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To celebrate the state’s historic 200th birthday, Bloomington-Normal Association of REALTORS® partnered with the David Davis Mansion to help repair the windows of the Lincoln-era barn located on the mansion’s grounds. Located in Bloomington, the Davis Mansion dates back to the 19th century and housed Judge David Davis, best known for being an influence on Abraham Lincoln during his political career.
Maintenance for historic architecture requires substantial time and funding, which is why the Bloomington-Normal Association of REALTORS® chose to raise money for the restoration of barn windows.
“We picked this legacy project to ensure the Lincoln-era barn in McLean County will be able to host educational programs for local grade school students and share its history of the Prologue to the Presidency: Lincoln on the 8th Judicial Circuit with those who visit our area for years to come,” said Bloomington Normal REALTORS® President John Armstrong.
Bloomington-Normal REALTORS® contributed $2000 along with a $1000 grant from Illinois REALTORS® to fund the restoration. To help raise funds Bloomington-Normal® REALTOR® members donated and sold baked goods at the local Jazz Street Festival.
The David Davis Mansion was completed in 1872 and was originally the historical home of U.S Supreme Court Associate Justice David Davis and his family. The mansion stands three stories tall and includes 36 rooms, the most modern technology of the time, barns and stables, and a flower garden. Today, the mansion has been restored to its original state and draws in over 60,000 visitors annually for tours and events. The mansion is open for tours Wednesday through Saturday.
REALTORS® across the state are working with heart in their communities to complete projects like this to commemorate the Illinois Bicentennial. Bloomington-Normal Association of REALTORS® project is one of more than 30 legacy projects supported by our local REALTOR® associations.
Projects have included fundraising for local historic home improvements and community murals or promoting local historical properties and societies. Illinois REALTORS® donated land in downtown Springfield next to its headquarters and built Bicentennial Plaza – a REALTOR® Community Partnership, which is a signature project of the state bicentennial celebrations.
The association is an official endorsed partner with the Illinois Bicentennial Commission, which oversees the state’s plans for the milestone birthday.
(This blog post is part of a series over the next several months covering Illinois REALTORS® local associations legacy projects leading up to the state of Illinois 200th Birthday. Learn more.)
