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Whiting, Indiana 119th Street Commercial District

Whiting Religious Structures

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Historic Homes of Whiting, Indiana


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Historic Structures of

Whiting, Indiana

Religious Structures


Whiting Indiana (pop. 5,155) is a city with good harbor facilities on Lake Michigan just southeast of Chicago.

Because it is nestled between the cities of East Chicago and Hammond and has areas of dense development, this 1.3 square mile community gives the impression of being bigger than it is. Whiting and the nearby cities of East Chicago, Hammond, and Gary are part of the Calumet region, one of the nation's most highly industrialized areas. Products manufactured in Whiting include chemicals, metal products, and soap products. Whiting is the home of Calumet College of Saint Joseph.

Whiting's "main street" is 119th Street. The city is fortunate to have maintained a viable downtown area throughout its history. As a result Whiting boasts a large number of well-maintained and occupied historic structures and 119th Street maintains a unified and attractive appearance. Whiting is the home of picturesque neighborhoods and block after block of significant historic structures.

The city began its growth around the railroad crossing that intersects 119th street and connects Whiting to Chicago. But the real driving engine of Whiting's development was the Standard Oil Co. refinery, which almost single-handedly laid out the town. In 1889 that company began buying up Marsh and duneland for the construction of what would eventually become the world's biggest refinery. Whiting became a town and 1903 and experienced a period of dramatic growth during the 1920's.

In 1905, Standard Oil donated land and the Carnegie Foundation granted funds for a public library. The outstanding Romanesque Revival building was completed that same year.

Whiting's architectural assets are so great that it has received four pages on this site. Surprisingly, Whiting has not adopted historic tax credits or applied for recognition on the National Register of Historic Places, something it should do to maintain the appeal of its historic areas for the future.

Whiting, Indiana Religious Structures - Italianate church

This striking church has elements of the Italianate style.

Whiting, Indiana Religious Structures - St. Paul Lutheran Rectory

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
2006 Schrage Avenue
Located next to the Henry Schrage House, which serves as its rectory.

(Thanks to Bob Kark, Director of Community Development, Whiting for this information)

 

Whiting, Indiana Religious Structures - Henry Schrage House

Henry Schrage House
2006 Schrage Ave.
Free Classic
c. 1905
The site maintainer believes this was or is a parish house; hence its inclusion on this page. It is next door to the St. Paul Lutheran Rectory (shown above)

Whiting, Indiana Religious Structures - Henry Schrage House

Henry Schrage House
2006 Schrage Ave.
Free Classic
c. 1905

 

Whiting, Indiana - St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

The beautiful
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
in Whiting's downtown area

Whiting, Indiana Religious Structures - St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

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