Historic Preservation Commission

Preservation Commission Meeting Agenda July 2, 2025 - 3:30 PM City Council Chambers, City Hall, 3rd Floor, 1528 Third Avenue, Rock Island, IL 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call Alan Carmen, Jeff Dismer, Bruce Peterson, Zach Campbell 3. Public Comment 4. Minutes a. Approval of the August 15, 2024 Meeting Minutes Motion: Move to approve the August 15, 2024 Meeting Minutes VV Voice vote is needed. 5. Other Business/New Business a. Determination of Landmark Application completeness for 516 23rd Street. RC Roll Call vote is needed. b. Recommendation regarding Landmark Application for 516 23rd Street RC Roll Call vote is needed. 6. Adjourn This agenda may be obtained in accessible formats by qualified persons with a disability by making appropriate arrangements from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, by contacting the City Clerk's Office at (309) 732-2010 or visiting in person at: 1528 Third Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201. Page 1 of 20  Rock Island Historic Preservation Preliminary Determination Subcommittee Meeting Minutes Lower Level (Basement) Conference Room, City Hall 1528 3rd Avenue August 15, 2024 3:30 PM Voting Members Alan Carmen Present Bruce Peterson Zachary Campbell Staff Present Eunice Amissah-Mensah Guests Diane Oestreich Call to Order and Roll Call Temporary Chair Amissah-Mensah called the meeting to order at 3:41 PM and read the roll call. Public Comment No members of the public were present for comment, so the meeting continued. Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes Peterson moved to approve the meeting minutes for March 6, 2024. Carmen seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously on a vote of 3 to 0. Other Business/New Business a. Election of Subcommittee Chair Peterson nominated Carmen to serve as chair for the Preliminary Determination Subcommittee. Temporary Chair Amissah-Mensah asked for a motion to appoint Carmen as Chair of the Preliminary Determination Subcommittee. Peterson moved to nominate Carmen to serve as chair for the Preliminary Determination Subcommittee. Campbell seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 3 to 0. b. Determination of Landmark application completeness for 824 20th Street Chair Carmen pointed out a few sections of the application that needed to be corrected. Chair Carmen asked for a motion to determine that the application for 824 20th Street is complete. Peterson moved to determine that the application for 824 20th Street is complete. Campbell seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 3 to 0. c. Recommendation regarding Landmark Application for 824 20th Street Chair Carmen asked for a motion to recommend the approval of the landmark application for 824 20th Street. Campbell moved to recommend the approval of the landmark application for 824 20th Street to the Preservation Commission. Peterson seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 3 to 0. Page 2 of 20 Other Business None. Adjournment Chair Carmen asked for a motion to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously on a vote of 3 to 0 at 3:50 PM. Minutes submitted by Eunice Amissah-Mensah. Page 3 of 20  1 516 23rd Street Thomas Hergert 516 23rd Street. Rock Island IL X O— O— O— Diane Oestreich Rock Island Preservation Society, P.O. Box 3261, RockIsland 61204 816 22nd Street, Rock Island, 61201 309-788-1845 blueskies78900@yahoo.com Page 4 of 20  2 Legal Description (REF 1) Page 5 of 20  3 Nomination Criteria The Joseph Cameron House at 516 23rd Street is worthy of landmark designation based on three criteria in the Rock Island Preservation Ordinance. Criteria 2: Associated with an important person or event in national, state or local history. Joseph Cameron and his immediate family spent most of their adult lives in Rock Island, many in this home. He was born near Newcastle, PA, in 1823 and came to Rock Island in 1844. Although once a farmer, he changed careers when he here, and became a millwright and later a carpenter specializing in ship and bridge building. That may have led to his employment in the late 1860s as a riverboat captain. In March, 1880, he replaced Capt. Marcus Henderson as captain of ferryboat Rock Island. He headed a series of Rock Island-based ferry boats as well