GIVENS CASTLE

Givens Castle was built in 1886 by Robert G. Givens, the three story castle, with its three crenellated towers, was built from limestone hauled from a quarry near Joliet. Apparently, Givens lived in his castle until 1894, then again from 1904 to 1909 when he moved to San Francisco where he died in 1915. John B. Burdett, a manufacturer, purchased the castle in 1909. He had it wired for electricity, installed additional radiators, and made other changes. He sold the castle in 1920, for $7,000, to Dr. Miroslaw Siemans. "The Castle" fell upon hard times with the coming of the Depression; Dr. Siemans filed bankruptcy in 1935, and it was put into a trust in 1937. The Beverly Unitarian Fellowship bought the castle in 1942, for $14,000.

Later, I received E-Mail that said:

Givens Castle is situated on the corner of 103rd and Longwood in the south-side neighborhood known as Beverly. In addition to being one of Chicago's most unique structures, Givens Castle has the added distinction of being situated on the highest elevation in the city of Chicago. If you're in the area, a visit is in order, both for the castle and to view spectacular homes in this historically Irish and sigularly charming neighborhood.

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