724 N. SPRING STREET
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE
724 N. Spring Street was built for Theodore Kunke in 1908 for $3,200. Theodore was born in 1856 in Germany and immigrated in 1877. Before moving to Spring Street, Theodore lived in Rutland Township and owned a farm in Gilberts. In 1878 he married Bertha Geraminke who was also a native of Germany. They had three children together. Unfortunately she passed away in 1895. After building the house at 724 N. Spring Street, Theodore moved in with his children. The Kunke family operated a grocery nearby at 638 Prospect. During World War II, the grocery store was closed and sold in 1947.
Theodor passed away in 1938 leaving the home to his children. His daughter Anna acquired the property after the deaths of her siblings and remained in the home until 1958.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
724 N. Spring Street is considered a significant structure to the historic neighborhood. It is designed as a one and a half story bungalow with Swiss Chalet style characteristics which is a favorite subtype among craftsman style bungalows. Those characteristics include the half-timbering and clover detailing at the front gabled dormer. Other characteristics include the square brackets under the eaves and the exaggerated wood work at the porch columns and balustrade.
TIMELINE OF PREVIOUS OWNERS
Sources: 2021 Heritage Plaque Application; Audio: TextAloud