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

The Buenger/Nelson House

Built 1928

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, April 19, 2026

1. The Buenger/Nelson House Marker

Inscription. This home, built for William and Elizabeth Buenger, was designed by their daughter Elsa, who derived her inspiration for it from tours she made through Europe during the time she studied there.

The home was later purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Leo Nelson. Mrs. Nelson was the daughter of John L. Zacharias, Blue Island's first mayor and a founding partner in the firm that later became the First National Bank of Blue Island.

The house is an example of the many elegant homes built on property that was once part of the estate of Walter P. Roche. Bounded by Maple Ave., Union St., York St., and the Grand Trunk tracks, this forty acre tract of lush virgin timberland was divided into seventy building lots in 1922, and Highland Square, as the area came to be known, has become one of the choicest residential sections of Blue Island.

Historic Blue Island, Illinois
Founded 1835

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.

Location. 41° 39.514′ N, 87° 41.179′ W. Marker is on Blue Island, Illinois, in Cook County.

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It is on Elm Street south of Union Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 12908 Elm Street, 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: Paul T. & Caryl Klenk House (a few steps from this marker); The William Seyfarth House (within shouting distance of this marker); Albert & Alice Roche House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The William Schreiber House (about 400 feet away); The Robert Seyfarth House (about 500 feet away); Albert and Emma Schmidt House (about 500 feet away); Conrad & Matilda Kich House (about 700 feet away); A-7D Corsair II (about

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, April 19, 2026

2. The Buenger/Nelson House Marker

800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Blue Island.

Also see . . . The William Buenger House (Facebook post). A Facebook page called Cozy Vintage Home & Garden, Etc. looks at the architecture of the ivy-covered Buenger House in Blue Island. (Submitted on April 21, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.