The Underground Railroad Society of Cass County (URSCC) is pleased to announce completion of Phase One of the restoration of the historic Underground Railroad landmark Bonine House in Vandalia.
Building Restoration, Inc. of Kalamazoo completed the work on the southwest corner of the house, repairing the deteriorating walls and foundation. The delicate, hazardous restoration began in late October and was finished the last week in December. Photos of the repair can be seen on www.urscc.org
A thank you lunch was prepared Tuesday, Dec. 20, by members of URSCC, coordinated by Kathy Ruple, events chair, to thank the crew for a job well done, and for their unfailing cooperation and courtesy throughout the project.
Phase Two will begin in the spring. Goals for 2012 are restoration of the tower and re-roofing of the Bonine House, as well as structural work on the Carriage House at the corner of Calvin Center Road and M-60.  Interior work at the Bonine House is ongoing.
Information on URSCC and the Bonine House can be found at the donation sign at the corner of Penn Rd and M-60 or the historic marker in Vandalia, as well as on www.urscc.org.  Much needed tax deductible donations can be sent to URSCC P.O. Box 124, Vandalia, MI 49095 or donate online at.urscc.org.