LETTER to APPLICANT

Dear Applicant:

Thank you for inquiring about the process of plaquing an historic site or structure located in McHenry County. It is our hope that the following application form will provide a lasting record of the property, site and structure.

Please complete as many items as possible. Not all questions will be applicable to your particular property. If you are uncertain of the meaning of any of the questions, please refer to the link, "The How To's of House History Research" and the reference book list. Contact the museum for any further guidance.

Return the completed application, along with the $20. process fee. Upon approval, this fee will be applied to the total cost of the plaque (approximately $120, which is the responsibility of the property owner). Checks can be made payable to the McHenry County Historical Society. Additionally, please include a current photograph of the site or structure to Historic Sites Committee, McHenry County Historical Society, P.O. Box 434, Union, IL 60180.

The application and photograph will become the property of the McHenry County Historical Society. Upon receipt of the application, the committee will arrange a time to conduct a field investigation of the site. If you wish, you may make a presentation to the committee regarding the historic and/or architectural significance of the property.

Plaquing an historic site or structure is an excellent means of calling attention to the heritage of McHenry County. It is not a legal proceeding, and thus does not interfere with the buying and selling of the property. However, once plaqued, the plaque will remain with and on the structure or site...not with the owner of the property at the time of plaquing.

Plaquing by the McHenry County Historical Society does not make the site eligible for reductions in property taxes. Plaquing also does not require you to open the site or structure to the public. Plaquing does not prohibit the owner from altering the structure or site (i.e., remodeling or additions). However, if the alterations detract from the architectural or historic integrity of the structure or site, and upon review, the Historic Sites Committee determines that the structure or site no longer meets the Minimum Standard for plaquing, you will forfeit your privilege of displaying the plaque on the structure or site.

Plaquing criteria for McHenry County Structures or Sites:

1. Architectural Significance of a Building                                                                20 points

2. Maintenance of a Building, Outbuildings or Site                                                20 points

3. Historical Significance of a Building or Site                                                         20 points

4. Conservation of Original Architectural Details, Decorative elements and Character of a Building                                                                                                                     20 points

5. Age of a Building or Site                                                                                         20 points

Definitions:

1. Architectural significance: The building must be representative of a particular architectural style, construction technique and/or design.

2. Maintenance of a building or outbuildings:  The overall or general condition of a building or site. Is the building kept painted, tuck pointed, and in good repair? (Building maintenance, however, should not detract from the structure's original appearance and character).

3. Historical significance of a building or site:  The historic association of a building or site to local, state, and/or national history, county development and settlement patterns as well as associations with county residents.

4. Conservation of architectural elements:  The preservation of original, distinctive details and characteristics which define the aesthetic and architectural integrity of a building.

5. Age of a building or site:  The date the structure was built, and the date of any subsequent additions or remodeling. A site must be at least 50 years old to be considered for plaquing. This is the minimum age requirement used by the National Register of Historic Places.

Rev. 7/95

Plaquing Application

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Applicant’s name(s):______________________________________________________

Address:________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Home phone:____________________________________________________________

Business phone:__________________________________________________________

Is the applicant also the owner of the home/building/site? Yes____ No____

If no, please provide the following information:

Owner’s name:___________________________________________________________

Owner’s address:_________________________________________________________

Owner’s home phone:_____________________________________________________

Owner’s business phone:___________________________________________________

Current owners purchased this property in what year:____________________________

Have you enclosed early and/or current photographs? Yes_____ No_____

Any drawings or renderings? Yes_____ No_____

Address or location of historic structure: ______________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Directions (nearest intersection):_____________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Style of house or building

(e.g., Greek Revival, Tudor, Victorian, Italianate, Cottage, Bungalow, etc.)

Structure dates back to (year, circa): ___________ Is this confirmed? _______________

(please attach copies of research to application)

Site, house or structure known as: ____________________________________________

(examples: The Cupola House, Richardson Homestead, etc.)

