Peter Johnsen Rooming House
Encyclopedia
The Peter Johnsen Rooming House is an historic building near downtown Sycamore, Illinois
. The red brick structure stands in the 100 block of South Main Street and is considered a contributing structure to the overall historic integrity of the Sycamore Historic District
. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places
in May 1978.
from its construction until sometime in the 1970s, when it was converted for use as apartments. It is known that in the early 20th century a couple with the surname Heidikelin owned and operated the boarding house. They were remembered for their meals which were said to regularly attract townsfolk to the rooming house.
Sycamore, Illinois
Sycamore is a city in DeKalb County, Illinois, United States. It has a commercial district based and centered on Illinois Route 64. The population was 17,519 at the 2010 census, up from 12,020 at the 2000 census.-Early settlement:...
. The red brick structure stands in the 100 block of South Main Street and is considered a contributing structure to the overall historic integrity of the Sycamore Historic District
Sycamore Historic District
The Sycamore Historic District is a meandering area encompassing of the land in and around the downtown of the DeKalb County, Illinois, county seat, Sycamore. The area includes historic buildings and a number of historical and Victorian homes...
. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
in May 1978.
History
Very little is known about the building's namesake, Peter Johnsen. Constructed sometime between 1862 and 1876 the Johnsen Rooming House served as a boarding houseBoarding house
A boarding house, is a house in which lodgers rent one or more rooms for one or more nights, and sometimes for extended periods of weeks, months and years. The common parts of the house are maintained, and some services, such as laundry and cleaning, may be supplied. They normally provide "bed...
from its construction until sometime in the 1970s, when it was converted for use as apartments. It is known that in the early 20th century a couple with the surname Heidikelin owned and operated the boarding house. They were remembered for their meals which were said to regularly attract townsfolk to the rooming house.