The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest

Henry G. Fiddelke

Architect, Henry G. Fiddelke was born in Matteson, IL.  Early in his career, he apprenticed for the prestigious firm of Silsbee, Adler, and Sullivan; as well as Jenney and Mundie.  He partnered with Frank Ellis in 1894 and two years later, opened his own office at 203 Marion St.  The Oak Park Reporter of January 3, 1896 said “Although not an old resident of Oak Park, Mr. Fiddelke’s taste and skill as an architect have made a distinct impression on the community.”

His architectural style included Queen Anne, Rectilinear, Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, and 2^nd Empire structures.  He did not usually work in the Prairie School style, even though he practiced at the height of its popularity.

According to his 1931 obituary, “Mr. Fiddelke had the German capacity for thoroughness and his professional brethren and builders held him in high esteem.”  He is most noted for designing the original Holmes school, the Burton Hales Mansion at 509 N. Oak Park Ave., the Jennie A. June row houses at 313-319 Maple Ave., and the C.E. Hemingway home (Ernest Hemingway’s boyhood home) at 600 N. Kenilworth Ave. 

Buildings:

River Forest	Oak Park

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