as other navigation on the Mississippi. He was the first captain of the ferry J. W. Spencer. He would remain a ship captain until his retirement in 1895. Criteria 3: Representative of the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural …...style inherently valua- ble for the study of a period, style, craftsmanship, method of construction or use of indigenous materials and which retains a high degree of integrity. The Cameron House is a classic front-gabled Italianate, which is rare nationally, but well represented in Rock Island. The construction date is estimated based on City Directory and Census information, but the date is clearly within Rock Island’s Italianate era. It has a very high degree of integrity as well. Moreover, it is reflective of the work of Isaac Holmes, architect, who is documented to have designed some of our other front-gabled brick Italianates. Although reportedly built by Peter Farrell, a mason, John Volk, a contractor who is credited with other Italianates, Farrell may have been a subcontractor, as Volk was pri- marily noted for carpentry. Although the actual workmen are not documented, this home reflects masterful accomplishments of skilled craftsmen, both inside and out. This mid 1870s construction changed the face of this city for many decades and the front gabled Italianate is one of the most beautiful residential contri- butions. Criteria 5: Identifiable as an established and familiar visual feature in the community owing to its unique location or physical characteristics. Surrounded as it is by three Rock Island landmarks (Beardsley House, 536 23rd Street; Haverstick House, 544 23rd Street; White House, 605 23rd Street), the home next door home listed on the Significant Struc- tures list (Speidel House, 524 23rd Street), as well as another important home the S. S. Davis house at 541 23rd Street, this clearly contributes to the context of one of the most important architectural blocks in the Broadway Historic District and in the City of Rock Island. Page 6 of 20  4 Contents Legal Description 2 Nomination Criteria 3 Contents 4 Illustrations 5 Property History 6 Joseph Cameron & Construction 7 Architecture 10 Context 13 References 15 Addendum—Isaac Holmes, Architect 16 Page 7 of 20  5 Illustrations Title Page Figure 1. Plat Map from Abstract, 1853.…………………… 6 Figure 2. 1886 Sanborn Map…..……………….…………… 8 Figure 3. 1892 Sanborn Map……….…………………………. 8 Figure 4. 1898 Sanborn Map………………………………... 8 Figure 5. 1906 Sanborn Map…………… …………………. 9 Figure 6. 1957 Sanborn Map………………...…….…………. 9 Figure 7. 1969 Sanborn Map ………..…………………….... 9 Figure 8. Front (East) of House …..……………………….… 10 Figure 9. Front Door …………………………………………… 10 Figure 10. North side ……………………………………………. 10 Figure 11. South, View from Southeast ………………………... 11 Figure 12. West Side, Back…………………………………….. 12 Figure 13. Garage, Yard Side..………...………………………... 12 ….. Figure 14. Garage, Alley Side ……..……………………………. 12 Figure 15. Staircase…. ……..…………..………………………... 13 Figure 16. Newel Post……………. ………..……………………. 13 Figure 17. Mantel ……. ………………………………………... 13 Page 8 of 20  6 Property History (REF 1, REF2) This area was entered as US territory in 1836, but it wasn’t until 1841 that President John Tyler sold 126 acres to John and Roswell Spencer. Roswell immediately sold half of the acreage to his brother John who, with wife Eliza, turned around and sold 29 acres to Jonah Case, who then sold the land, in 1853, to Wm Bai- ley and James Boyle. All of these names are recognizable as early settlers in the county. In 1853, Spencer, Bailey, and Boyle sold .85 acres to Joseph L. Cameron and, in 1855, that area was subdi- vided and platted. Note the use of historic street names. The lot where 514 would be built is identified as Outlot 8 on Broadway (23rd Street). Joseph and wife, Lucinda, would sell off parts of these lots, but retained Outlot 8. Cameron also acquired more land along Dock (22nd) Street so that the lots would ex- tend from Broadway to Dock. The property history of 514 shows little activity—no sales, mortgages, etc., until 1890 when a Special Assess- ment was levied by the city for “improvement” of 23rd Street. Whether this means the initial paving is not clear. Often construction dates can be inferred by mortgages or sales. However in this case, it is impossible to determine when the