Adjacent land use is presently (check all that apply): residential _____

commercial _____ institutional (school) _____ government property _____

agricultural _____ vacant _____

Other, please describe_____________________________________________________

Name of architect, contractor or carpenter, if known:

_____________________________________________________________________

Were there any known local crafts persons involved in the construction?

yes_____ no_____ Names? ______________________________________________

Original cost of property, construction and/or materials, if known:

_____________________________________________________________________

The original function(s) of the site: residence_____ barn_____ church_____

farm_____ factory_____ shop_____ cemetery_____ school_____

Other:________________________________________________________________

If it is not, please state the current use of the site: _____________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

If the consideration of the structure is based on a historic event that took place there, please note it briefly here, then attach copies of research material to the completed application: ___________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

(e.g., historic figure’s birthplace, first of kind, property or workplace of local citizen who impacted the community, workshop of inventor, artist’s studio, etc.)

Names of subsequent owners, past to present:

_____________________________________ purchased_______ sold______

_____________________________________ purchased_______ sold______

_____________________________________ purchased_______ sold______

_____________________________________ purchased_______ sold______

_____________________________________ purchased_______ sold______

(If additional space is needed, please attach a separate sheet, with research on all)

Please list and describe additions to original structures(s):

_______________________________________________________________

date(s)_________________ architect or contractor______________________

_______________________________________________________________

date(s)_________________ architect or contractor______________________

_______________________________________________________________

Do you know of any architectural and/or historical building materials that were

lost or disposed of during remodeling or fires, flooding, etc.?______________

_______________________________________________________________

Have any historic restoration measures been taken by past or present owners?

_______________________________________________________________

Number of original stories (do not include basements or attics): ___________

Is there a basement? _____ Is there an attic? _____

Number of original interior rooms: ____________________

Please name them: _______________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Do all of the original rooms still exist? _____ If not, please explain: ________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

The original exterior of the structure was: brick _____ stone_____ logs _____

cedar shingles _____ wood clapboard _____ board and batten _____

cement block _____ stucco _____ other: _____________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Did any of the original exterior materials originate in McHenry County? _____

(i.e., Terra Cotta, marked local brick, cut limestone, straight cobblestone rows)

If yes, please describe: _____________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

What is the present siding material? original_____ asphalt shingles_____

replacement wood clapboard_____ aluminum siding_____

vinyl siding (which size, type)______________________________________

Other: __________________________________________________________

Describe distinctive or unique construction techniques or characteristics:

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

What is the original shape of the roof? flat _____ flat with parapet _____

gables_____ shed (half-gabled)_____ side-gabled_____ front-gabled_____

cross-gabled_____ saltbox_____ hip-on-gable (Tudor)_____ simple____

gambrel (barn-shaped)_____ pyramidal_____ cross-hipped_____

dual-pitched hipped____ mansard_____ deck (flat-top hipped)_____

gable-on-hip_____ other:_________________________________________

Are there any dormers?_____ How many?_____ What style?

gabled_____ shed_____ hipped_____ deck_____ flat_____ eyebrow_____

arched_____ inset_____ other:_____________________________________

Are the dormers original to the house?_____________

Has the original roof massing changed?_____ Explain: ___________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Original roof covering material was: wood shingles_____ slate_____

tin_____ tiles_____ asphalt shingles_____ other______________________

_______________________________________________________________

If original roofing material has been replaced or covered, what is the present

Roofing material? Shingles_____ Which type?________________________

Note any decorative style or shape of roofing materials: __________________

_______________________________________________________________

Did the original structure have one or more porches? (Also include balconies or

Widow’s Walks) Please describe:____________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Check all that apply to the present condition of the porches:

original_____ minor alterations_____ historical reproduction_____

porch(es) added_____ porch(es) enclosed_____ porch(es) removed_____

not applicable_____ other: _______________________________________

How many chimneys are visible on the exterior of the structure?

