612 N. SPRING STREET
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE
612 N. Spring Street was built for Frank C. and Julia Lamersall in 1875 for $150.00. Frank worked as a carpenter in Elgin and built numerous homes, additions, and remodeling. He was born in February of 1847 in German and arrived in the United States in 1854 with his family. His wife, Julia Ann (Kelahan) was born in New York City in 1846. Frank and Julia married in 1869 and had six children.
Frank was a Civil War Veteran and later became a member of the Veteran's Post 49 Grand Army of the Republics of Elgin on August 2, 1907. He also became a United States citizen on November 1, 1913. After living 56 years in Elgin, Frank passed away on October 13, 1921 at the age of 74 in his home. Julia passed away at the age of 77 on August 14, 1924 in Sherman Hospital of colitis and arterial sclerosis.
Their daughter, Katherine, remained in the home until 1928. At that time, her brother Frank sold the home to the first of seven owners.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
612 N. Spring Street is considered of the Italianate style which first became popular in the United States in the 1830s. Some traditional Italianate features are the two-sash windows, handcrafted cornices under the eaves of the front side porch and a centered gable roof line. Several alterations to the house have taken place over the years. A rear side porch was added and then enclosed to enlarge the kitchen. The front side porch was enclosed to expand the front room and the front porch was expanded the full width of the home. All of these modifications took place before the 1950s.
TIMELINE OF PREVIOUS OWNERS
Sources: 2003 Heritage Plaque Application; Audio: TextAloud