Bloomington in McLean County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Formerly Clare House
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 4, 2025
1. Formerly Clare House Marker
Formerly Clare House
Built c. 1901
Late Victorian Style
Tina Sipula operated Clare House, a shelter
and later food pantry from 1978-2015.
This house, the third structure on this lot,
was built along with its twin, as rental property.
Erected by Dimmitt's Grove Neighborhood Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.
Location. 40° 28.777′ N, 88° 59.122′ W. Marker is in Bloomington, Illinois, in McLean County. It is on East Washington Street east of North Clayton Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 703 E Washington St, Bloomington IL 61701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Omar and Ethyl Rawson House (within shouting distance of this marker); Augustus & Jennie Elbe House (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); John & Matilda Heffernan House (about 600 feet away); Sain & Gertrude Welty House (about 600 feet away); George H. & Clara Bruner Cox House (about 600 feet away); Lucius T. and Arabella Bruner Wilcox House
this page online
Also see . . . Tina Sipula touched thousands experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Tina Sipula woke up one night in 1981 to find the womens shelter and Catholic Worker House she helped introduce to Bloomington-Normal in flames. But it wasnt the end. (Melissa Ellin, WGLT-FM, March 7, 2024) (Submitted on April 17, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 5, 2025
2. Formerly Clare House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 136 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 17, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
