I’ve looked at the area south of downtown Belleville before, but this time I found myself heading up South Illinois Avenue towards the central square where it intersects Main Street.
I have to love that Second Empire house above, which looks to be coated in stucco. It’s a new height of hiding a Mansard roof!
As is common along a now-commercial corridor, there were pre-existing storefronts, as well as houses that have been converted into businesses.
As was also common, the wealthy lived on what are now loud and busy streets.
I keep looking at the white building, but I can’t see the “Mansard” roof.
It’s so covered in stucco that it’s hard to see! But look on the right side and you can see that the roofline is still intact and sloped like a Mansard.
Although I was born In St Louis, I grew Up across the river in Cahokia IL. Attended St Henrys Prep Seminay Freshamn Sophmore High scool in Belleville, The County Seat Of St Clair County IL. Intersting city even today. Would be nice if you have time to cover the historic parts of what was (Still is in spite of merger in 2020) Cahokia IL Specifically Holy FAmily CAtholic PArish Log Church and The Jarott MAnsion and the Oldest IL Court House which is near the city Hall in Cahokia off Hwy 3. Town is 65 years older than St Louis.