377 WALNUT AVENUE

HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE

377 Walnut Avenue was built in 1905 for Myra and Neil Fleming for an initial cost of $2,500. Neil was of Scottish decent and born in Rockford in 1863 and worked in three other watch factories in Aurora, Rockford and Springfield prior to becoming a member of Father Time’s family in 1904. He worked on the Assembling team in the Watch Factory. With their home being only a few blocks from the world’s largest watchmaking company, the Flemings opened up their large, four-bedroom home to lodgers who worked at the factory and other thriving local businesses during the early 1900s.

Neil was known for his likeable personality and his love of gardening. He worked at the Elgin National Watch Company until his retired in 1931 after 26 years and 5 months. At his retirement he was mentioned in the company’s official publication, “The Watch Factory World,” and noted for being awarded the company’s “Suggestion Award,” for participating in picnics, sharing candy with his co-workers and for telling humorous stories. He passed away in 1944 and the following year his wife, Myra, sold their home to their neighbors, Dr. Robert and Mrs. Thora Wald, who lived across the street at 408 Walnut Avenue.

Dr. Wald was born in New York in 1894 and was drafted into World War I in 1917 as a medical student and was a physician when he was drafted into World War II. His wife, Thora, was a nurse. Dr. Wald passed away in 1973 and his wife continued to reside in the home until her death in 1975.

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

377 Walnut Avenue is of the American Foursquare typology that were popular from the mid-1890s until the 1930s. It’s simple honest design was a stark contrast to the ornate elements of the Victorian and other Revival styles that were popular in the late 19th century.

The hallmarks of the style include a square, boxy design, two-and-one-half stories high, usually with four large rooms to a floor, a central dormer and a large front porch with wide stairs. Other common features include a hipped roof, arched entries between common rooms, built in cabinetry and Craftsman style woodwork. The home was economical to build and uniquely suited to make use of every square inch of the house situated on smaller city lots. 

Sources: 2017 Heritage Plaque Application; Audio: TextAloud