Bemus, Bart House
The Bart Bemus House Soundex Code B520
Built in 1901, the Bart Bemus House was constructed just as the neighborhood was seeing substantial commercial and residential development. After Rogers Park's annexation into Chicago in 1893, the city was investing heavily into the new neighborhood's future, including money for streetlights, sewers, concrete sidewalks, and fire hydrants. These improvements were sorely needed, since much of the land that the Bemus House sits on was swampy, with deep ditches on the roadsides for drainage.
The Bemus House retains much of its original character, and the stunning entrance foyer and ornate open staircase attest to this. The oak and pine woodwork in this area has never been painted or altered, something hard to find in a home this old. Just to the right of the foyer is the large living room area, which was once two small parlors. If you look carefully at the floor, you can find an imprint of the old built-in room divider, most likely including columns that rose to the ceiling. Take note of the beautiful fireplace mantle, complete with its original tile and mirror.
On the second floor, you will find four large bedrooms and an almost completely original bath. The toilet, sink, bathtub, and medicine cabinet all date to the turn of the 20th Century. One very unusual feature of this bathroom is that it provides the only access to the third floor.
Source: 2002 Fall House Tour Booklet