Adlai E. Stevenson I House Restoration Project 

Open to the public about twice per month May through October or by appointment.

Project Timeline 
1979 – Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

2000 – Metamora Association for Historic Preservation (MAHP) was chartered on September 21^st.

2001 – MAHP purchased the Adlai E. Stevenson I home located at 104 W. Walnut on January 19^th.  Recognized by the Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation in May.

2002 – Began Phases I & II of the restoration. 
 

Phase I - In the late spring of 2002 we completed the stabilization phase of the first floor. This included the structural repair and reinforcement of the first floor. The first floor framing was in poor condition and some of the floor joists were currently being supported with shoring. Other floor joists had experienced rot at the ends that bear on the brick masonry walls. Several joists supporting the south east room had failed and the floor was severely distorted. We are now in compliance with the 100 pounds per square foot loading requirement for buildings open to the public.  

Phase II – In the fall of 2002 we completed the installation of the new heating and cooling systems. After consulting with several local restoration specialists, we decided on separate heating and cooling systems for the first and second floors. One unit was placed in the attic and the other in the basement. We also planned for humidity control for when we are functioning as a museum.  

2004

Phase III - In the fall of 2004, installation of a handicap accessible restroom was completed.

Current Phase – The masonry stabilization will include repointing open and deep joints, replacing deep spalled and missing bricks, seal movement and deep cracks, reset or anchor loose exterior layer to masonry back-up and consolidation or face sealing of spalled brick to limit further deterioration. 
 

Vision

Our vision is that once renovated the Stevenson House will serve as a museum for Metamora memorabilia. There currently is no place for display of the history of Metamora. Museum exhibits will be changed periodically and serve to educate local students and tourists. This will complement the Metamora Courthouse and 1836 Lee Log Cabin already open to the public. One area of the museum will be a library for researching Metamora and Woodford County history. The Stevenson House will also be a great addition to the other 2 historic homes in Central Illinois that tell about the life of Adali E. Stevenson I. They are the Matthew T. Scott Home in Chenoa, IL and the Stevenson Family Home and Library in Bloomington, IL. 

About the House

The Stevenson House is an austere two-story Federal style structure built before the Civil War. It is located a block south of the southwest corner of the Village Square and faces north on a corner lot. The home is approximately 35 feet wide and 30 feet deep and is set back from both front and side streets. It is constructed of “faded pink” brick made locally. The interior of the home contains eight rooms, four on the upper level and four on the lower, with room sizes and arrangements identical on the two levels. Excavations in the late 1970’s have uncovered the foundation of a small building which sat directly behind the house. This was either a servants quarters or a separate kitchen and was most likely connected to the main house by a porch or walkway.  

In 1858, Adlai E. Stevenson I began practicing law at the Metamora Courthouse. After his marriage to Letitia Green on December 20, 1866 they moved into this home. In 1868 they moved to Bloomington, IL where he opened his own law practice.