Condition of chimneys: good_____ fair_____ poor_____

How many of the existing chimneys are original?______________________

Can the original foundation be seen from the exterior?__________________

Foundation material: stone_____ cement blocks_____ brick_____

poured concrete_____ cobblestone in rows_____

Other: ________________________________________________________

Is the original foundation material coated with another material?_________

stucco_____ cement_____ traced cement_____ paint_____

exterior sealant_____ other: _____________________________________

Are there any intact original cellar doors?_____ Are they used now?_____

Are there any original doors remaining in the structure?_____ All?_____

Are any of the original doors screened doors?_______________________

Please note any existing original door elements:

panels_________________________________________________________

hardware (hinges, knobs, locks & keys, doorbells)______________________

_______________________________________________________________

frames, casings___________________________________________________

crown moldings__________________________________________________

pediments_______________________________________________________

windows, art glass or inserts________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

How many original doors have been replaced?__________________________

Authentic reproductions (#)_____ non-authentic reproductions (#)_____

Is there a style or type of original door that is typical in the structure?________

Number of panels: 1___ 2___ 3___ 4___ 5___ 6___ other______________

Describe any unique or distinctive qualities of the original doors:

_______________________________________________________________

Have the original doors ever been painted?_____ Are they now?___________

Are there any original windows remaining in the structure?_____ All?_____

Please note any existing original window elements:

sashes_____ sills_____ sill casings_____ lintels_____ hoods_____

pediments_____ hand-glazed glass_____ locks_____ weights_____

cords or chains_____ stained or leaded glass_________________________

How many original windows have been replaced?______________________

authentic reproductions_____ non-authentic reproductions_____

Is there a style or type of original window that is typical to the structure?____

Please describe:_________________________________________________

window types: double-hung_____ casement_____ fixed_____ bay_____

jalousie (louvered)_____ palladian_____ ribbon (3+ in a row) _____

transom_____ oriole_____ other___________________________________

Number of lights (panes) on double-hung windows: (e.g., 1 over 1, 2 over 1,

4 over 1, 4 over 4, 6y over 6, etc.)__________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Check all that apply:

_____arched doorways _____ shutters (original)

_____arched windows _____quoins (cornerstones)

_____drip moldings _____friezes

_____patterned brickwork _____vergeboards (in gables)

_____patterned shingling _____exposed rafters or beams

_____curved shingling _____trusses (in gables)

_____brackets _____towers

_____turned porch supports _____cupolas

_____columns _____half-timbering

_____gingerbread _____metal roof cresting

_____turned balustrade _____door surrounds

_____cut-out balustrade _____window surrounds

_____belt course (molding between stories) _____ lightning rods

_____false parapet wall or castellations _____weather vanes

Other, please list:_________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

The structure was originally heated by: fireplaces_____ stoves_____

coal_____ oil_____ forced water/steam_____ forced air_____ gas_____

electric_____ solar_____ other:____________________________________

The structure is presently heated by __________________________________

Has air conditioning been added: yes_____ no_____ If so, when?________

central air________________ individual units__________________

Please describe any other original ventilation mechanism, for example; cupolas, clerestory windows, "shotgun" hallways, transom windows, etc. ___________

_______________________________________________________________

Was the building originally outfitted for mechanical lighting? yes___ no___

gas_____ electricity_____ both____________________________________

Is there still evidence of gas lighting? yes_____ no____

pipe stubs_____ refitted fixtures (from gas to electric)_____

Other:__________________________________________________________

Is there still evidence of an antiquated electrical system? Yes_____ no_____

pull chain fixtures_____ old push button switches_____

winged knob switches_____ knob and tube wiring_____

cloth covered wiring_____ other:__________________________________

Did the structure originally have indoor plumbing? Yes_____ no_____

If no, when was it added:__________________________________________

Are there any original plumbing fixtures remaining? yes_____ no_____

sinks?_____ how many? _____ what styles?_________________________

toilets?_____ how many?_____ what styles?_________________________

pull chain style?_____ gravity tank?_____

bathtubs?_____ how many?_____ what styles?_______________________

shower stalls or attachments?_____ how many?_____ styles?____________

Other:__________________________________________________________

Is there evidence of outdated plumbing, heating and electrical systems in the

basement? Yes_____ no_____ Describe____________________________

_______________________________________________________________

On the exterior of the structure" yes_____ no_____ Describe:___________

_______________________________________________________________

(examples: cisterns, coal chutes, stove pipes, etc.)

