News

Ruthmere Part of Quilt Gardens Tour ^(SM)

Ruthmere is proud to be an official site on the new Quilt Gardens Tour ^(SM), the first of its kind in the nation. The tour features twelve juried, large-scale quilt patterned gardens and eleven artist-rendered outdoor murals displayed throughout Northern Indiana’s Amish Country. The project pairs the communities of Bristol, Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, Nappanee, Shipshewana and Wakarusa with their shared history, heritage and pride in hand craftsmanship. The exclusive gardens and murals are viewable free of charge from late spring until first frost, 2008. Maps and tour details are available at QuiltGardensTour.com.

Restoration Update: Havilah Beardsley House

During restoration of the east or "best" parlor, we have discovered layers of early wallpaper and stenciling. See the Havilah Beardsley section of the web site for photographs and details about these and other exciting discoveries!

We are currently developing plans to establish a gallery in the west wing of the house for orientation, small temporary exhibitions and hands-on activities with students.

Last summer, members of the Elkhart Historic Preservation and Cultural Commission volunteered to remove aluminum siding from this National Register listed property.  The 1950s-era siding has been removed to reveal the original brick on virtually all of the structure. Ruthmere's Building and Grounds crew planted lilacs, weeded garden beds, and worked to develop the landscape at this significant local landmark.

Help Make History: if you'd like to volunteer your time and talent toward this important project, or would like more information, please call (574) 264-0330 or email us through the "contact" section of this website.

How You Can Help

Contributions to the Havilah Beardsley House Fund will go toward the acquisition and restoration of this significant local landmark. Contributions may be made to The Ruthmere Foundation, Inc. or through the Elkhart County Community Foundation. Your gift will be acknowledged, with your permission, in the Ruthmere Record newsletter, in our annual report and at an on-site location. Major donors receive special recognition opportunities.

Your contribution, which may be deductible, can be sent to: Ruthmere, 302 E. Beardsley Avenue, Elkhart, Indiana 46514.