c.1911 Illinois Fixer Upper Foursquare Time Capsule Under $43K

OHU50K Notes $42,900

Except for the bathroom and kitchen cabinets, this fixer upper foursquare is like a time capsule. I could feel my heart beating faster with every picture. Kudos to the Abrahamsons and subsequent residents who did not touch the gorgeous woodwork and built-ins. Just stop and soak in the beauty of the colonnades, staircase with built-in bench, pocket doors and hardwood floors, not to mention the vintage lighting fixtures, leaded glass, stained glass and 5-panel doors. The house has a rear staircase, too, and did you take a gander at the amazing butler’s pantry? Oh, and let us not forget the old Pittsburgh potty with wood tank! Holy, moly!! This house tickles me to death, but, sadly, they are becoming rare to find so intact.

House View featured at 144 Sumner St, Galesburg, IL, 61401

Realtor Comments

This recently occupied 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath traditional foursquare home has stunning character that emanates throughout: hardwood floors, exquisite woodwork, arched doorways, unique built-ins providing ample storage, functional tall pocket doors, and what look to be original decorative doorknobs. Step inside from the sizable covered front porch to the welcoming formal entry space sure to wow visitors showcasing a grand staircase, leaded glass window, and an oversized built-in bench. The kitchen offers an elegant pantry with an abundance of storage as well as a convenient pass-through to the formal dining room. All four bedrooms and a full bathroom, with turn of the century light fixtures and tall ceilings throughout, can be found upstairs. Enjoy sitting on the balcony located off the primary bedroom, overlooking the enormous backyard. Possible extra living space or excellent storage can also be found in the walk-up attic. Updated plumbing and a new back door are notable updates to this beautiful home. With its charming vintage details and original character, this property offers the opportunity to restore it to its former glory. Call today!

4bed
1.5bath
Circa 1911

144 Sumner St, Galesburg, IL 61401 $42,900

If interested in a property, please contact the realtor whose link is provided in the post below, or contact an agent of your own choosing. Independent verification of details and status is recommended.

Family History

I believe that this house and its sister house next door were originally spec houses. Charles Abrahamson (1885-1951) and Eva Bloomfield Abrahamson (1888-1966) married in 1917 and rented this home soon after and until well in to the 1950s. Charles was a salesman for a grocery store and Eva was a seamstress who later became a Clerk of Election for the city. They raised their daughter Georgana in this home. Georgana never married.

Mrs. Abrahamson was employed for many years in the home furnishings department of O.T. Johnson Co. and later continued in the drapery business at her home.
She was born Oct. 8, 1888, at Rio, attended school at East Galesburg and obtained a teacher’s certificate from Western Illinois University. She married Charles A. Abrahamson in Galesburg July 31, 1917. He died in 1951.
Mrs. Abrahamson was a member of Immanuel Methodist Church, a past president of its WSCS, a member of the Oliver Wendell Holmes Club, Dephians and Musicians Club. Per Find-A-Grave

Georgana was born June 27, 1918, at Galesburg, and was graduated from Galesburg High School, Western Illinois University, Macomb, and earned her master’s degree at the University of Colorado.
She taught physical education at Carpentersville Community High School, and was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the National Education Association and the Illinois Education Association.
She served with the Waves during World War II, and was the first woman to be taken into membership of Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post 285. She was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church. – Per Find-A-Grave