Hunter–Hattenburg House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hunter–Hattenburg House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 825 S. Chicago Ave., Kankakee, Illinois |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1898 |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne |
| Part of | Riverview Historic District (Kankakee, Illinois) (ID86001488) |
| NRHP reference No. | 07001475 |
| Added to NRHP | January 31, 2008 |
The Hunter–Hattenburg House is a beautiful old home in Kankakee, Illinois, United States. It was built in the Queen Anne style, which was popular for its fancy details and towers. This house was first built for William R. Hunter, who was a very important lawyer in Kankakee. He even served as the city's lawyer and later became a judge. Years later, in 1942, the house was bought by Albert F. Hattenburg, who was the mayor of Kankakee.
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Who Was William R. Hunter?
William R. Hunter was born in 1858 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. When he was young, he helped his father on their family farm. In 1879, he moved to Kankakee, Illinois.
In Kankakee, William learned from a local church pastor. He also trained to be a stenographer, which means he learned to write very quickly using special symbols. While working as a stenographer, he studied law with Judge John W. Orr.
Hunter's Law Career
William Hunter became a lawyer in 1882. That same year, he married his first wife, Lillian Morrison. In 1886, he was chosen to be the Kankakee City Attorney. This meant he was the main lawyer for the city government.
In 1892, he started a law firm with Harry K. Wheeler. Sadly, Lillian passed away in 1893. William married his second wife, Zula B. Fry, in 1894.
By 1898, William Hunter had earned enough money to build a grand house. The Hunter House cost $6,800, which was three times more than the average house price in Kankakee at the time. In 1933, he was appointed a judge for the 12th Illinois Circuit Court. He served as a judge until he passed away in 1939.
Who Was Albert F. Hattenburg?
Albert F. Hattenburg bought the Hunter House in 1942. He had moved to Kankakee after World War I. He opened a business called Hattenburg Pharmacy.
In 1937, Albert Hattenburg was elected mayor of Kankakee. He was a Republican and served as mayor for 16 years. The house stayed with the Hattenburg family until 2001.
Why Is This House Special?
The Hunter–Hattenburg House is a great example of Queen Anne architecture in Kankakee. Many Queen Anne houses were built in the area, but some have been torn down. Others have lost their original look. This house, however, still shows off its beautiful design.
On August 22, 1986, the house was recognized as an important part of the Riverview Historic District. This means it helps make the historic area special. Then, on January 31, 2008, the house received its own special listing as a historic place.
