Historical Society to honor people who restored John Wood Mansion during anniversary celebration on Saturday

QUINCY — The Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County will honor people responsible for the restoration of the Gov. John Wood Mansion, 425 S. 12th, with an anniversary celebration cocktail party from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the mansion’s restoration. The historic home was saved twice by the Quincy community — once in 1907, when it was earmarked for destruction, and again in 1973, when it was closed to the public due to termite damage and structural deterioration.

The board set a goal in 1974 of restoring the home, a project that was completed in 1982. The restoration required unprecedented leadership from the society, hundreds of thousands of dollars from the community and hours of work from those involved.

The home has been described by many as the finest example of Greek Revival architecture in the state. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. In honor of the 2018 Illinois Bicentennial, the mansion was recognized as one of the Illinois 200 Great Places by the American Institute of Architects-Illinois.

Honorees at the reception will include members of the Restoration Committee and board of directors
involved in the project.