Money only thing stopping Farnsworth Mansion rebuild
This may not qualify as a Halloween story, unless the ghost of Civil War Brigadier-General John Farnsworth can somehow help stir up some funds to rebuild the mansion he put up in St. Charles in 1860.
Like many projects these days, the effort to rebuild the Farnsworth Mansion to its Civil War era past has run into money problems.
“We are still working to rebuild the Farnsworth Mansion, but the economy has severely hurt our cause,” said Kim Malay of St. Charles, who along with five other foundation board members has been spearheading an effort to bring back the mansion.
The mansion was taken down about 25 years ago to make way for the ViewPointe townhouses project along Route 31 across from Mount St. Mary Park.
Malay was quick to respond to last week’s column when I reported that some residents were curious about the rebuilding effort, but I was unable to reach anyone through the contacts listed on the Farnsworth Mansion website.
The foundation has about $100,000 in donations, and has targeted $2 million as the number needed to rebuild the mansion to its look in the early 1900s.
Other than those significant money woes, key elements are still in place. The original stone, door, windows and woodwork of the mansion are safely stored, and the city years ago approved a special-use permit for the mansion to be rebuilt at Camp Kane, near Langum Park, where the Illinois 8th Cavalry unit camped close to the Fox River.
“We have recently decided to hold a 150th anniversary celebration for Camp Kane in September 2011 instead of doing our annual event in April/May since Camp Kane was officially founded in September 1861,”
Malay said of an event that could raise awareness of the mansion story and rebuild effort.
“Our biggest issue regarding the rebuilding is funding,” she added. “We are a ‘shovel ready’ project but can’t seem to get lucky enough to receive any funding assistance.
“If anyone is aware of funding opportunities we would love to have them contact us,” Malay said.
Those with ideas or questions can contact Malay or foundation members at info@farnsworthmansion.com or by calling (224) 856-9049.
Helping the poor
Ali Schlereth of St. Charles has joined an Archdiocese of Chicago volunteer program that has helped poor families in the city for more than 25 years.
Schlereth, who graduated from Purdue University three years ago and has been teaching since, is serving one year as a volunteer at Amate House in Chicago.
While living at a house in McKinley Park owned by the Amate House organization on the city’s Southwest Side, she will work at the Academy of St. Benedict the African School.
Schlereth was selected, along with 33 other young volunteers from throughout the United States, for the program which trains future leaders of the church.
“This is a faith-based program created by three priests in the archdiocese, but it is not too common for those in the program to become priests or sisters,” said Lisa Wolff, program coordinator for Amate House. “We talk about vocations, but this was a program created for lay people, for them to be able to serve those in need.”
Welcoming the hero
The Elburn Lions had a great idea last week in providing a hometown hero’s welcome and a community dinner for 22-year-old Kevin Lamb, who served as a sergeant in the Army in Iraq and Afghanistan.
This must be what it was like in small rural towns across the country when local boys returned home from the Civil War, and community members got together for a meal so they could listen to his stories.
It’s also a good idea for the Lions, who are planning other programs in Lions Park to draw interest to the club and lure current members back to club activities.
Plans still brewing
With the development plans for the second phase of the First Street redevelopment in St. Charles on hold until at least early 2012, thoughts have turned to how to make the open grassy area on street’s east side look more appealing.
Jennifer Faivre, executive director of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership, braved the stormy weather early Tuesday morning to update my service club on partnership activities and let us know what’s being talked about regarding the open First Street property.
Faivre said owners of the former Manor Restaurant parcel are in discussions with the city about creating a more attractive area than the current chain link fence and torn up ground. Several ideas are being considered, but potential future plans called for an open area that could be an ice rink in the winter and a courtyard during the summer, so it’s possible something like that could be incorporated earlier.
“The original plan for that whole parcel called for parking on the east side of the street, so the city is planning on going forward with that,” Faivre said.
Play it safe
It’s always better, it seems, when Halloween falls on the weekend. Young kids can get out for their treats fairly early this afternoon (recommended times are between 3 and 7 p.m. in most towns), and most people should be home.
And there’s no distraction from those silly Chicago Bears today, as they have their bye week which some fans wish could be extended.
So, be safe and have fun.
dheun@sbcglobal.net