Macoupin County Historical Society/Anderson Mansion
The Macoupin County Historical Society was organized
in March 1970 and is dedicated to the study of the area's
history and the collecting and preserving of memorabilia of
its people. In 1973, members purchased the house known
locally as Anderson Mansion located in the northwest
quadrant of Carlinville. Over the years, MCHS members
have restored the home and several outbuildings, and
established a museum.
In 1883, the original residence, built by John Anderson, was
a one-story structure, but as the Anderson family grew, so
did the house. The second story, the attic and tower were
added in 1892. Several special features set the 13-room house apart from other homes of that time period: two
large double-columned porches, two elaborate bay
windows, eight fireplaces, a large stained glass window
purchased at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in
Chicago, and unique folding window shutters. Throughout
the house, beautifully restored solid oak staircases,
woodwork and pocket doors illustrate the craftsmanship
of that era.
The main house has become a museum with exhibits
that chronicle the development of Macoupin County and
its citizens. In addition to the mansion, several other
buildings on the grounds emphasize the county's history:
a one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, church, wash
house, granary and herb garden. Recently a large display
building was constructed to house the vehicles and farm
machinery collected by the Macoupin Agricultural
Antique Association.
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