671 PARK STREET
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE
In 1924, Bertha and Paul Marxen purchased the lot at 671 Park Street. Two years later, the Marxens constructed the dwelling that we see today. Paul and Bertha were both born in 1886 in Germany. They married in 1911 in Hamburg and had two sons. The immigrated to the United States in 1923 on the ship Orbita of the Royal Mail Stream and Packet Company. They arrived in Elgin shortly thereafter where Paul worked as a carpenter and Bertha working for a time doing housework in a private home. The Marxens lived at 671 Park Street until 1970.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
671 Park Street is an example of the American Foursquare form enhanced with Colonial Revival detailing. Its 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. Uniquely, 671 Park Street contains a small entry porch rather than a full width porch giving more prominence to its Colonial Revival elements.
TIMELINE OF PREVIOUS OWNERS
Sources: 2017 Heritage Plaque Application; Audio: TextAloud