1265

This home was built over 100 years ago in an unnamed addition to Edgewater. This land was purchased and subdivided by Thomas Milsted in 1891 as part of a parcel of land that ran 30 acres to the south. This section is five acres from Glenwood (once called Southport) to Broadway (once called Evanston Avenue) and is the northern most section of the 30 acre parcel. Milsted and his partners bought the land with the intention of building on it and subdividing it. There are indications that one of his partners may have been Mr. Crawford, who built the home at 1319 and lived there. Further research may prove that Milsted lived on this block too. The Sanborn Fire Insurance maps for 1905 show only this home, the one to the east and the home at 1319. Most of the homes on the block were built later.

The style of the home is Queen Anne. It shows the influence of the Classical Revival in the dormer at the third floor. The Ionic Columns that are visible on the dormer were probably used to support the porch roof in the original design. The porch roof is symmetrical with a pediment in the center. The front door is set off to the side as is typical in a Queen Anne. The original siding for the home was narrow board, which is replicated in the current aluminum siding.

As you enter the home through the gracious reception hall you will note the oak floors and the beautiful oak staircase with turned oak spindles. The first three steps of that staircase are exceptionally wide due to the recent rehab, which removed a closet in favor of a more gracious entrance with the enlarged landing. It was probably this way in the original design. In this reception area you will also see the original iron heat vents with an elaborate design and the large cold air return.

The home has two parlors and a dining room on the first floor. In the front parlor there is a beautiful fireplace with oak surround. This fireplace is a focal point in the room with its original ceramic tile in marbleized burgundy and off white. It also features an oval mirror and Ionic columns that stand the full height of the piece. Another classical element in the fireplace surround is the detailed egg and dart design, which indicates the classical influence.

The woodwork that is painted it is probably oak, matching the staircase. The windowsills are unpainted. The second parlor would have been more of a family parlor, which today usually means a TV room.

The dining room has a built-in oak cabinet with both glass cabinet doors and solid oak doors. This was refinished in the recent rehab. The homes on this side of the street have side drives and therefore wider lots that allow beautiful sunlight in this room.

The kitchen has been totally redesigned with the removal of the old cast iron sink and the installation of a counter and maple cabinets. Off the kitchen is a powder room. Here you will see the original doorknob plates and hinges.

The staircase to the second floor leads to the master bedroom and adjacent sitting room, which are at the front of the house. The floors are fir. The moldings match those on the first floor. All the doors are five panel doors. You will see two rooms on the second floor.

The new owners of this home have been working on the exterior space and garden. Please take a moment to enjoy the backyard and the original garage doors.