Save Stupey Kickoff Raises Over $3,000

The information below comes from the Highland Park Historical Society.

The kicked off a fundraising effort to Save the Stupey Cabin last Saturday.

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Residents filled the lawn in front of the cabin located in Laurel Park, on St. Johns Avenue between the and  to enjoy music, food, a petting zoo and a visit inside the cabin.

Among the attendees were , Former Mayor Ray Geraci, Former Mayor Daniel Pierce as well as several Highland Park City Councilmen, City and Park District of Highland Park Commissioners. 

The event raised more than $3,000 with the sale of pins, 1969 Highland Park Centennial plates and memorial bricks. The fundraising goal is $75,000.

"The funds will be used to restore and maintain the Cabin as well as implement programming for students and the greater community.," said Historical Society President Rob Rotering in a statement. "We would also like to re-open the Cabin seasonally on the weekends."

The timber Cabin, built by the pioneer Francis Stupey in 1847, is Highland Park’s oldest standing structure.   donated the cabin to the Historical Society on the City of Highland Park’s Centennial in 1969 and it was moved to its current location next to City Hall. Exmoor continues to support the cabin with a lead financial gift of $1,000. 

The cabin is in need of significant preservation work due to deterioration of the wood timbers, and landscaping work is needed to channel rainwater away from the cabin foundation. The proposed restoration work will insure the Cabin’s continued existence for future generations. The funds raised will be used to repair and maintain the cabin and re-institute programming.  

The Highland Park Historical Society owns and maintains the Cabin. The fundraising efforts will continue throughout the year.

“It is our hope that we will have reached a level of donations that will allow us to being restoration this fall," said committee member Joe Peddle.

Donations can be made to the Highland Park Historical Society by calling 847-432-7090.

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