Monday, December 22, 2008

Merry Christmas to all

We, The Friends of the Menard Home, would like to extend our sincere wishes to you and your family for a Merry Christmas and a VERY happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. While the Christmas celebration at that the Menard's looked nothing like the Christmases of the late Victorian period, the Menard's did celebrate Christmas with their own unique style and did it with flare. Certainly the season would have found the Home full of visitors, well wishers an a place of bustling activity. As you prepare for the coming holiday, please remember to keep the spirit of Christmas in your heart and share it with those whom you encounter and try to carry that spirit with you always.

Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

And We Wait...And We Wait!

Our governor still has not listened to his constituency and resigned, though he did tell reporters this morning that he is "dying" to tell the people of Illinois his side of the story and he will reveal everything, "There’s a time and place for everything," he said. "That day will soon be here." Supposedly that day will be no later than Thursday night. We'll see!

Please keep in contact with your senators and representatives and keep pressure on them to make sure the matter of our governor's fate is handled swiftly and with minimal disruption to the state so we can get back to the matter at hand which is getting our historic sites reopened and funding restored to all the programs that wouldn't pad our governor's coffers.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Impeachment Petition

Representative Raymond Poe from Springfield is circulating a petition asking Rep. Madigan for proceedings for impeachment start immediately. If you would like to add your name to petition please go to: http://www.poe.ilhousegop.org/wp-content/poe_impeach_petition.pdf

Please be patient, our sites will be back and better than ever, it just might take some time.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

We're Still Waiting

As of this morning our dear governor hasn't gotten any common sense and resigned even though everyone of any note has sent him a letter telling him to resign and leave with some grace and dignity. Our best hope is that he will leave, or AG Lisa Madigan will ask the Illinois Supreme Court to declare him incompetent, thus removing his powers and putting Lt. Governor Quinn in charge. These are the two quickest options, but of course there is the messy impeachment proceedings, which will start on Monday in the House, but we'll take what we can get at this point. Then hopefully Quinn will be able restore the funding to state parks and historic sites. Stay tuned and we'll update as we learn any information.

No matter how this plays out it's going to be a very long and costly road to restore the State of Illinois to a working state and an even longer time before we gain any respect in the political arena at a state or national level.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

It's a Great Day in Illinois!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our dear governor has been indited, arrested and led out of his home in handcuffs. He's facing a packed, 78 page federal indictment. We've all known that there was a lot of wrongdoing going on, but now we have the proof we all knew was out there.

At this point we aren't sure what this means for our historic sites or when they will reopen, but it is a very bright spot with the holidays coming up. Stay turned and we'll update you with more information as it becomes available to us.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Event Cancelled!

Apparently the local newspapers aren't reading their own papers and some of them think we are still open and are still putting on the Christmas Open House scheduled for Sunday, December 7th. We are however sorry to say that because the home is closed until further notice this event and every other event is most definitely cancelled.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause our visitors, but might we suggest that you contact our dear governor and tell him how you feel about this issue. His address can be found in the left hand column of this Blog.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

WSIL TV • VIDEO

WSIL TV • VIDEO

This link will take you to a video shot by WSIL reporter Andy Waterman. It's the final closing of the Menard Home and Fort Kaskaskia.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Closed!!!!



Last night has to have been one of the saddest and most heart wrenching nights of our lives. One can only compare it to the loss of a loved one. To see the "CLOSED" and

"NO TRESPASSING" signs go up, furniture and artifacts that have been on display for over three-quarters of a century removed; it is an indescribable pain. How can this be allowed to happen? At this point we are all pretty numb and are trying to overcome the grief that wells up at the thought of this beautiful home setting idle and no one enjoying it's beauty or learning from the history it holds.


We were told "Closed is closed!", and closed it will remain until the citizens of Illinois rise up and demand that it's historic treasures be returned to them.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

It is a very sad day

I don't think any of us thought this day would actually come, but it has. This evening at 5pm the doors on the Menard Home will be locked and barriers placed in the parking lots and that will be the end of our First Lt. Governor's home being open to the public. A home that once was open seven days a week and drew thousands of visitors each week will be mothballed. It is an outrage and an insult to the people of Illinois and the world. I hope that each one of you will realize that this is now the new reality and it's time for you to all step up and let our governor know exactly how you feel about his childish behavior.

Governor I hope you will realize that historic sites are just that, historic sites and not a for profit business. Why don't you try listening to the people of Illinois and what they want.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Can it really be the end?

Can the end of our French Colonial sites only be days away? As we enjoy our Thanksgiving, and we have a lot to be thankful for we are about to loose a very important part of our heritage. Sunday evening at 5pm the doors and gates will be permanently shut on the Menard Home, Fort Kaskaskia, Fort de Chartres and the Cahokia Courthouse. It's hard to believe that this is becoming reality. Please, please, please keep the pressure on the governor to rescind this ignorance and keep our historic sites open so that all can enjoy them and learn about history; where we have been and where we are going.

