Milton House Main
Milton House Restoration Fund-Raiser Information
Construction Photos and Update
Memorial Tree
Calendar of Events
Historical Information
Visitor Information
Milton Historical Society Information
Gift Shop
Scholarship Information
Contact Us
Milton House Restoration
Fund-Raiser
The Milton House, one of Wisconsin’s most significant historical sites, gains it National Landmark status based upon its history as a connecting link via the Underground Railroad. It is further recognized for its significance as the first building in the United States constructed of lime mortar (lime, sand, gravel and water) in a method that preceded the discovery and use of Portland cement by several decades. Additionally, the Milton House is one of only two remaining hexagonal buildings from the 19th century.
The overall cost of the Milton House restoration project is $1.8 million. The Jeffris Family Foundation has stepped forward and offered a generous $500,000 challenge grant to see the restoration effort move forward. The Jeffris Family Foundation challenge requires the Society to raise $1 million in matching funds by December 31, 2002 in order to receive their grant and the Society will need to raise an additional $300,000 to complete the overall project.
Dear Friend,
This is an exiting time for the Milton House. The Jeffris Family Foundation of Janesville has offered a major challenge grant to stabilize and restore the Milton House. In addition, several state and federal funding sources are available to provide additional funding. However, we know we cannot rely entirely on outsides sources for all the funds that will be needed. For this reason we are asking you to make a contribution and join us in preserving this National Landmark for future generations.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to contact the Historical Society should you have questions or need additional information.
Sincerely,
Stephen B. King, Milton Historical Society Development Committee Chairman
Rob Christlieb, President, Milton Historical Society
Passages from the Past
"In 1850 near Janesville, Wisconsin, I saw houses built wholly of lime, mixed with coarse gravel and sand . . . . I visited Milton, to examine the house put there by Mr. Goodrich, the original discoverer of this mode of building and found his walls as hard as stone itself and harder than brick walls." A Home for All, Orson Fowler, 1850
As a National Historic Landmark, the Milton House has been afforded the highest recognition that can be given by the National Park Service. The consulting team has recommended taking steps to place the structures in their most significant point in time and preserve, restore, rehabilitate and enhance various parts of the structures in order to stop their deterioration and maintain their place in history.
The period of 1844 to 1867 was established. To determine this period of significance, the following criteria were identified:
· Within the lifetime of Joseph Goodrich, designer, builder and owner of the Milton House.
· As close as possible to the active period of the Underground Railroad.
· During the period when the structures were most intact, complete and in their peak condition.
"His home was a refuge on the Underground Railroad for the fugitive fleeing from human slavery." Our Pioneers: Ezra Goodrich Sketches one of Them, undated newspaper clipping.
A Journey to the Future
Restoring the property to this period will allow the society to build an appropriate addition to the Milton House that will accomplish three significant goals. First, it will ensure the future of the Milton House site by stabilizing the structures; second, it will provide quality year-round access to the site and third, it will allow the Society to consolidate their operation into one central location.
Stabilization, Preservation and Rehabilitation
· Remove and repair all inappropriate paint and Portland cement repairs. Clean and / or repair interior lime mortar and plaster walls to remove all moisture damage.
· Remove and replace deteriorated and infested wood and replace with like materials.
· Repair all deteriorated lime mortar walls, limestone foundations and plaster.
· Repair and repaint doors and windows.
· Remove Portland cement chinking on the Goodrich Cabin and replace with lime and sand mortar.
Restoration and Enhancement
· Build exhibit / administrative addition to match the 1867 exterior of Blocks 2 - 5. Interior function will accommodate museum activities, administration, ADA access to all but third floor of the Hexagon, toilet facilities, collection storage, research, gift shop and circulation.
· Provide the Structures with better environmental control and power to allow for year-round use of the existing structure.
· Remove inappropriate furnishings from the buildings. Obtain and display furnishings that are pertinent to the period of significance.
"The tunnel had a dirt floor, and dirt walls. It was chilly, dark, spooky and smelled of damp earth. We trudged slowly through the tunnel, trying not to think about the mice scurrying between our feet. Cobwebs brushed our hands and faces. We climbed up a ladder, through a trap door in the log cabin. Light poured in through the windows making it warmer than the tunnel. We couldn't wait to get home that afternoon and tell our parents about our trip. We had an inkling, we thought, of what it would have been like to be a fugitive , runaway slave, hiding from the law. The tunnel probably did not frighten the slaves as it had us. For them it would have been a refuge." Marlene Hahn Gilmore recalling a field trip to the Milton House in 1948.