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Ora Pelton House
Ora Pelton House (Elgin, IL) 07.jpg
Ora Pelton House is located in Illinois
Ora Pelton House
Location in Illinois
Ora Pelton House is located in the United States
Ora Pelton House
Location in the United States
Location 214 S. State St.
Elgin, Illinois
Area 0.4 acres (0.16 ha)
Built 1889
Architect Gilbert M. Turnbull
Architectural style Stick-Eastlake
NRHP reference No. 82002548
Added to NRHP August 12, 1982

The Ora Pelton House is a special old home in Elgin, Illinois. It's also called the Izzo-Pelton House. This house is built in a unique style called Stick-Eastlake. It's the only Victorian-style house left on South State Street. This street used to be where many rich families lived.

A doctor named Ora Pelton had it built in 1889. A local architect, Gilbert M. Turnbull, designed it. The house became a protected historic place in 1982. This means it's important to American history and architecture.

A Look Back: The House's Story

Ora Pelton House
Detail of the main stairwell inside the Ora Pelton House

Dr. Ora A. Pelton, Sr. was a well-known doctor in Elgin. He was also a surgeon. He had a very long and successful career. In 1889, Dr. Pelton asked architect Gilbert M. Turnbull to design his new home.

It was built on South State Street. This area was popular with wealthy families. It was also close to the Fox River. The house was designed with a special style. It uses parts of the Stick-Eastlake architectural look.

Since it was built, only two families have owned this house. The Pelton family lived there until 1955. After that, the Izzo family moved in and has lived there since. The house was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 12, 1982.

House Design: Outside and In

What Does the Outside Look Like?

The Ora Pelton House is a rectangular, three-story building. It sits on a strong stone foundation. It has many features that are common in the Queen Anne Style. However, it looks a bit simpler. This simpler look is typical of Stick-Eastlake designs.

The columns on the porch are very detailed. The balcony on the second floor also shows this style. These parts are great examples of the Eastlake Movement. The only major change to the outside happened in the 1920s. A small, one-story addition was built on the southwest side. There's also a carriage house in the backyard. It was built in 1890 and is still there today.

Stepping Inside: Unique Rooms

Inside the house, you'll find many interesting details. The main staircase in the foyer is made of oak. It's built against a wall with glass windows. This lets in lots of light. A beautiful Czech chandelier hangs over the staircase.

The parlor, a formal living room, has a special floor. It's made of interlocking parquet hardwood. There are also fireplaces in the parlor. Two of the bedrooms on the second floor also have fireplaces. Each room in the house has a different kind of wood floor. The main hall and stairs are oak. The parlors have birch wood. The dining room uses sycamore. The office has bird's-eye maple. The kitchen has yellow leaf pine. The bedrooms are made of gum wood.

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