I recently met with a homeowner whose building is in my top 5 that I've gotten to work with so far. It's the former home of Mr. Cullerton AKA the man behind Cullerton Street. (Still working on some research on this, but I think he was an Alderman)This Italianate 2-flat is only on its 3rd owner and is remarkably in-tact. Original doors, fireplace, wood trim, etc. The windows were replaced, but with appropriate 2 over 2 double-hung (not vinyl!). The first floor has beautiful, still operable pocket doors. While they have completed most of the rehab work, the building is still in need of an appropriate fence. The building is situated most idyllically, with 2 side lots. Even though I went there on a chilly spring day, it was hard to not feel like you've stepped onto a little piece of Pilsen paradise. The owner is looking for an appropriate fence and I offered to help. I wanted to share a few examples of fences from Pilsen that might work well for them.
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Alderman Edward F Cullerton served the ninth ward continously and was seen as the "leader of the City
Council" beginning in 1872 until he was defeated in a bitter battle by George F Rhode in 1892 after the "boodle" scandal caused a backlash at the polls against the indicted alderman and their cohorts. Anyone but Cullerton was the mantra that year.
I love that house too. Glad to hear the new owners are sympathetic and to the historic interiors.
I should add that after being out of office for 8 years he was re-elected to his former 9th Distict seat in 1898 and the New York Times said, "his return bodes no good for honest legislation".
From an ancestral record, "Edward F.(Oct. 14, 1842-Feb. 1, 1920), was a Chicago city alderman. His father was a native of Co. Wexford, and his mother, a native of Queens Co. They came to the U.S. in 1841 and settled near Summit, IL where his father followed the canal and river for several years. His mother died in 1874. Edward F. Cullerton had no opportunity to obtain schooling except in the winter months when he was between the ages of 8 and 12 years. When 12 yrs. of age he was employed in a brickyard and subsequently kept a livery and boarding stable. For more than ten years after this he was a driver on the Illinois and Michigan canal; became captain and owner of a boat, and subsequently took charge of Walker & Bronson's towing boats on the canal and river.
In the fall of 1871 he was elected to the city council from the then 7th ward, and in 1872 to the State Legislature, and in the fall of 1873 and every two years hence was re-elected to the city council from the 6th ward. He twice refused his party's nomination for Congress, and twice refused nomination for State Senator. Although Cullerton was elected to the Legislature and the first time to the council as a Republican, he later affiliated with the Democratic party, and was a delegate to numerous, county, state and National conventions. In 1876 he established a detective bureau, but soon relinquished this line of work, associating himself in the wholesale liquor business with Ald. Julius Jonas from 1878 until 1882, when he organized the Prismatic Light and Safety Car-Heating Co, with a factory on Canal st. This concern he sold in April, 1886 and entered the real estate business. He married Winifred Dyer Jan. 2, 1867 (Note: Bennett states Nov. 24, 1868). She died in 1910. He was also engaged as a contractor and insurance broker -"Shane & Cullerton- Insurance". His residence was at 1632 W. 20th st. This street later was named in his honor as Cullerton Street"
Wow!
Where in the world did you find all of that information about Ed Cullerton? Edward was an "ancestor" of mine. He is also related to my cousin, Senator John Cullerton, currently President of the Illinois Senate. John recently did a PBS interview in front of this house. Getting back to the fence, I wonder if the one shown in the photos could be the original (?).
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