SSH on the Move

Alumni of UIS are taking an interest in the Strawbridge-Shepherd House.
At this May gathering, Tom Bundy displays a model of the roof installation.
Mary Caroline Mitchell, UIS Alumni Association, arranged the program.
We welcome donations from alumni and friends to further our work.

Two members of the SS House committee at work in the northeast room.
Caroline Oxtoby (l) and Sue Massie (r) welcome all volunteers.
Call the Iles House (see above) if you want to help.

Pictures by Dick Hart

Spring at SSH

Strawbridge-Shepherd House (SSH) is a busy place this spring. In May the UIS Alumni Association will hold two educational seminars on the grounds. SSH volunteers will discuss the history, ongoing restoration, and future of the building and site. In early June a Reception will introduce community leaders to the project. Later in the year, the house will host a community-wide open house and the second annual Old Settlers Day.

Strawbridge-Shepherd House lies between the UIS and LLCC campuses along Shepherd Road. The Iles House Foundation directs restoration of the 1845 homestead, located on UIS property.

Work to date has progressed steadily. Funded by several generous donations and small grants, restoration expert Tom Bundy rebuilt much of the foundation, underpinned the structure, and installed a new wood shingle roof. Several student and community volunteers have assisted with the project.

Restoration this year will focus on major systems within the house and finishing work on the interior. We urgently need assistance in the form of contributions, donations, volunteer time, etc. If you can help, please call Sue Massie at 217-544-3210.

The Real McCoy

Did you know....that the "real McCoy" was born in Sangamon County, Illinois? Joseph McCoy (1831-1915) later emigrated to Texas, where he became a cattle baron. He promoted the Longhorn (see above), turned Abilene into a cow town, and sent two million head to Chicago in four years, a feat that spawned the "real McCoy" phrase. McCoy wrote a history of his achievements, not published until 1974.