Will County's Historic Landmarks
Will County Rural Structure Surveys
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Historic Landmark Registry - Fiddyment House (c. 1840's) |
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Prior to the this landmark's unfortunate destruction by fire in fall 200, the Fiddyment House was a familiar visual landmark within Lockport Township. The house was constructed (c. 1840s) and owned by John Fiddyment, a local farmer, who also owned a distillery (located on the farmstead) which he operated until 1865. Fiddyment also held the position of Lockport Township Supervisor three times. Following Fiddyment's death in 1874, his son Walter maintained the family's 240-acre farm. Walter Fiddyment also operated a stone quarry, the Lockport Stone Company until 1891. During the early 20th century, Walter's son, J.C., sold the majority of the farm to the Texaco Company.
The two-story house's gable front and wing design reflects Greek Revival architecture typically found in the Midwestern region, popularized between 1840-1860. Generally, popularization of this domestic design, as with any other, occurred simultaneous to the population growth of a community. Lockport's application of the Greek Revival style coincided with its growth during the mid-19th century.
The Greek Revival style was used for various types of building designs including churches, houses, and public buildings. In Illinois, one of the more notable Greek Revival buildings is the Old State House (c. 1837) in Springfield. Although the Greek Revival features were not always translated directly to rural, domestic architecture (such as columns and porticos), various Greek Revival ornamental elements (corner pilasters and decorative doorways) were incorporated into the residential design which set the respective houses apart from their low-style vernacular counterparts. It is believed that the large size of the Fiddyment House is due to at least three additions. Additions were customary during the 19th century as property owners, based upon their economic capabilities, attempted to address spatial needs.
The Fiddyment House was designated a Will County Landmark on March 16, 2000.
This landmark was destroyed by fire in fall 2000.
Historic Name: John Fiddyment Home
Common Name: Fiddyment-Garrett-Musial Home
Location: Lockport Township
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