by Christine Lorraine Morgan ~ February 15, 2023

People in Erie, PA continue to be awed by one of its most bewitching structures from the past, the Illig House.

This image of the Illig House was captured in 2021.

One of the most compelling historical aspects of this 2016 Peach Street former home is its intact “widow walk” on top. Surrounded by an antique wrought iron fence, this roof area was where women of yesteryear would watch for ships returning with their husbands, sons and other seafarers and lake travelers.

According to Online Erie County, PA Biographies (Biography of William C Illig, one of Daniel’s sons): “The late Daniel Illig, who was a native of Germany, located in Erie in 1847, where he built up a very successful clothing and tailoring business. This establishment he maintained until his death in 1914. His wife is the only surviving member of the pioneer Schultz family of Erie, and resides at 2016 Peach Street. The Illig homestead was built in 1876, and has always been pointed out as one of the first fine old homes in the city. Mr. and Mrs. Illig are the parents of fourteen children, eight of whom are living.” Although Daniel Illig was not an attorney, some of his descendants were.

From: History of Erie County, Pennsylvania By: John Elmer Reed

Historical Publishing Company Topeka-Indianapolis 1925

This image of the Illig House depicts what it looked like when it was in its glory. Credit: Unknown