By Staff
VANDALIA – The Bonine House, standing on the corner of M-60 and Penn Road, was built before the Civil War and was home to several generations of Bonines. The house has connections to the Underground Railroad.
It is now in serious disrepair and in need of immediate preservation work if it is to survive. An informal and diverse group of residents have come together as Friends of the Bonine House.
The Friends are hosting a free community forum to discuss the house's future on Wednesday, April 29, at 6:30 p.m. at the Museum at Southwestern Michigan College, 58900 Cherry Grove Road, Dowagiac. The museum is serving as a neutral host and does not advocate either for or against preservation.
Dr. Veta Tucker, chair of the Michigan Freedom Trail Commission, will discuss the house's connection with the Underground Railroad.
Dr. Alisea McLeod of the SMC museum will talk about the residency of state Sen. Elwood Bonine. Cathy Jones will share memories of living at Elk Park as a child.
Cathy LaPoine will talk about the house's connection with Rainbow Farm. County Administrator Terry Proctor will discuss what it would take financially and organizationally to preserve the house.
Rita Reed will facilitate discussion.
For more information, contact Cathy LaPointe at (269) 646-0401.