Friday, November 21, 2008

A Major Set Back

Our Dear Governor has done it again! He waited until the veto session was over and he restored the entire budget for everything BUT our historic sites. Now it will be January at the earliest before the Senate and the House can fix this grievous error in the governor's judgement.

Remember keep sending those letters and making those phone calls. It's the only way we can keep pressure on our elected officials who in turn put pressure on our governor.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Media Coverage

Our historic sites around Illinois recieved a fair amount of media coverage on last evenings news. Both of the local NBC & CBS affilates covered yesterday's rally in Springfield as well as the Southern Illinoisan newspaper.

If you would like to see the story that Casey Nolan did for KSDK-TV Channel 5 check out the link. http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=160700&catid=3

For updates on the site closings and to help out please go to http://www.saveillinoishistory.com

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

March On Springfield

Today was the march and rally on the Capital in hopes of rescinding the budget cuts that our dear governor instituted against our historic sites. It's been a lot of years since we've done the 8th Grade field trip to Springfield, so you'll have to forgive our lack of remembering the statue of Pierre Menard which is displayed prominently in FRONT of the state capital. Imagine my surprise when I get out of my car and there is Mr. Menard...do you think the governor ever saw that statue or realizes that you see Mr. Menard BEFORE you see Lincoln's statue or doesn't he use the front door these days?

Our rally certainly drew a lot of attention from the media. There were news stations from all over the state covering our protest as well as a LOT of newspapers. We even spoke to a reporter from the Southern Illinoisan! We know this rally/protest is a small step, but it drew a lot of attention from more than one news camera and as long as we stay in the public eye we will be remembered and hopefully the powers that be, will find that we will not soon go away, so PLEASE keep writing those letters and making those phone calls because all French Colonial Sites are still slated to close the doors and lock the gates on November 30th, 2008 as well as a lot of other sites around Illinois and many state parks too.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Save Illinois History!!!!

All of the volunteers at the various sites around Illinois are banding together in hopes of raising awareness of the plight of our historic sites and also to organize ourselves because there is strength in numbers. With that said various reenacting groups will be converging on the Illinois State Capital building on Wednesday, November 19th at 10am to make the governor and our legislators know that we will not go quietly into the night. If you would like to join us please find your way to Springfield next week and let your presence be know.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Our Last Event?????

Sunday's cooking demonstration was a huge success. The weather started out very uncooperative, but by mid afternoon we had a sunny and beautiful day for an outdoor event. We had visitors from far and wide, who were really enjoying the items we had available for sampling. The pumpkin custard didn't exactly turn out like it was supposed, I think that particular variety of pumpkin has to high a water content, which made the custard very soupy...sorry about that folks, maybe next year it will be better. Yes, we are choosing to be optimistic and we think the closings will all get straightened out before the scheduled closing date. We were also honored by Representative Dan Reitz and his wife, they toured the home and enjoyed our hospitality and a few refreshments and hopefully Rep. Reitz will go back to Springfield armed and ready to do battle for our historic sites.

There is another online petition circulating, please take the time and sign it. www.petitionspot.com/petitions/ihpa

Monday, November 3, 2008

Cooking Demonstration

This coming Sunday, November 9th from 1pm-4pm we will be presenting an outdoor cooking demonstration on the back porch of the Menard Home. Please come out and enjoy some of Martha Washington's pumpkin custard. It's rumored to have been George's favorite dessert! We'll also be serving up some delicious biscuits, roasting chestnuts, popping popcorn and having a good time in teaching visitors about Dutch Ovens and how they were used in the 19th Century.

This is the last scheduled event to take place at the Menard Home before it closes November 30th, so please come out, enjoy the home one last time. Also remember that tomorrow is election day, and it's your opportunity to tell our elected politicians what you think of what they are doing to our beloved Home and our state.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Great Turnout

Yesterday we did a small "shakedown" outdoor cooking demonstration and it was very well received by the visitors. We made biscuits in a Dutch oven and then offered visitors a sampling of the biscuits with some fresh butter and apple butter. We had over a 100 visitors yesterday and there wasn't much left to clean up. Thanks to everyone who came out. Please be sure and come back on Sunday, November 9th in the afternoon for a much bigger and more interactive...and more things to taste test...cooking demonstration.

Friday, October 17, 2008

We'll be Cooking Sunday

If you happen to be in the area on Sunday, please stop by and enjoy a sample of our wonderful biscuits and some real butter. We'll start the fires around noon, so we should have some wonderful, hot and delicious treats by 1:30pm or so.

