Perkins House looks to next phase of renovations

Drain fields are needed to keep the basement dry

Garth Meyer, Whitman County Gazette | Aug 12, 20210

Nancy Rothwell I Submitted count

Gathered at the Perkins House Vintage Picnic were (left to right) Alex McGregor, Erica Anderson, Madeline Tate, Jill Gfeller, Molly Keogh, Anna Cocking, Li Ochs, and John Ochs.

COLFAX - The Perkins House aims for Phase Three of renovations to the 1886 structure.

The organization is seeking $30,000 to create two drain fields to pull water away from the foundation of the house. Phase Three work is planned to take place next summer.

Phase Two was completed in April. Mortar was upgraded around the house to secure loose and falling bricks.

Phase One wood supports were replaced inside the basement with concrete work to lift the house and make it more level.

Organizers raised $2,000 for Phase Three at a Vintage Picnic in June. It was a replacement of the annual ice cream social, which was canceled due to the pandemic.

The picnic included a re-dedication of "Norma McGregor's garden." As the first president of the Whitman County Historical Society, she was instrumental in the initial Perkins House restoration. Norma's son, Alex McGregor, and his sister Rose and other descendants were in attendance.