Donations

Dear Family and Friends

About ten years ago when Tom Carter, professor of Architectural History at the University of Utah, and I walked through the house together, I was surprised when he said that he really considered the house, “One of the great historical houses in the state.”

I don’t think our foremothers and forefathers would have predicted that their simple pair house, made mostly of mud, could survive this long and house so many descendents; they required shelter not permanence. Yet, here we are, one hundred and fifty years later, living in a modern age unimaginable to them, still gathering at this central point of origin, still speaking their names and telling their stories along with our own, still exploring the humble homestead they built as hopeful pioneers.

How could they have known that so many of their descendents would show an interest in preserving this unique legacy?

I am sending this letter because so many of you have asked what you can do to help and now we could really use your support. We need to raise $12,000 for the exterior renovation and rehabilitation of the adobe system. Find out more about the present condition of the house and the original materials here. As project manager, I have invited bids and discussed the project with multiple experts. I have spent countless hours researching materials, comparable structures, and traditional building techniques in order to make educated decisions. I want to ensure that all the work done on the house will be carried out in a sensitive manner, well within state and national guidelines for the preservation of historic buildings. The adobe contractor, who will be ready to take-on the project in August, is Russell Bezette. He has spent a lifetime working on historic adobe structures and was honored with a Utah Heritage award in 2011 for his preservation work. We have been discussing the project for more than a year now. Help me gather the funds to pay for the renovation - it is urgently needed and cannot wait much longer, if we want to preserve this legacy and I know that we do. 

Now is the time to get this project underway!

Great news, we have created a non-profit entity called “Ephraim Homestead” to enable you to make tax-deductible donations. Your contribution will pay for:

• Removal of the deteriorated stucco
• Removal of the deteriorated sidewalks and footings
• Re-pointing and stabilization of the stone foundation
• Repair and rehabilitation of the adobe bricks and mud plaster
• New natural hydraulic lime stucco coating
• Repair and painting of exterior window frames and trim-work
• Grading and landscaping to ensure proper drainage
• Water to south end of lot and tree plantings 

How to Donate

Pay on-line: click the donate button and pay with your credit or debit card via Paypal. You do not need a Paypal account. There is a transaction fee of 2.2%

By Mail:   Make checks payable to Ephraim Homestead

Send to:   Tessa Lindsey 
                  477 Center ST
                  Salt Lake City, UT 84103

Thank You Gifts

• Gifts of $100 or more receive an Ephraim Homestead mug
• Gifts of $300 or more receive a hard-bound book of curated, rarely seen, beloved photos from Ephraim
• Gifts of $2500 or more, your name will be listed on the historical plaque to document your significant contribution to preserve the legacy