house was built from that information. The con- struction date will be discussed later in this nomination. Joseph Cameron died in 1909, and his estate was passed to his nine children, six from his first marriage to Lucinda Wakefield, and three from his second marriage to Clara Hardy. Clara received the house which led to some disa- greements with his six older children who did not wish to sign off on the estate disposition. Fig. 1. Plat Map from Abstract, 1855 Eventually Clara and the will prevailed, and Clara remained in the house until her death in 1935. At that time the only heirs were Clara’s family, none Joseph’s children from his first marriage. The second owners of the house were Russell and Margery Cook who added an apartment. Margery died in 1970 and Russell died in 1980. His estate was not closed until 1988, and the house, with an apartment, de- veloped several liens. It was finally sold in 1992, to an owner who added more apartments, which impacted the interior integrity, and did not do any restoration. A decade later, the current owner made an offer to pur- chase, which was accepted. Restoration, inside and out, has been ongoing since that time and has resulted in the beautiful home we see today. Page 9 of 20  7 Joseph Cameron & Construction (Sanborn Maps Ref 3) According to his obituary (REF 4), Joseph C. Cameron was born near Newcastle, PA, in 1823 and came to Rock Island in 1844. Although he had been a farmer, he changed careers when he moved west to the pioneer area of Rock Island. Here, he became a millwright and later a carpenter specializing in ship and bridge build- ing. That may have led to his employment in the late 1860s as a riverboat captain. In March, 1880, he re- placed Capt. Marcus Henderson as captain of ferryboat Rock Island. He headed a series of Rock Island-based ferry boats as well as other navigation on the Mississippi. He was the first captain of the ferry J. W. Spencer. He would remain a ship captain until his retirement in 1895. Cameron was also active in the community and even became an alderman. His first wife, whom he wed shortly after coming to Rock Island, was Lucinda Wakefield. She died on No- vember 10, 1880 (REF 5) at age 58, leaving six surviving children. Her funeral was from their home. On March 9, 1882, Joseph “quietly” married Clara Hardy, and, at the time of Joseph’s death on November 11, 1909, they had three surviving children together. Clara lived in this house until her death, June 26, 1935 (REF 2, REF 6). One interesting happening occurred a few years after Clara and Joseph’s marriage. The Argus of January 5, 1886, reported that, “A handsomely dressed baby was left on the doorstep of the Cameron house on 23rd Street last night about 6 pm. A note said it (sic) had been born on December 29.” The Cameron’s reportedly had “given it to the postmaster.” Several newspaper notes, especially from the Rock Island Daily Union, mention Joseph Cameron constructing buildings on his properties. In his earliest days, City Directories 1867-1873 show him living on the east side of Dock Street (22nd) in the 500 block. His brother, Allen, also a carpenter, lived with him. By 1876, the City Directory lists Joseph at 76 Broadway, or 23rd Street. The Daily Union of May 11, 1871 has Jos. Cameron “making improvements on his Dock Street property.” This may be a now-demolished house directly behind his future 23rd Street home. By December 16, 1873, the Union noted that Cameron “was planning to put up a new residence on Broad (sic) Street.” The same pa- per reported that Thomas Plummer was planning a new residence on the corner of Broadway and Highland (5th Avenue) that would be near Cameron’s new dwelling. Through 1874, the Union kept tabs on Cameron’s construction noting, on February 26, 1874 that teams were hauling rock from Mrs. Barnes’ quarry for the foundation. In June it was reported that Cameron had a new residence on Broadway—but on August 11, it was stated that, “Peter Farrell has begun work on Joe Camer- on’s new residence on Broadway.” That same issue said that Charles Hansgen was having a new residence built on Madison Street (20th Street). This is today’s 848 20th Street. On October 1, it was restated that Joe Cameron, ship carpenter, is building a new brick home on Broadway between Highland and Cable (6th Ave- nue) . Although there are seeming inconsistencies in what was built and when, it is clear that a construction date of 1874 can be accurately ascribed to 516 23rd Street. I Page 10 of 20  8 Fig. 2. 