1955 W. Morse Avenue

1955 W. Morse Avenue, the Olsen House.

This house was included in the 1992 Annual Fall House Tour.

Circa: 1900

Original Owner: Andrew B. Jackson

Present (1992) Owner: Pat Olsen

This one and one-half story Cottage, with its bay windows and modern frame covered by aluminum siding, is one of the many houses that can be found in the area which indicate the diversity of Rogers Park's economic status in its early times.

This house is nestled among an array of different types of trees planted by Pat Olsen. As one walks toward the main entrance, some of the changes can be seen. Previously, a front porch was located to the left of the present steps which lead to the main entrance of the house. The porch was removed in the early 1950s.

As one enters the house, the original front door opens into the house proper, with bull's eye molding framing the doors and windows. Directly to the right, a wall and closet were removed and on the left side of the door, a second door was removed to provide more space. This area was originally a sitting room with soft, wide porch flooring.

As one looks around, one sees the original parlor with the adopted porch-parlor. This area's flooring was matched with oak flooring for fluency by the present (1992) owner. The east wall of this area is paneled with rough pine to hang pictures.

The staircase was once enclosed, but has been reopened. The fire place, with its brick columns and hearth, was removed in the 1950s.

This section, as well as every other part of the floor, has antique complements. In the dining room--now an office--the south wall and a French door were removed. The rough pine board on the east wall is a continuation of the wall paneling in the living room.

Since this first floor has a split level, one steps up into the kitchen, formerly part of the dining room and back porch. The changes here include the removal of the enclosed room and the original back door that opened from that room. The small kitchen fitted easily into the space which now houses the sink, refrigerator, and cabinets. The windows on the east side of this room are the originals. The area is highlighted by several vintage furnishings.

As one moves south of the kitchen area, one enters the water-color studio, once an old porch, but not original to the house. The studio has thin walls of pine that have been painted white. A door here leads to the deck added in 1990. Both, the water-color room and deck are fitted with vintage complements.

The back yard has a variety of trees and a beautiful art studio built in 1952.

Photos

RPWRHS Photo S013-1228 1955 W. Morse Avenue, 1992 Annual Fall House Tour.