91 N Pearl St, Galesburg, IL 61401 $42,000 Pending

Fixer Upper

OHU50K NOTES

If only they had left it alone! The article below in the 26 October 1953 edition of the Galesburg-Register Mail simply oozes with ill-advised enthusiasm over the remodel of this very home. But when the Kalin family moved in in April 1953, they sucked the charm right out of the exterior of this house with asbestos siding and enclosure of the gingerbread front porch. They even removed the front bay windows, and the porch at the rear apparently also lost its gingerbread!

According to the article, plans were to install a second bathroom upstairs, but that did not come to fruition. In a way, I am glad that the Kalins hardly touched the interior. Perhaps they ran out of money after installing their gas heating system. Good thing, because the beautiful front door, pocket doors and stunning molding (albeit painted) are still intact along with the hardwood floors. A spacious kitchen and updated bath also grace the home, but the location next to the railroad tracks may dissuade some buyers.

That’s the first time, however, that I have found an old article that shows when and how a lovely old house was messed up. I shouldn’t be too hard on the Kalins, though, because they seemed to be very nice people. Mrs. Kalin was a teacher who was heavily involved in community events.

*3 bedrooms
*1 bath
*1,094 sq ft
*Build date 1896
*Google Map

*Property Listing
*Contact Realtor:

Cassie Causey

CENTURY 21 Affiliated

REALTOR COMMENTS

First Floor

This 3 bedroom, 1 bath home is centrally located in Galesburg! The freshly painted heated porch greet you as you enter this home. The formal dining room, large living room and main floor den/office feature tall ceilings and newer hardwood floors. The huge eat-in kitchen features newer cabinets and stylish paint colors. The main floor is complete with a full updated bath with subway tile.

Upstairs

Upstairs are three good sized bedrooms with newer hardwood floors. Many updates have been done to this home including foundation tuckpointing, newer porches, most replacement windows, two porch roofs, water heater, and more. Outside is a large concrete parking pad. A little imagination on the exterior and this could be the perfect home for you!