Save one of Effingham, IL's most historic homes!

Hi, all you good folks who care about preserving Mid America's rapidly disappearing historic homes!! I am writing to ask for a small contribution to help restore my close friend's mostly intact original Effingham Victorian beauty to its previous glory. Recently it has come into the hands of Mark Spivey, the eldest son of a hard-working native of Illinois employed by the local printing industry in Effingham for many years. In recent years his father, John, could not care for the home, contributing to its rapid demise. He is now in a nursing home, and it is up to his sons to carry on the legacy and restore their beloved family home.

This unique circa 1851 home is a diamond in the rough and one of the last remaining homes built only 20 years after Effingham County was founded in 1831. She was once a grand home with stately architectural details that are primarily still intact. This home has been in the Spivey family since 1987. Unfortunately, it had already been neglected before the current family purchased her. Now she needs extensive foundation work, all new replacement windows, exterior siding, porches, and everything inside needs to be completely renovated. We plan to maintain as much of the original integrity and architectural details as humanly possible.

This project is a tall task and, frankly, impossible to afford without some outside help. The new owner (son, Mark) cannot afford such a massive undertaking alone. He has the skills to do much work, but some significant projects need professional teams. I am a good friend posting for Mark and overseeing the project from an interior designer's perspective, with great love and respect for these treasures.

We are dedicated to preserving this beauty and humbly ask for your assistance in any way you can offer. If you have local connections with folks who specialize in historic preservation, please reach out! We want to invest in the local community and people!

Thank you so much for reading this and for believing in helping your friends, neighbors and community!!

Sincerely,

Nancy Reynolds