Mineral County Historical Foundation

A Legacy in the Making

“When the new house was built and complete and they had moved in and all things were ready, they invited all their friends and relatives and all those near enough to come …  ‘It was God’s house, He would take care of it, ‘[they said,] and He did”  - Mrs. George Reynolds, Daughter of Thomas R Carskadon

                 Upon the death of  former Carskadon owner and local veterinarian Dr. From, Jack Sanders, a community leader and local historian, contacted Vandalian Heritage Foundation with the vision of opening a genealogy research center in Mineral County.  In turn, Vandalia conducted a building/engineering assessment and challenged local leaders to raise half of the $50,000 sale price for the property.  With the other $25,000 donated by Vandalia, the Mineral County Historical Foundation (MCHF) took possession of the property on February 9, 2001.

 

             Initial efforts pertained to the stabilization of the structure, including installing a temporary roof and plastic over the windows.  With further assistance from Vandalia, the MCHF funded the masonry repointing and sealing of the bricks.  Concurrently, the MCHF had electricity and security lights installed, restored the surrounding rock wall, and made water and sewage disposal available on the property.  Also, the MCHF sought other sources of funding for the project.

 

             In 2003, the MCHF received funding from the State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) and Vandalia to restore the Carskadon roof.  A second SHPO grant in 2004 enabled the MCHF to refurbish the windows and shutters, which was completed in Spring 2005. 

 

             Through a HUD grant and local fund raising, the east porch has been rebuilt and the south porch has been redone.

 

             In 2006, the east door was constructed by Don Sanders, a skilled carpenter and hung by board members.  Board members also stripped, repointed, and restored the glass in the east doorway.