A rare chance to see Illinois' oldest brick building

CAHOKIA, IL - The ongoing restoration of Illinois' oldest brick building, the stunning interior finishes project, and the behind-the-scenes detective work that has gone into the project will be featured at the Autumn Open House scheduled for Saturday, September 13 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Nicholas Jarrot Mansion State Historic Site in Cahokia. The event is free and open to the public.

The open house provides a rare opportunity for the public to view this 1810 structure, and offers unique insights into the original paint schemes and wallpaper designs that are being carefully duplicated in the house. Visitors can see the remarkable historic "faux marble" paint found on the Ballroom mantelpiece and polished oak and curly maple trim molding in the Mansion's interior. Historic wallpapers have been selected for the restoration and samples will be on display during the September 8 event.

The restoration phase recently completed at the Jarrot Mansion includes mechanical and electrical work, climate controls, handicapped accessibility, and structural enhancements to handle the anticipated visitor traffic once the project is complete. All interior spaces have received fresh plaster with paint schemes and faux finishes replicated based upon five years of extensive historic research. All work has been performed by craftsmen familiar with 18th and 19th century methods of masonry construction and details of interior woodworking and finishes.

The Jarrot Mansion Project, a not-for-profit advocacy group for the historic house, worked with State Senator James F. Clayborne, Jr. to secure renovation funds for the Jarrot Mansion from the Illinois General Assembly.

The Jarrot Mansion State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, was completed in 1810 for Nicholas Jarrot, who fled the French Revolution and became a successful businessman in territorial Cahokia. The Mansion is open only on special occasions during the year. It is located at the intersection of Highway 157 and Route 3 in Cahokia. Call (618) 332-1782 for more information.