1886 Sanborn Map The 1886 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map above, the earliest available, shows the completed block between 22nd (bottom) and 23rd (top) Streets with 5th Avenue on the right and 6th Avenue on the left. It is believed that Cameron owned both 514 and 516 23rd as well as the 22nd Street lots directly behind them. The pink color indicates masonry (brick) while the number of stories is written on the top. 516 has two stories in front and a single story at the back Behind 516 is another small dwelling—indicated here as 516 1/2. Note the home at 524 23rd Street. This a frame (yellow color) front-gable Italianate and dates to at least 1873 when owner Con- rad Speidel appears in City Directories. Fig. 3. 1892 Sanborn Map Fig. 4. 1898 Sanborn Map By 1892 (left) the structure at the back of the lot at 516 has been replaced by a 1-1/2 story frame barn (barns are indicated by the X), and a full-width en- closed porch has been added at the rear. (dotted lines indicate open porches; closed porches are solid lines.) The 1898 Sanborn (right) shows that 516 is the same but 514, which Cameron apparently owned, has been greatly expanded or newly constructed. Perhaps the small brick structure was demolished first. This ex- pansion occurred before 1894 when the November 15 Argus reported that Rob- ert Wagner had wed Thekla Klug and they would live in the “recently construct- ed handsome dwelling of Capt. Joseph Cameron on 23rd Street…....which has been handsomely furnished throughout by the groom.” This is, of course before Wagner would build his own landmark home at 904 23rd Street. Page 11 of 20  9 The 1906 Sanborn map at left is identical to the 1898 one except that a small open porch or storage area had been added to the barn. Fig. 5. 1906 Sanborn Map Fig. 6. 1957 Sanborn Map By 1957, right, the barn is gone and garages have been added to both 514 and 516. Fig. 7. 1969 Sanborn Map The map updated to 1969 (right) shows both homes unchanged. Page 12 of 20  10 Architecture The Cameron House is an excellent example of the front-gabled Italianate style. Because it is the most com- mon form of Italianate in Rock Island, we tend to take the style for granted. However nationally the style is rare, representing only about ten percent of Italianate homes. More typical are box-like with various combina- tions of hipped roofs. It’s said that the front-gabled subtype was especially popular on narrow lots in large cit- ies. (REF 6) Yet in Rock Island, we find many of these brick front-gabled homes on nicely sized lots. We can only assume that it was popular here because it was so attractive. Fig. 8. Front of House The front of the house is typical in its simplici- ty, but features outstanding detail. A wide ga- ble with massive brackets interspersed with correspondingly large dentils frame a circular attic window. Stone window lintels are formed in a drapery effect. The original win- dows are double-hung throughout and have been rebuilt by the owner, who has also creat- ed new wood storm windows. The front double doors are framed by a shallow, rounded roof portico that is supported by massive brackets. The doors themselves each have long double windows with four panels beneath. They were recreated by the owner because the original doors, although present, were too deteriorated to be reused. These are identical. The brick exterior has never been painted, and the trim paint is complementary gold, green, and red. Fig. 9. Front Door Fig. 10. North Side The north side has a mostly blank brick wall at the front that accommodates the interior stair- way. That wall is then interrupt- ed by a gable identical to the one on the front with a round attic window and paired windows be- neath. The massive brackets continue. The low stone foundation is apparent in this view. To- ward the rear, a one-story wing can be seen. Page 13 of 20  11 Fig. 10. South Side from back On both the north and south, the cross gables top a small ex- tension of the main building. The south side of the house is similar to the north in its highly ornamented gable with brackets and a round window. However