375 PRAIRIE STREET
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE
375 Prairie Street was built in 1905 for Edward K. and Laura Foote for $3,600. Laura came to Elgin with the D.C. Cook publishing company when it moved to Elgin after the Great Chicago Fire. She was the head of the correspondence and subscription departments and worked at this company until her retirement in 1922. She was also an active member of the Congregational Church. Her husband, Edward, came to Elgin in 1881 and worked at the Elgin National Watch Company in the dial department and later the jewel making department. He was also a member of the Congregational Church. Laura passed away at the age of 71 years old in 1934 and Edward in 1939 at 78 years old.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
375 Prairie was built in the Free Classic Queen Anne style as evidence by the front gable, multiple roof lines and the palladian window within the front gable. The brackets along the front porch roof line and the pediment above the stairs are also a reflection of this style. The house is quite similar to other homes designed by W. W. Abell, notable Elgin architect and notable Elgin contractor, Henry Jensen, however, there is no way to confirm this similarity.
TIMELINE OF PREVIOUS OWNERS
Sources: 2013 Heritage Plaque Application; Audio: TextAloud