A bigger cooking demonstration will be taking place on the afternoon of Sunday, November 9th. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend and sample some wonderful food hot and fresh from our Dutch ovens.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Cooking Demonstrations

The Friends of the Menard Home are planning to start doing some outdoor cooking demonstrations over an open fire in Dutch Ovens or bake kettles as they were called in earlier days. Specific weekends haven't been set as of yet for the demonstrations, but a variety of tasty foods will be prepared by the volunteers. Make sure you keep an eye on the Blog for upcoming dates and times.

Monday, October 6, 2008

What a Great Day!

We had Menard's Birthday Celebration yesterday and I don't think we could have picked a better day for a party, the weather was just spectacular. The turnout wasn't to terribly heavy, but considering the number of events happening in the area on Sunday it was a respectable showing. The Friends of the Menard Home served cake, pastries and lemonade to all the visitors who came out and the guest were pleasantly surprised at the changes in the room and furniture configurations that have taken place over the last few weeks.

Thank you to all of those who came out and showed their support for the Menard Home. We greatly appreciate it.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Birthday Celebration This Weekend

This coming Sunday, October 5th, from 1pm-4pm the Home will be celebrating Menard's 264th birthday. The Friends of the Menard Home will be helping to celebrate by serving birthday cake, pastries and lemonade. We also will have a wide selection of handmade herbal wreaths for sale, made out of the herbs from the homes herb garden. Get there early for the best selection.

It looks like it will be an absolutely fabulous weekend weather wise so please make it a point to come out and celebrate with us and show your support against the pending closure of one of the premier French Colonial sites in Southern Illinois.

I know we sound like a broken record, but don't forget those who are responsible for this mess when it comes election time and vote accordingly.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

A Much Happier House

With the projected closing of the home now over two months away, Andrew, our very diligent Site Person, started to put the artifacts back out for display and in the process we helped him start to move some of the furniture around. If you visit this weekend for the Kaskaskia Music Fest or next weekend for Menard's Birthday Celebration I think you will be pleasantly surprised with what we've done. The house is starting to look like a home once more.

Don't forget next Sunday from 1pm-4pm is Menard's Birthday Celebration. Refreshments will be served and we would appreciate all the citizens of Randolph County and the surrounding counties coming for a visit and to soak in the ambiance of life in the 19th Century.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Great News?????

The Illinois Senate voted today 40-15 first for Senate Bill 790, which “sweeps” more than $220 million out of dedicated state funds to pay for stopping the cuts. Senators then voted 55-0 for Senate Bill 1103, which restores the cut money for two-dozen parks and historic sites, substance abuse centers and workers facing layoffs at the departments of Human Services and Children and Family Services.

This is obviously great news, however our dear old governor says that he might attempt to veto some of the deepest cuts...not sure what that means or what to think of that. I guess we'll have to wait until we can talk to the site workers at the three sites and see if that means we're going to get to stay open or we have to wait a while longer. Don't forget though, all of those wonderful folks who are up for reelection. Make sure they don't get reelected.

Stay tuned! It sort of seems like a really sick soap opera.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Menard's Birthday Celebration

With the Home now scheduled to stay open through October and November the Friends of the Menard Home are planning on having Menard's Birthday Celebration, which is scheduled for Sunday, October 5th, 2008 from 1-4pm. We will be serving cake and a few pastries as well as punch or cider, depending on the weather. Please plan to attend and help us celebrate what we hope are the first of many events to come with the new volunteer group. There will be tours of the home all day as well as the refreshments in the afternoon.

Hours are 9am-5pm Wednesday-Sunday.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

More Good News & a Brief Reprieve!

It seems that some of the letter writing we all have been doing is working! All historic sites that were to close on October 15th, 2008 will now be open through November 30th, which is wonderful and means a lot of people who would have been put out of work will keep their jobs a while longer and the sites will be maintained a while longer. It also appears that the Senate is supposed to meet in special session on Monday and could possibly fix the wrongs that have been done, so keep your fingers crossed that we can start digging all the artifacts out of storage and put them out once again for visitors to see.

I will ask this and I want you all to remember one thing in all of the ups and downs we’ve been going through. Please remember when it comes Election Day who caused the problems with the state and make sure that it’s the last time that we ever have to deal with those small minded and petty individuals…don’t re-elect them!!!!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

A Bit of Good News!

We received a bit of good news today. Our dear governor has decided to keep the historic sites, including the Menard Home open until October 15th. Seems dear ole' Rod says that all the paperwork to unemploy so many people is taking longer to complete than initially anticipated...duh...you think!!!

So the Menard Home will be open for us to have Menard's Birthday Celebration on Sunday, October 5th, 2008 from 1-4pm. Refreshments will be served.