the front section on the south contains windows instead of a plain brick wall and the gabled portion features two windows on the second story and a three-sided bay on the south. The single story rear wing has one window on the south. The west side (back) once again has a detailed gable with round window at the roof. Below, the single story wing has a gabled roof with angles parallel to the top gable, but this lower roofline is unornamented. It contains a single double hung window at the second story level and three windows and a door at the first floor. Fig. 11. West Side, Back A back porch runs the full width of the wing. The porch has square chamfered columns decorated with Victorian-style brackets and a sawn wood balustrade. This porch has been reconstructed and is not original to the house, according to the 1886 Sanborn, but a full width back porch did appear on Sanborn maps by 1892. When purchased by the current owner, the porch had been enclosed with only the shed roof and floor being vintage. He removed the walls, reo- pened it, and added appropriate to the period col- umns and balustrade. Note that the foundation extends completely under this porch. Page 14 of 20  12 Fig. 12. Garage, yard side Behind the house, there is a four car garage of concrete block. The gabled roof has shingles in the upper portion and includes a round vent added by the owner. The blocks are plain with a smooth surface. The owner has begun to cover them with brick to match the house. There are two modern garage doors on the north alley side and four short windows and a door are on the yard side. Throughout its history, Sanborn maps show an outbuilding in this location. However the current configuration is newer, probably dating from the apartment use. Fig.13. Garage, alley side (left) Fig.14. Staircase (right) The interior of the house, alt- hough not protected by Land- mark status has been largely restored after decades of changes to accommodate rent- al units. The original walnut staircase is typical of Italianate homes of the era. Balusters are octagonal rather than turned as is the newel post, although both fea- ture turned areas. The staircase gracefully winds to the second floor, following a curved wall and incor- porating trapezium stair treads. As is typical, the stair treads and risers are not walnut. Fig.15. Newel Post (left) The hallway flooring incorporates stripes of walnut and possibly butternut, a lighter color wood. Fig. 16. Fireplace Mantel (right) The fireplace mantel, too, is typical of Italianate homes of the era. It is con- structed of gray marble, then faux painted to create a black and reddish brown marble surface. The top is curved and the fire box is arched. As common, the firebox is small, indicating the house was heated by stoves—or even a central boiler fed by wood or coal. Page 15 of 20  13 Context All of Rock Island’s front-gabled Italianates that have been documented date from the mid 1870s and all are red brick, most never painted. The brick may be why they have endured with minimal changes—there may have been more front-gabled Italianate frame homes but they have become unidentifiable because of siding and window changes. A notable exception is the frame front-gabled home next door at 524 23rd Street. After the 1870s, front-gabled frame homes with similar floor plans that can be considered Italianate-influenced were popular, but without the extensive detailing that is seen in our 1870s homes. Despite their seeming similarities—certainly in massing—stylistic characteristics of our front-gabled brick homes vary. Some have with massive brackets, often paired, beneath the roofline. Some homes have orna- mental frieze boards. Fretwork gable decorations exist, too. Originally these would have a matching finial extending from the top of the gable peak. Window headers have distinctive shapes, usually a segmented arch, but circular and flattened arches can be seen. The ornamental headers can be stone, colored brick, or even just painted brick. Attic gable windows typically have a distinctive shape. Front elevations are asymmetric with the main entrance, often containing paired doors, to one side. Except for some corner lots, this door is toward the north. In some cases, there may be a wide but narrow front porch with decorative chamfered columns and