The John A. Hunyar House, located at 5406 Carpenter in Downers Grove, is recognized by the Historic Home Program 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 1920, 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. By 1940, the U.S U.S. Census indicates he was working in telephone manufacturer assembly, still working at Liquid Carbonic Corporation in Chicago. His name is now spelled Hunyard (also signed this way on his World War II draft registration). In 1950, he now worked as 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. This is in large part due 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. As such, the Historic Home Program plaque reflects the family name in 1925.
Special thanks to Cheryl Rohloff for her interest in preserving historic homes in Downers Grove and seeking help in researching her home. See the Historic Home Program Application for 5406 Carpenter Street here.