Now just because historic sites have been given a brief reprieve don't let up on writing those letters and putting pressure on our elected officials, that's the only way we will get this mess resolved, well that and impeaching ole' Rod!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Online Petition

As of this morning there are almost 27,000 signatures on the online petition. If you have time and would like to increase the number please of those voicing thier concern over the current budget crisis go to: http://www.gopetition.com/online/21603.html and signup. Make our Governor aware that we don't like what he's doing to our wonderful state.

Friday, September 12, 2008

The House is Looking Sad

As October 1st approaches the Home is harder to look at each day as artifacts are being packed up and put into storage, furniture is being moved. It's a sad state of affairs. Andrew, the Site Specialist continues to plug away by himself trying to catalog artifacts as they are moved around for storage and still do the daily business of keeping up the cleaning in the Home and still give tours (when the volunteers aren't there to help out). Personally, if I hear one more person ask him if he's losing his job I'm going to scream.

On the bright side the Illinois House met yesterday and restored the budget, which restores funding for IHPA, which restores funding to the Menard Home. On the downside Emil Jones says he refuses to call the Senate back into session until the scheduled November session...what a jerk. On another bright note it's my understanding that all the members of both the House and Senate are starting to feel the heat and they want to get this monkey off their backs. So keep those letters going out to our elected officials to let them know how you feel.

In case you haven't found addresses here are the pertinent people to send a letter to. If you send letters to Luechtefeld or Reitz be nice because they are trying their hardest to help the Home. However if you feel the need to really tell dear ole' Rod, Madigan and Jones how you really feel, well to right ahead. They deserve all the heat we can give them for what they are doing to the state.

Senator David Luechtefeld
700 North Front Street
PO Box 517
Okawville, IL 62271

Representative Dan Reitz
128 A West Main
Sparta, IL 62286

Governor Rod R. Blagojevich
Office of the Governor
207 State House
Springfield, IL 62706

Representative Michael J. Madigan
300 Capital Building
Springfield, IL 62706

Senator Emil Jones Jr.
327 Capital Building
Springfield, IL 62706

The Friends of the Menard Home are choosing to be optimistic and we hope this will all get sorted out, with your help of course, and that we may be able to pull off a Christmas event. Keep your fingers crossed and keep those letters heading to Springfield.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

The Rumors are True.

The news is true, unless the Powers That Be in Springfield can come to some sort of agreement the Menard Home and all other French Colonial Sites in Illinois will close as of October 1st, 2008. If you would like to voice your concerns on this subject please feel free to contact the governor and let him know how you feel. You can find his address at http://www.illinois.gov .

Even though the Menard Home is slated to close, the Friends of the Menard Home, the dedicated working volunteer group, will continue to press on with projects to help the home and we will be ready and waiting when the home reopens to help the site staff and continue to support the Home and it’s needs.

Photos of Chimney Repairs in Progress

Contracting is being done by Lake Contracting and subcontracting by Diecker-Terry, Masonry, Inc. out of Marissa, IL. You be the judge

The Current Condition & Maintenance Issues of the Menard Home

If you don't like the photos, please call and write our Legislatures. Addresses can be found in the right hand column of this blog.

Maintainance Issues at the Menard Home

Houston We Have a PROBLEM!!!!!

This is what the southeast dormer looks like from the attic. The light you're seeing is daylight...guess what happens when it rains!?!!???!!!


Houston We Have Another Problem!!!

Houston We Have Another Problem!!!
This is what is happening in the nursery with all the heavy rain.

Baked Whole Pumpkin

1 (5-7 lb) pumpkin
6 Whole eggs
2 Cup Whipping cream
½ cup Brown sugar
1 tablespoon Molasses
½ teaspoon Fresh grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
¼ teaspoon Ginger
2 tablespoon Butter

This dish was a favorite of George Washington. While it was called a pie in the old days, it's certainly not what we call a pie now. Here the custard pie is found inside the pumpkin and the whole thing is to be served up with a bit of anticipation for a very different pumpkin dessert. Cut the lid off the pumpkin just as you would for a jack-o'-lantern. Remove the seeds and save for toasting later. Mix the remaining ingredients together with the exception of the butter. Fill the pumpkin with this mixture and top with the butter. Cover with the pumpkin lid and place in a baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 to 1-1/2 hours, or until the mixture has set like a custard. Serve from the pumpkin at your table, scraping some of the meat from the pumpkin with each serving. This is an interesting substitution for the usual pumpkin pie.

Herb Garden

The Menard Home Herb Garden has an extensive collection of herbs which were used during the 19th Century. These herbs were not used just for cooking but were also used for medicinal purposes as well.

The Menard Home Herb Garden in Early Spring 2008

Closed is Closed!!!!!!! 12/01/2008-04/22/2009

Closed is Closed!!!!!!! 12/01/2008-04/22/2009
Please remember this, least we forget and history repeats itself. Be ever vigilant and protect our beloved home.