Thursday, January 29, 2009

It's a New Day in Illinois!

Our former governor is now part of this history he so desperately wanted to do away with. As of a few minutes ago we have a new Governor who is sympathetic to our state parks and historic treasures. Hopefully when the sun dawns tomorrow a new day will dawn in the history of Illinois State Historic Sites. Congratulations Governor Quinn! We look forward to a credible Governor who cares about our history.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Lt. Governor's Ball Cancelled

Due to circumstances beyond our control the Lt. Governor's Ball has been cancelled and will take place at a much later date. Sorry for any inconvenience this might have caused anyone.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Lt. Governor's Ball

Please mark your calendars for Saturday February, 21st, 2009. The first annual Lt. Governor's Ball will be taking place at the Legion in Steeleville, IL . This will be a historic clothing/semi-formal attired ball and all are welcome. Reenactors dressed in period clothing will be performing dances from the 18th and 19th Century and everyone is welcome to participate.

More information to follow in a week or so.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Save Illinois History Trivia Night

Save Illinois History is planning a fundraiser for Saturday, January 31st at 7pm at the Prairie du Rocher American Legion Hall. 8-10 persons per team and each participant pays $10.00 to participate. There will be a cash bar and you are welcome to bring your own snacks. Cash prizes will be awarded!!! To reserve a table please contact Sarah at (618) 334-2741.

A second fundraiser will take place on Saturday March 21st starting at 6pm at the Bullpen Banquet Hall in New Athens, Illinois. The cost will be $15.00 per person in advance and $20.00 at the door. There will be a benefit auction, silent auction, free beer, food and two live bands. SIH is also accepting donations of items for the silent auction, if you would like to contribute an item please contact Sarah at (618) 334-2741.

If you would like to make a monetary donations checks may be sent to: SIH, PO Box 331, New Athens, IL 62264-0331. Also check out their website at www.saveillinoishistory.com or if you have questions you can email them at info@saveillinoishistory.com

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to Everyone! It is a new year and hopefully something will happen shortly with our state legislature. Thursday could possibly dawn with a House vote on impeachment. If that happens and our dear governor is removed from office it's our understanding that Lt. Governor Pat Quinn plans to reinstate all the state parks and historic sites. So, until then we are holding our breath, waiting, praying and hoping for a good outcome and the restoration of our beloved Home's funding.

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.