The John A. Hunyar House, located at 5406 Carpenter in Downers Grove, is recognized for its architecture. Described as a Craftsman-style bungalow, the home was built c. 1925.

John Anton Hunyar was born in Austria-Hungary in 1891. He immigrated to the USA in 1910. By 1917, he was married to Martha and working as a metalworker at Liquid Carbonic Corp. in Chicago, a historic manufacturer of carbon dioxide gas, dry ice, and soda fountain equipment that revolutionized the industry. By the 1920’s, Hunyar is listed in the US Census as a tinsmith, and he and Martha have a son, Robert. Hunyar became a naturalized citizen in 1922.   In 1924, he purchased the land on Carpenter, and soon this charming home was built. In the 1930s, they also had a daughter, Helen. In the 1940’s census, his job is listed as ‘Telephone Manufacturer Assembly’ (still working at Liquid Carbonic Corp in Chicago), and his name is spelled Hunyard (also signed this way on his Word War II draft registration). In the 1950’s, he is listed as having risen to the position of Supervisor Bender.

Many skilled immigrants chose to make their homes in Downers Grove, raising families and contributing to the rich fabric of the community we cherish today, thanks in large part to the excellent rail service that connected residents to employment opportunities throughout the region. This lovely home is part of that story. Records indicate that the Hunyard family lived in the home for over 50 years. The Historic Home Program plaque reflects the family name in 1925.

See the Historic Home Program Application for 5406 Carpenter Street here