Visiting the Manor
THE HISTORY OF MAGNOLIA MANORThis magnificent Victorian mansion in Cairo, Illinois dates back to 1869 and has been visited by Ulysses S. Grant.Charles A. Galigher was a prominent citizen of Cairo and a milling merchant, who accumulated a fortune by selling flour to the government during the Civil War. Through business transactions, he became a friend of General Ulysses S. Grant, who made his headquarters in Cairo during his siege of the South.In 1869, after the war, Mr. Galigher began construction of the four-storied red brick Victorian mansion on a two acre site on Washington Avenue. In 1872, it was completed and the fourteen rooms became home to Charles Galigher, his wife Adelia Lippit Galigher, and their three sons, Frank, Albert, and Charles Frederick.From 1872 until 1952, the mansion had only four private owners: Charles Galigher, H.H. Candee, P.T. Langan, and Fain W. King.In 1952, the Cairo Historical Association was formed and decided to undertake the preservation of this home as its initial project. The Galigher home became Magnolia Manor, a Victorian museum, where today visitors admire the high-celinged, spacious, and splendidly appointed rooms.Because the Galigher house was the scene of the Grant visit and reception and because it is an outstanding example of Italianate architecture and typifies a fine Southern Illinois home of the period, it was included in the Illinois Section of the Historic American Building Survey. In 1969, it was entered on the National Register of Historic Places. Magnolia Manor is open to the public daily.Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.The Museum is closed fromChristmas Eve to New Year's Day annually. Group tours may be arranged by calling (618-734-0201).
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About the Cairo Historical Association
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Events AtMagnolia ManorFundraisers for 2011 include:Sept 13 LuncheonOct 4 LuncheonOct 8 Chicken and Dumpling DinnerNov 25 – Dec 4 Holiday HouseNov 28 – Dec 2 Holiday House Luncheon 2012 Feb 19 Mardi Gras BrunchApril 3 LuncheonMay 1 LuncheonJune 5 LuncheonJuly 14 Bridge LuncheonA Magnolia Festival is held each yearin the Spring at which time variousevents are scheduled. Luncheons are served the first Tuesday ofApril, May, June, September and October.These are by reservation only.Reservations may be made by calling(618) 734-0201 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Holiday House begins each year on the afterThanksgiving, at which time the mansion is adorned in Christmas finery.The many beautiful creations may be purchased.Proceeds are used for maintenance of the Manor.Holiday House will begin on Nov. 25, the Friday after Thanksgiving, and end on Sunday, Dec. 4. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. dailyHoliday House Luncheonsare served November 28 - December 2.These, too are by reservation only. Luncheons will be available Nov. 28- Dec. 2 at a cost of $18 per person. The price includes a sit-down meal with dessert, and a tour of the house in its Christmas finery. As always, the decorations will be available for purchase and immediate possession,Reservations for the luncheons will close on Saturday, Oct. 29. Seating is limited and reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To make a reservation call Magnolia Manor at 618-734-0201 or Libby Morin at 618-734-1160.
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Pardon our dust as webuild this website. Thanks for visiting and we hope to see you at Magnolia Manor soon!
Magnolia Manor Queen of the River in Historic Cairo, Illinois
Magnolia Manor is open to the public daily.Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 4:30 pmSunday 1:00 pm to 4:30 pmThe Museum is closed fromChristmas Eve to New Year's Day annually, Easter Sunday and July 4th. Group tours may be arranged by calling (618-734-0201).
Visiting the Manor
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