Firmitas of Knoxville, IL will be the general contractor. This project includes stucco removal, brick replacement, tuckpointing, chimney repair, and some woodwork repair. Exterior stucco was added later to Bishop Hill Colony buildings. By removing the stucco, we are returning the Dairy Building to its original Colony appearance. It is very similar to the Carpenter Shop project that the Heritage did in 2017. In addition, the exterior repairs, combined with the interior repairs that were completed in 2015, will help ensure the structural stability of the Dairy Building for decades to come, with proper maintenance, of course.
The total cost of this project is $366,000. The majority of the cost is the stucco removal and tuckpointing. Since they do not have enough Colony bricks in their inventory to do these repairs, the BHHA will have to purchase woodfired bricks custom made to Bishop Hill Colony brick specifications. The only places that do this specialized type of brick making are located in Europe. So, they are having bricks made and shipped from Manchester, England in order to retain the historic authenticity that this building deserves.
So naturally, the BHHA will be hosting some fundraisers to help cover the cost of this project. Their first fundraiser is the purchase of a hod of bricks, which is so appropriate for this type of project. A hod is a three-sided box for carrying bricks and other building materials. Typically, a hod can carry ten to twelve bricks. For fundraising purposes, people can purchase a hod of bricks for the Dairy Building project for $250. You can purchase more than one hod. All donations will be recognized on a gift board at the Dairy Building and other BHHA publications.
Checks can be made payable to the BHHA and mailed to P.O. Box 92, Bishop Hill, IL 61419. If you have any questions, please contact the BHHA at bhha@mymctc.net or at 309-927-3899. Thank you for your support!
