Progress!!!!!!

Work started last week on emergency repairs to replace the chimneys at the home. Lack of use, time, poor management and an absence regular and routine maintenance had started to take a toll on the chimneys.  They were starting to deteriorate at a very rapid rate, endangering visitors as well as the saftey of the home. It was decided to repair the parlor and master bedroom chimneys and seal them off so no fires will ever be lit in the home again. However, the chimney in the summer kitchen will be replaced and put back in working order so that events can once again take place in that part of the home. This also means that the bake oven, which is a very large indoor oven and a very valuable part of the home will once again be operational. This will be a boon for the home and the volunteer staff, and will allow for kitchen programs to start taking place after the repairs have finished.

Eagle Watching

Please plan to attend a new event which will take place at the Pierre Menard Home for the first time next month. On Sunday, February 7th, 2010 from 9am-5pm, you may come out and from the front porch of the home spend the day looking for American Bald Eagles as they soar across the Mississippi River and roost in the trees around the home. Please feel free to bring your cameras, spotting scopes and binoculars as you look for eagles and the myriad of song birds which inhabit the trees and undergrowth in and around the property. Feel free to walk around the property and observe the many finches, cardinals, woodpeckers, jays and a whole host of other birds to numerous to mention that frequent the grounds.

Dress for the weather; however coffee will be served downstairs in the museum if you get chilled. And please make sure you take a tour of the home, museum and view the audio/visual presentation while you are there to learn more about the First Lt. Governor of the State of Illinois.

We're looking forward to seeing everyone next month for this fun new adventure.  See you then!