife and eldest son, Edward, remained in the home until her death in 1956. Upon his passing the home was rented and then sold to the next owners in 1969.

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

The home is an impressive hipped roof bungalow with many of its original features including the entrance doors, multi-lite windows, art glass windows, original porch elements and craftsman style porch light as well as the highly detailed brick work.

What many in the area may remember about this home was a great Bur Oak that grew next to the sidewalk. It was said to be at least 300 years old with its trunk measuring 14 ½ inches in circumference. Unfortunately the tree fell in 2014, though, the current owners have replanted a Burr Oak in the same exact spot.

Sources: 2023 Historic Heritage Plaque Program