brackets. Much smaller but equally ornate porches are more common, and ornate hoods, as at the Cameron home, are also a frequently seen feature. Who is responsible for designing and building these brick homes? The only architect practicing in Rock Island and Moline at that time was Isaac Holmes, who opened his office in 1869 and died in 1881. (See addendum for more info on Holmes). We know that he designed the Star Block and the original Bengston Block (now gone) in Rock Island, and perhaps the Model Printers building in Moline. However the few homes that can be definitely ascribed to Holmes, primarily based on Rock Island Daily Un- ion one-line notices, have disappeared. The only remaining home is the landmarked Sweeney House (816 20th Street), which Holmes reportedly designed in 1874. However the nearly identical and also landmarked Hansgen House (848 20th Street) did not have an architect, based on private communication with a Hansgen direct descendent, Madeline Isaacson, circa 1984. She did, however, say that contractor John Volk was the builder and used “day labor.” Did the various skilled contractors and their workmen simply copy each others designs with different decora- tive effects? Or did Architect Holmes design many of these homes, by modifying a basic plan? Since his plans don’t exist and since, with rare exceptions, the only information is one-line newspaper notes, it’s impos- sible to say. According to an Rock Island Residential Neighborhoods, 1835-1899, published 1999, by Jim Jacobsen (REF 8), Rock Island contains the following front gabled Italianates: 2305 12th Street 2345 12th Street 533 30th Street 602 18th Street 544 30th Street 816 20th Street 1210 4th Avenue 848 20th Street 2607 13th Avenue Page 16 of 20  14 Brick Front Gable Italianates, from Google Maps 602 18th Street 533 30th Street 816 20th Street 848 20th Street 544 30th Street 1210 4th Avenue 2607 13th Avenue 2305 12th Street 2345 12th Street Page 17 of 20  15 References REF 1. Abstract for 516 23rd Street REF 2. Various Rock Island City Directories REF 3. Rock Island Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps; Library of Congress OR University of Illinois Archives REF 4. Argus, November 11, 1911 REF 5. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/187318916/lucinda_marcella-cameron REF 6. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/126846165/clara_h-cameron REF 7. McAlester, Virginia & Lee, “A Field Guide to American Houses,” Alfred A. Knopf; 1996 REF 8. https://rigov.org/846/Residential-Neighborhoods-1835-1955 REF 9. From Janet Pease’ index of newspapers at RICHS Page 18 of 20  16 Addendum—Isaac Holmes, Architect (REF 9) From 1876 Hollands City Directory (from Star Block Landmark nomination) Star Block built in 1874 from plans by I. N. Holmes. He was also the architect for the Harper House hotel across the street. In an ad he is credited with Masonic Temple, (presumably RI), Moline H. S. and Methodist church in Galesburg and German Methodist church in Pekin, IL. Note: Before ‘new” temple, since 1875, the Masonic Temple had been located on the third floor of a bank building on 18th Street at Second Avenue. From 1876 Hollands directory: He remodeled Judge Lynde’s on Buffalo & Orleans St. (16ST, 3 Ave); his assistant is Ben Gartside. Also did Bengston Block, Moline H. S., Galesburg Methodist Church, German Methodist church in Pekin, Daily Union, 25 Mar 1870: I. N. Holmes is arch. for Alfred Williams on Moline bluff (10thAve east of 8th St) (hospital area, gone?) Daily Union, 30 Mar 1870: Gregory Brown of Zuma twp will build new home; Holmes is arch. RI & Moline Daily Union, 25 Mar 1869 : I. N. Holmes of La Porte, an architect, has rented an office on Illinois Street RI & Moline Daily Union, 14 Aug 1869: New residence of Mrs. James Boyle on lot at the corner of Broadway (23 rd St) and Highland(5th Ave) immediately at head of Moline Ave. Holmes is architect; W.F. Gilmore is contractor. (Note – in 1881 CD, James Boyle lived at about 422 23rd Street; house now gone) RI & Moline Daily Union, 15 Dec 1869: I. N. Holmes is architect of new Trinity Church rectory. Holmes office is near Orleans (3rd Avenue) and Buffalo (16th Street) Daily Union 8 April 1871: Mrs. Mary Holmes opened a boarding house on Illinois Street (2nd Ave) between Buffalo (16th St) and Eagle (17th