Street number prior to 1925: 913 Sixth
This home was built by Walter M. Joyce and his wife Eva in 1911. Walter Joyce worked for the Superior Coffee Co. on N. Appleton St. In 1925 he was the Treasurer of the company. All four of the Joyce's sons were born in this house. The home was built using "ornamental concrete block." This man-made material fashioned from portland cement made concrete blocks a strong, inexpensive alternative to brick or stone. This gave famillies of average means the opportunity to build houses of many different styles at a reasonable price.
Other examples of homes constructed from this material are located at 327 S. Walnut St., 329 W. Prospect Ave., 335 W. Prospect Ave.,340 W. Prospect Ave., 608 W. Sixth St., 617 W. Sixth St., and 419 S. State St.
