319 DUPAGE STREET

HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE

Charles Henry Pendleton was a mason who brought his skill of cobblestone building with him to Elgin from up-state New York.  It is possible that he built some of the other cobblestones within Elgin but we know he built this home for himself around 1848. Note that even the round columns are constructed from cobblestones.   

This home was the location of the first “unveiling” by the Gifford Park Association in 1997. The group removed aluminum siding from the home and uncovered the cobblestone construction.

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

319 DuPage Street is considered a significant structure to the Elgin Historic District. It is a very rare example of cobblestone architecture as it is only one of six that survive in Elgin. It has round columns in an inset, half-width front porch with limestone quoning at the corners of the home. The rear addition dates prior to 1887 according to the Sanborn Fire Insurance Map.

Sources: Gifford Park Association; Audio: TextAloud