Thanks to those of you who replied! I've been out of town and, thus, out of touch for the past few days and it was nice to see that I'm not alone out there. Had I known there was a kindred spirit in Joliet, I would have stopped in town on my way through to Bloomington! <br> <br>I especially appreciated the positive description of four squares provided. I'll have to explore the site more thoroughly. In the only description I had previously seen, the four square was referred to as a homely, boxy house. Imagine how depressing that was to read! <br> <br>Let's stay in touch! <br> <br>This house needs so much loving care and I can see its potential. The fireplace and mantle were painted a glossy white and the mantle was just a puny little thing and poorly made (no doubt a replacement over the years. I've just had the crown molding cut for the new oak mantle I'm building and plan to have it on by the end of this weekend. I'm so excited as it is the last project for the living room. I'm taking before and after photos, but I can't figure out how to insert a photo here and don't have a web page. But I would be delighted to share via email. <br> <br>

Good to have you back. I read the "homely/boxy" description also, but I don't agree with it at all. The Foursquare is my all-time favorite house style and I am so happy we found this one. We moved here from a 1940's ranch, very small, and our house still feels like a palace to us (small kitchen and all!). I love the hardwood floors, wide oak woodwork, high ceilings and plaster walls. I love having lots of windows and plenty of natural light. I just love everything about this house. Well, almost. . . unfortunately the previous owner replaced the original windows in the living room and dining room with vinyl sliders, but otherwise the house is perfect! I'm not saying it doesn't need a lot of work-it does- but it's still a great house. I have always like the layout of the Foursquare. Homely and boxy? I don't think so.