10/30/2025
Dear Friends:
For quite sometime now we have had leaks in the valleys of the roof at the manor around the skylight. Attempts to patch it have of course only been temporary. The leaks have caused some damage to the ceiling in the attic. Earlier this year a storm caused damage to a corner in the flat area that covers the eaves on the 28th St. side of the house.
The area known as the "widow's walk" is a flat portion of the roof and the center of it is beginning to sag. These areas of course are getting worse and with winter coming it's urgent that repairs be made. We've had a difficult time getting an estimate on repairs for multiple reasons.
Since COVID circumstances have changed. The house is no longer open on a daily basis because we cannot justify the expense of a full-time curator for no more tourists than there are in town.
We still give tours by appointment, and the house is still used for other events. The board has continued to be very frugal with the donations we have received as well as monies earned. The only expenses we really continue to have are utilities and liability insurance. One of our board members donates his time and use of his equipment to care for the grounds. Because of that we have been able to accumulate a nice amount of savings.
However, it is not enough to do all of the repairs that are needed. There are other repairs that need to be made to the house, but without a roof nothing else matters. If something is not done soon the house will go the way of so many Cairo landmarks. We want the house to continue on for future generations and be an important part of Cairo's present as well as its future. Would you be willing to make any amount of donation to help with this project? Would you please share this post on your page? We have started a Zeffy campaign and attached the link to make it easier, and we also will still graciously accept donations by check or money order as well. Anything and everything will help make a difference so we can get these repairs done.
Mailing address is PO Box 286
Cairo, Illinois 62914.
One thing I didn’t mention was when you go to make a donation on Zeffy, they will try to take an 18% surcharge to help fund their platform but it’s not required and they don’t take it out of your donation. You just have to set it to zero so that the 18% isnt taken out.
Thank you for your support as we continue to preserve one of Cairo's historic treasures.
At Cairo Historical Association, we know that change starts with people like you. Every act of kindness, every dollar, and every moment of your time brings us closer to achieving our mission. Together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate world for all.How you can help power our mission:Dona...