Does any original decorative plaster work exists on the ceiling or walls?_____

ceiling medallions_____ cove moldings (concave)_____ friezes_____
crown moldings (convex)_____ arches_____ niches_____

Other:_________________________________________________________

Are there any pressed tin ceilings in the structure?_____ If yes, which room(s)?

_______________________________________________________________

If yes, are the ceiling moldings (cove or crown) metal also?________________

Is the interior woodwork original?_____ all_____ dome_____ none_____

What type of wood has the woodwork been constructed from? (check all that

apply): oak_____ pine_____ maple_____ ash_____ fir_____

mahogany_____ cherry_____ walnut_____ other______________________

Note any distinctiveness about the wood (quarter sawn, knotty, bird’s eye, etc.)

_______________________________________________________________

Has any of the interior woodwork been painted?_________________________

Was it a painted finish originally?_____ Is there any faux graining?_________

Has the woodwork ever been stripped and refinished?_____ when?_________

Original interior woodwork elements present in the structure at this time:

Please check all that apply:

_____cove moldings _____crown moldings

_____open staircase _____picture rails

_____chair rails _____base moldings

_____window crowns _____door crowns

_____window moldings _____door moldings

_____exposed beams _____interior columns

Built-ins:

_____wardrobes _____cabinets

_____bookcases _____benches

Other, please describe:_____________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Is there a particular style or pattern embossed or carved into the woodwork?

_______________________________________________________________

Has any of the original woodwork been replaced? Yes_____ no_____

If so, how? Reproduction to match_____ salvage_____

Other:__________________________________________________________

Are there any original fireplace mantels in the structure? Yes_____ no_____

wood_____ marble_____ tiled_____ brick_____ stone_____

stucco_____ beam_____ other:____________________________________

Please describe mantel(s)__________________________________________

Have any mantels been replaced? Yes_____ no_____ Describe:__________

_______________________________________________________________

Are there any fireplaces that have been covered over? Yes_____ no_____

In which rooms?_________________________________________________

Which types of original flooring were in the structure? plank width?_______

parquet_____ inlay_____ tile_____ marble______

asphalt tiles_____ linoleum_____ other:____________________________

Describe any inlayed floor patterns:_________________________________

If original flooring has been replaced, what type of material was used?

Please check any of the following elements that are or were a part

of the structure:

_____dumb waiter _____laundry chutes

_____speaking tubes _____ice delivery chute

_____butter & egg box _____coal or oil receptacles

Other, please describe:________________________________________________

Are there any known original plantings on the property? yes_____ no_____

Describe plantings:_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Are there any deliberate plantings on the property? (i.e., windbreaks, farming,

Subsistence gardens, formal gardens, Indian trail trees, etc.)

Are there any other landscaping features? Such as:

trellises_____ window boxes_____ garden paths_____ statuary_____

Other:__________________________________________________________

How many outbuildings stand on the property at this time?________________

barns_____ sheds_____ garages_____ silos_____ gazebos_____

playhouses_____ outhouses_____ other______________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Describe any outbuildings that were on the property, but no longer exist:

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

The Historic Sites Committee is interested in knowing your reasons for seeking a plaque.

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Is there any folklore associated with this structure that cannot be substantiated?

Please describe:__________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Please attach copies of your research, including:

Survey(s)

Legal description

Chain of title

Revised May 1995