Save the Maeystown Rock Bridge!
Donation protected
The historic stone arched bridge that marks the entrance to Maeystown, Illinois, is sorely in need of major repairs and restoration. <iframe media_type="0" media_id="pIvt9IHYj2M" class="youtube-replace" title="YouTube video player" style="margin-bottom:20px;width:560px;height:315px;" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pIvt9IHYj2M/?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="1"></iframe>
Because of our stone arched bridge, outbuildings, stone walls, flagstone gutters, structures built into the landscape, and common nationality, Maeystown, in its entirety, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 - one of only a few villages in the State of Illinois to be so honored.
At this time, the 135 year old bridge has passed Monroe County inspection, but much damage was noted. Please see additional photos posted below. Due to its age and construction, costly repairs require skilled stonemasons and labor intensive work. Costs are estimated at upwards of $30,000. Our village simply is unable to find that kind of money anywhere in the budget. They are attempting to locate a grant, but at this time none of significant monetary value has been found. With the size of Maeystown being “one block big”, we are aware the expense can not be covered by just the village citizens. Losing the bridge would be devastating.
The purpose of the Maeystown Preservation Society is to “preserve the culture and history of Maeystown”. A “restricted fund account” has been set up to save the bridge. Because we are a 501(c)(3) organization, all donations are tax deductible. If you prefer not to donate on this site, checks can be written to “Maeystown Preservation Society, Save the Bridge” and sent to Christy Muertz, 3265 Bushy Prairie Road, Fults, Illinois 62244.
On behalf of Maeystown, we are reaching out to all friends, visitors, photographers, businesses, and historians. We sincerely appreciate any help you can give us to save the bridge. In our case it’s going to take more than just “a village”.
Because of our stone arched bridge, outbuildings, stone walls, flagstone gutters, structures built into the landscape, and common nationality, Maeystown, in its entirety, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 - one of only a few villages in the State of Illinois to be so honored.
At this time, the 135 year old bridge has passed Monroe County inspection, but much damage was noted. Please see additional photos posted below. Due to its age and construction, costly repairs require skilled stonemasons and labor intensive work. Costs are estimated at upwards of $30,000. Our village simply is unable to find that kind of money anywhere in the budget. They are attempting to locate a grant, but at this time none of significant monetary value has been found. With the size of Maeystown being “one block big”, we are aware the expense can not be covered by just the village citizens. Losing the bridge would be devastating.
The purpose of the Maeystown Preservation Society is to “preserve the culture and history of Maeystown”. A “restricted fund account” has been set up to save the bridge. Because we are a 501(c)(3) organization, all donations are tax deductible. If you prefer not to donate on this site, checks can be written to “Maeystown Preservation Society, Save the Bridge” and sent to Christy Muertz, 3265 Bushy Prairie Road, Fults, Illinois 62244.
On behalf of Maeystown, we are reaching out to all friends, visitors, photographers, businesses, and historians. We sincerely appreciate any help you can give us to save the bridge. In our case it’s going to take more than just “a village”.
Organizer
Christy Birk Muertz
Organizer
Maeystown, IL
