1. 516 23rd Street – Cameron House
Broadway National Register Historic District: 1998
Architectural Style: Italianate
Construction Date: 1874
Most Significant Unprotected Structures: Excellent brick contrast to frame Italianate next door, plus association with riverboat captain
The Cameron House is among the oldest in the Broadway neighborhood, and its architectural integrity may be related to 100 years of ownership by just two families. Abstract and biographical records show that Joseph Cox Cameron was born near New Castle, Pennsylvania in 1823 and moved to Rock Island in 1844. He married Lucinda M. Wakefield on May 1, 1845. Both were considered early pioneers of the community and were part of the Old Settlers Association of Rock Island County. Joe was a ship’s carpenter who eventually rose to the level of ferry captain. The bearded Capt. Cameron was described as “genial and popular” during the 36 years he worked for the Rock Island Ferry Co, when he helmed the J.W. Spencer steamboat. He purchased property for $150 from the Baileys and the Boyles in 1853 and subdivided it after 1856 into four residential parcels, fronting what is now 22nd and 23rd Street. The one at 70 Broadway (23rd Street) became his personal home. Eventually some of his older children lived in one of the houses on 22nd Street.
Joe and Lucinda had seven surviving children: sons Allen, Lafayette, Joseph L., William, and Lincoln, and daughters Margaret Gingles and Medora Geegee. Margaret Cameron married Monroe Gingles on October 23, 1873 and Medora married Hiram Joseph Geegee on November 15, 1883. Unfortunately, Lucinda did not live to see her second daughter married. She passed away in 1880. Later, Joe married Clara Hardy, and they had three surviving children: Florence, Esther and Elmer. Joe was about 78 years old by the time Florence was born in 1901. After he died in 1909, there was conflict in the family about the division of the four properties at 514 23rd Street, 516 23rd Street, 515 22nd Street, and 519-521 22nd Street, which were valued at $30,000. Clara petitioned for a dower’s rights and challenged the will. The estate was finally settled in 1912, and the house was deeded to Clara. She lived there, assisted by daughter Florence Overholt and her family, until she died in 1932. The house was soon sold to Russell L. and Margery Cook for $2,900, who would hold the property for more than 40 years.
This home, which was addressed as 70 Broadway when it was built, has amazing architectural integrity and is mostly unchanged since its 1874 construction. The foundation was started in February and the new residence was completed in June. A newspaper stated, “Teams are hauling rock from Mrs. Barnes’ quarry for the foundation of Joe Cameron’s new dwelling on Broadway.” Though relatively rare in other communities, front gable Italianate style homes are plentiful in Rock Island. This example shows elaborate wood brackets, stone window hoods and a wonderfully preserved front stoop above paired doors. Notice the south side of the home has many windows, while the north side has relatively few. The windows are placed on the south side of the house to let the sunlight naturally warm the house year-round. This practice is still used by modern architects.
Return to 50 Broadway Buildings tour page.
Return to Broadway Italianates tour page.
Return to MoSUS By Address page
Return to MoSUS By Name page
|
