Thursday, August 27, 2009

Newspaper Article

For those of you who live in and around Randolph County you will have to find a copy of this weeks Sparta News Plaindealer. Lynn Venhaus did an absolutely fantastic article on our Site Services Specialist, Andrew and on the Home. The article takes up a large section of the front and second page of the paper as well as a Q & A with Andrew on the last page of the first section. The article on the home is a bit more in depth than most of the media coverage that the home receives and gives you a better insight in to why we fight so hard to preserve and protect the home. Plus there is an absolutely wonderful photograph of Fern on the front page. :)

We would like to thank Lynn Venhaus for taking the time to come to the home and to spend time getting to know it and those who work and volunteer their time to this once grand historic site.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

It's Painting Time!!!!!

We can hardly believe this is FINALLY happening, but after a year's worth of prompting and very vigorous and constant reminders from us, the Home is FINALLY being painted by the wonderful and skilled members of the painting crew from Menard Correctional Center. The men have spent the last three days scraping and have started to paint the Home. They are doing an outstanding job and you cannot believe what a difference you can already see in the Homes appearance! It's another happy day in the history of the Menard Home.

Please don't forget that Sunday, September 27th, 2009 will be the museum reopening and re-dedication. We hope to have a couple wonderful surprises to share with you in the coming weeks, so keep an eye on the Blog for updates.

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.