Blue Island in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Albert & Alice Roche House

Built 1878

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 31, 2025

1. Albert & Alice Roche House Marker

Inscription. Albert Roche, son of Walter P. Roche, was a stockbroker in Chicago. Albert married Alice Kile, a pioneer settler and daughter of Village Board President Merrill Kile, in 1878. The Albert Roche House has been expertly maintained and is a wonderful expression of how 19th century architecture was able to unite very simple features into a pleasing, harmonious whole.

The groups of windows at the front of the home provide a well-lighted and ventilated parlor for the family. A planar hood molding provides protection for the windows and a bit of architectural interest. The second floor windows sport a unique octagon "arch." The entryway is a classic of the period: long divided sidelights, a glazed and paneled door, topped with a transom window.
Historic Blue Island, Illinois
Founded 1835

This project was supported in part by a Preserve America grant administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 41° 39.53′ N, 87° 41.107′ W. Marker

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is on Blue Island, Illinois, in Cook County. It is at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Union Street, on the right when traveling south on Maple Avenue. The marker is at the intersection's southwest corner. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 12900 Maple Avenue, Blue Island IL 60406, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago

and in the Calumet Region.

It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The William Schreiber House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Robert Seyfarth House (within shouting distance of this marker); Albert and Emma Schmidt House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The William Seyfarth House (about 300 feet away); The Buenger/Nelson House (about

Albert & Alice Roche House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 31, 2025

2. Albert & Alice Roche House

300 feet away); Paul T. & Caryl Klenk House (about 400 feet away); Conrad & Matilda Kich House (about 700 feet away); The Alden J. Klein House (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Blue Island.

More about this marker. Alice Roche died in 1918 at age 73; Albert died in 1928 at age 80.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 9, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.