Rooster Day provides needed repairs at Lyon Hall

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Thanks to proceeds from a successful Rooster Day in April, the Marengo County Historical Society has been able to make several much-needed repairs to Lyon Hall.

The inaugural 2016 Rooster Day enabled the MCHS to replace the roof of the concrete-block building on the grounds. The old roof was damaged beyond repair by strong winds, age and fallen tree-limbs and was at risk of more significant damage.

Other projects recently completed include repairs and painting to the decking of the back porch and ramp, as well as the nursery porch. The plaster ceiling of the east side porch also was repaired.

Shutter repair and painting on the east side of Lyon Hall, as well as repairs and painting to the east porch were also completed. Damaged shutters have been removed from Lyon Hall, and will be carefully restored.

Bluff Hall, another of the historic home owned and operated by the MCHS, soon will get much-needed repairs to its south side porch, the original porte cochere.

“It is sometimes difficult to show people all the work we are doing, because structural repairs are often not visible,” said MCHS president John Laney, “but they are critical for preserving these homes.”

Ronnie O’Neil, who chairs the MCHS building committee, said some immediate cosmetic repairs are being made so that Lyon Hall will be more attractive to rent out for events.

MCHS Operations Director Kirk Brooker added, “Lyon Hall is an amazing venue for weddings, receptions, and other gatherings not only because of its historical significance, but also because the layout flows well for entertaining large crowds.

“We hope to increase rental of Lyon Hall this year, which generates much-needed revenue for maintaining the house and introduces our historic homes to more people,” Brooker continued. “This is a target growth area for us.”

Much more remains to be done at both Lyon Hall and Bluff Hall. Those who would like to donate labor or funding may contact the MCHS (334) 289-0282 or get in touch by email at marengohistory@bellsouth.net. MCHS is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

To learn more about volunteering or attending Rooster Day, a major fundraising event that supports these endeavors, please visit http://www.roosterdaydemopolis.com.