Pen and watercolor painting presented in Ste. Genevieve.
The setting was a warm and blustery Saturday in the quaint and peaceful city of St. Genevieve MO, which is home to the oldest structure in the state, the Bolduc-LeMeilleur House.
I was honored to present my Historic Preservation Award to French Colonial American (FCA) for their dedicated historic preservation efforts in St. Genevieve, and in particular to the circa 1810 Gemien Beauvais Linden House. Not only did they fully restore the home, but they made it into a living history museum for the benefit of the entire community.
The award, an original framed pen and water portrait, was presented to board member Tandy Thompson of FCA. Tandy and I then presented a copy of the painting to David Orthwine, who was a major financial contributor to the restoration of Linden House as well as three other significant historic properties owned by FCA in St. Genevieve.
Tandy stated, “ I wanted to say that none of this would have been possible if we had not gotten a very generous gift from David Orthwine It facilitated us being able to do the work that we’re doing on each and every one of these houses. We’re current renovating our fourth house, and this is a work of love, but it’s never ending as well.”
Prior to the event, an informal watercolor clinic was held in the Linden House gardens, that young and old took part in.
My interest in this project was following a tour that Tandy gave my husband and me. I was amazed at the authenticity of all three historic homes and the quality of the workmanship. The historic detail and fun facts of each building was fascinating and I shared this in this in a blog post in late 2023.
Original award painting of the Linden House.
Local media about the event
Mark Evans, Editor of the Ste. Genevieve Herald attended and documented the event with this article.
More info about Beauvais-Linden House a.k.a. “Hands-on History House” (c. 1822)
This house serves as an example of how vertical timber houses, such as the structure that is hidden under later mid-19th century additions, were saved but altered over time.
Today, this site offers interactive programming for homeschoolers, school groups as well as the public. Programming is thematic and updated quarterly. Visit Facebook, “Hands-on History House”, for current information.
I would like to warmly thank Tandy Thompson and the ED and curator of the French Colonial America organization for sparking my intrested in Ste. Genevieve and taking the time to tour my husband Bruce and I through these amazing historic homes in late 2023. Thank you also for the good work of the French Colonial America origanization and their dedicated efforts to keep the history of this area alive.
Leisa
