Introduction
The city of Hammond has a rich history and a diversity of architecture unique among the Calumet Region cities of Northwest Indiana. However, this heritage often goes unnoticed or is overlooked as the city continues to develop and focus on the future. It is vitally important as a city to be aware of our past development and heritage. The buildings and neighborhoods highlighted here offer the chance to view the architecture and history of our past and learn its value for present and future generations. This guide is presented in an attempt to inform residents and visitors of the importance of special neighborhoods in Hammond. Hammond is a fine city; one to be explored, preserved and enjoyed.
Harrison Park:
Location
Located directly south of Downtown Hammond, between the Illinois State Line on the west, Lyman Avenue on the east, Douglas Street on the north and Detroit Street on the south. The Harrison Park area is easily accessible via Hohman Avenue.
Historic Significance
PHOTO: Hohman Avenue, opposite Harrison Park looking north towards the Downtown circa 1913. The Harrison Park area holds a unique place in the history of Hammond's development, offering a rare glimpse of two historic events which helped shape its character: the rapid growth of the city after the turn of the century and the cultural change of America as the Victorian Era came to a close. Platted as three separate additions to the growing city, the Harrison Park area began as a late Victorian neighborhood, with quaint frame cottages and more substantial Victorian homes. In the early 20th century, new architectural styles emerged under the influence of scientific advances and changes in taste. Victorian architecture and design were viewed as old-fashioned and overly-elaborate. New architecture, as seen in the Arts and Crafts movement, stressed unpretentious living and a home which blended with its "natural" surroundings. As a result, new architectural designs stressed finely detailed, but less elaborate homes with open floor plans and well landscaped yards. The change in fashion and public taste led to the slow progression away from Victorian styles and towards those know collectively as "Progressive Architecture". This transition can be viewed today as one travels south through the Harrison Park area. Victorian styles become mixed with and replaced by these "new" styles.
At the same time as a cultural change was underway, Hammond was experiencing rapid growth. Housing was in short supply and the need for quality housing was great. The middle and upper income classes concentrated in the area south of the downtown, seeking housing away from the business district, though only a few minutes walk away.
The Homewood Addition to Hammond, bounded by Webb and Detroit Streets, State Line and Hohman Avenues was designed to meet the needs of the growing city. A 1903 brochure publicizing Hammond stated, "Homewood, with its broad avenues, parks, trees, churches and schools, is a residence district that appeals to the man who understands the full significance of the work home." Today, one of the largest concentrations of architectural landmarks exists in the Homewood Addition area of Harrison Park.
Enhancing the expansion of this area was the development of Harrison Park, the first major urban park in Hammond, and the construction of a streetcar line along Hohman Avenue from the Downtown. As a result of the transportation and recreation amenities, the area became very desirable and rapidly filled with homes. Two-Flats and Apartment buildings were built to serve the housing needs of the new residents, while homes of various sizes and styles were intermingled to accommodate those seeking better housing. The results of these two major events shaped the Harrison Park area into an unusual mixture of housing and architecture.
Architecture
PHOTO: Former Northern States Life Insurance Building corner of Hohman Avenue and Waltham Streets circa 1937. Marked by a variety of domestic architectural styles, the Harrison Park area structures date from the 1890's to the 1920's and contain a unique mixture of cottages, more substantial residences and apartment buildings. Several important commercial buildings can also be found along Hohman Avenue. Predominant architectural styles include Queen Anne, Princess Anne, Chicago Two-Flat, Free Classic, Bungalow, Dutch Colonial Revival and American Four Square. The entire area exemplified the transition in American from Victorian styles of the late 1800's to those styles of the early 20th century. The mixture of styles, and sizes of homes, show the rapid growth which occurred in Hammond during this era. Frame construction was most often used in the older homes and cottages, while brick and stone were popular materials for the more substantial homes and apartment buildings. Stained glass and leaded glass windows abound in the neighborhood, adding a turn-of-the-century charm to the area. The neighborhood is also notable in its juxtaposition of simple, plainly designed homes with those of elaborate detailing. During the 1950's and 1960's, asbestos and aluminum siding along with new additions began to obscure the unique character of the homes architecture. Despite these alterations, much remains of the neighborhood's character. Most of these structures can be easily restored to their original style and beauty. View the five prominent types of Architectural Styles in the Harrison Park Area or View Buildings
Harrison Park
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PHOTOS TOP TO BOTTOM: Flower Beds in Harrison Park, American Legion Memorial in Harrison Park, Entrance to Beautiful Harrison Park circa 1930's to 1940's. More than any other public area, Harrison Park has been the focus for the city's festivals, meetings and recreation. At the turn-of-the-century, businessmen and planners, as well as concerned citizens, voiced their fear that densely built urban areas, with their pollution and small residential lots, were unhealthy, not to mention unappealing. The "City Beautiful" movement was launched to create vistas and public parks not only for recreation, but also to provide an attractive focus for the area. The European example of the urban "garden" was the basis for this idea.The movement reached Hammond at the turn-of-the-century. In 1898, then Mayor Fred Mott spear headed the acquisition of 24 acres south of the downtown bounded by Hohman Avenue, Lyman Avenue, Webb Street, and Waltham Street. The park, was named for former President Benjamin Harrison, and was one of four parks acquired over a fifteen year period. The park at one time featured bridges over the lagoon and carefully tended flower beds. Parades ended here, speeches given, rallies held; all took advantages of the natural beauty of the carefully landscaped park. Today, the park still remains one of the most beautiful in the city. Aided by Federal funds, the city has provided a bandshell, improvements to the lagoon, extensive landscaping, picnic benches and tennis courts. The park continues as a focal point for all of Hammond. Visit the Harrison Park Mini-Museum. |
Of Special Note
This self-guided tour gives you a sample of the architectural styles prevalent in the Harrison Park area as well as pointing out specific notable historic and / or architecturally significant buildings in the area. As you enjoy and use your guide to tour the area, please respect the privacy of the home owners featured in this guide, as most of these buildings are privately owned and not open to the public.