St). Daily Union, 5 Oct 1871: Description of brick residence of Capt. Wm. Henderson on Washington Street; Holmes was architect and J. D. Taylor was contractor. (Henderson lived at 79 Washington (619 18th St) in 1878 CD; house gone for many years) Argus, 25 Apr 1872: H. E. West will build new brick home soon, architect is I. N. Holmes (West lived at 1211 4th Ave in 1878 CD). In 1876, West lived at 74 W. Rock River (4th Ave)) (Argus ”Looking Back,” 28 April 1997 (1872): West of RI is building a fine home in the Franco American architectural style. Will be heated by a furnace, have hot and cold water in the rooms, bathrooms and all the other latest appendag- es) Union, 5 May 1872: I. N. Holmes is the architect for Moline house on the bluff for R. K. Swan (a 5 acre lot) Union, 7 May 1872: Holmes finished with drawings for H. E. West ; house on corner of Ontario (8th St) and Rock Riv er (4th Ave) (West lived at 1211 4th Avenue in 1878 CD) Daily Union, 1872: Holmes is preparing plans for Chas Atkinson for lot near Congregational Church in Moline Daily Union, 23 Aug 1872: Holmes has completed plans for R. K. Swan near the Moline High School Argus, 24 Aug 1872: Man dies at boarding house of I. N. Holmes (some details about the man) Union, 25 Feb 1973: I. N. Holmes is visiting friends in LaPorte and Angola IN Daily Union, 3 Apr 1874: Holmes is designing houses for Baker, Sinnett and Sweeney (Joseph Baker lived at 734 23rd Street; the back part of the house is what Holmes would have designed; the front part is newer) Daily Argus, 10 Aug 1874: E. D. Sweeney is building a house on Madison Street. Daily Union, 11 Aug 1874: Charles Hansgen is having a new residence built (no architect mentioned) Daily Union, 27 Sept 1874: Sweeney’s new residence almost completed. (1 Dec; Sweeney’s twin boys died, 1 month 26 days) Daily Union, 9 Nov 1875: C. S. Harrison married Miss Clara M.E. Russell, daughter of Mrs. I. N. Holmes at Holmes residence. Daily Argus ,14 Jan 1876: I. N. Holmes plans to build a hotel for Mr. Harper at the corner of Illinois and Buffalo (2 nd St & 16th Ave) (Note: This would have been the Harper Opera House, now demolished) Daily Argus, 28 Nov 1876: New residence of S. J. Keator on 7th Ave & 23rd Street described; Holmes is architect (Demolished ca 1966) Daily Argus, 29 Nov 1876: New residence of Henry Burgower on 18th St. between 6th & 7th Avenue; Holmes is archi tect. Daily Argus, 7 Dec 1876: Mrs. Murphy is building a tenement on 7th Avenue and 22nd Street. She erected another building on 4th Avenue and 23rd Street this season. The architect for that was I. N. Holmes. Daily Argus, 19 Mar 1877: New residence of Ben Harper described; architect is I. N. Holmes. Daily Argus, 10 April 1877: Holmes has contract for new Methodist Church in Rapids City Page 19 of 20  17 Daily Argus, 17 May 1877: Holmes planning two houses in Port Byron for L. E. Gaylord and D. S. Metzgar Daily Argus, 17 Mar 1877: Geo. D. Moore of Port Byron building a Holmes house Daily Argus, 17 July 1877: Holmes is architect for Henry Stoddard in Edgington Daily Argus,16 Sept , and Daily Union, 25 Sept 1877: Henry Sudlow is building a new home in Coal Valley; Holmes is architect. 1878 CD: I. N. Holmes architect since 1869, residence and work at 1608 2nd Avenue. RI Daily Union, 1 April 1881: Mr. Holmes is severely ill at his residence, 1422 3rd Avenue, from taking cold. He has been more or less ill for three months. RI Daily Union, 2 April 1881: We regret to announce the death of I. N. Holmes at 7:30 last night at his home at 1422 3rd Avenue of kidney disorder. He came here from Mansfield OH 12 years ago. Age 54 at time of death. His Masonic brethren were notified immediately. Mrs Holmes said last night her husband’s re mains would be taken to La Port, IN for burial. . ——————————————————————————————————————————————- Conversation with Barbara Scott at RICHS, ca 2005: Holmes had a son, Morris Grant Holmes who was also an archi- tect who studied in Chicago. From Highland Park library website The Chicago architectural firm of Holmes and Flinn (Morris Grant Holmes and Raymond W. Flinn) designed the original modified Gothic style structure built of Wisconsin limestone with Indiana limestone trim. The new library was dedicated on Sept. 20, 1931. (Note earlier firm’s name was Patton, Holmes & Flinn) Page 20 of 20