1642 W. Jarvis Avenue

From HistoryWiki

1642 W. Jarvis Avenue, the Bohn/Hopkins House.

This house was in the 2000 Annual Fall House Tour.

Circa: 1911

Original Owner: George Murray Beardslee, from 1911 to 1917.

M.H. Burchard, 1919.

Present (2000) Owner: David Bohn and Brad Hopkins

Like many homes in the Birchwood Beach area, this home's design depicts an amalgamation of the Tudor Revival and Arts and Crafts styles, both popular at the beginning of the 20th Century. The original owner of this home was George Beardsly of the Chicago-based Beardsly Chandelier Company, who lived here from 1911 to 1917.

The current (2000) owners, David Bohn and Brad Hopkins, have worked painstakingly to restore the home to its former glory. Work thus far has included paint stripping, floor refinishing, new storm windows and screens, new plumbing, wiring, and a new tile roof.

As you enter the house, take note of the wonderful art glass window and the harmonizing wallpaper in the foyer. The generous birch compound cove moldings found in the foyer and the adjoining room created a challenge when the woodwork was being stripped and refinished. The living room contains the original fireplace and surround, as well as two more art-glass windows above the mantle.

French doors lead to the dining room where you find it remarkably well preserved. The oak-beamed ceiling, wainscoting, and dual gas/electric wall sconces are all original. As you enter the kitchen, notice the butler's pantry complete with original cabinetry and hardware. The kitchen restoration is a work in progress, and the owners hope to update it to accommodate modern necessities without sacrificing historic charm.

On the second floor, there are three bedrooms, two of which are unusually large. The front bedroom has a distinct Prairie School feel, complete with Roman brick fireplace and horizontal-enhancing picture molding. The back bedroom has the benefit of a large sleeping porch along with remnants of the original buzzer system and its speaking tube intercom.

Partial Source: Rogers Park Directory, 1919, page 13.