326 MCCLURE AVENUE
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE
326 McClure Avenue was built in 1906 for August and Lena (nee Kruger) Podewils. August was born on March 3, 1866 in Germany and immigrated to America with his parents in 1884 where they ended up in Chicago. Lena Kruger was also born in Germany on January 22, 1872, immigrating to America in 1881 with her family, also settling in Chicago.
In 1893, August purchased lots 4 & 5 of McClure’s Third Addition from Finla McClure for $785. He held onto the land as he was still working as a carpenter in Chicago at the time. August met Lena Kruger and married her in 1900 in Chicago. In 1906, their home was built on lot 5 and soon thereafter they moved to Elgin with their four daughters along with Lena’s parents. August passed away on October 15, 1942, leaving the home to Lena. Lena kept ownership of the home until 1946 when she moved in with her daughter Ella and her husband, Joseph, who lived at 330 McClure Avenue. 330 McClure was built upon lot 4 that August purchased in 1893. Lena lived at 330 McClure Avenue with her daughter and her son-in-law until her death in 1951. The home was sold to Conrad and Dora Hankemeyer in 1946.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
326 McClure Avenue is a contributing structure to the historic significance of the Northwest Neighborhood. It is of masonry construction and is considered to have a Gable Ell architectural classification with a cross gable roof and stepped brick frieze. The front gable bay and the home’s segmentally arched windows with double rowlock lintels are considered architecturally significant and defining features to this home.
Sources: 2019 Heritage Plaque Application; Text Aloud