A cautionary tale of what can be lost

I am writing regarding the uncertain future of the Historic Lathrop House in Sylvania. We, too, had a historic home in our village. It was owned by our Catholic parish, which was going to demolish it for parking for the new church being built next to our historic Middaugh Mansion.

We were told it had to be moved or it would be demolished. Our Middaugh Mansion Foundation raised more than $1 million to move the mansion, but in the end we were not able to save it because of inflexibility and an unwillingness to work with us by the village board and the church leaders. We also encountered the very human inclination that "someone else will help save it, I don’t have to get involved."

There will be no bride posing for pictures in its graceful front entry. No child will take ballet lessons in the ballroom; no residents will ever come through its doors at Christmas for treats and to hear the Christmas carolers. After 110 years it is gone.

I have read that the Lathrop House was a documented stop on the Underground Railroad. This is a piece of American history that not only you but all Americans cannot afford to lose. Please let the demolition of our Middaugh Mansion be a cautionary warning as to what can too easily slip through the cracks of our busy lives and be lost forever.

Everyone should speak up beforeit is too late and do all that they can to help preserve the Lathrop House. Future generations will thank you for what you did.

DIANE HILLER
Middaugh Mansion Foundation
Clarendon Hills, Ill.