The Jason W. Strevell house, located on Livingston Street in Pontiac, is the last remaining home in Livingston County known to have hosted Abraham Lincoln. In 2008, the building, which had been divided up into apartments, was threatened with demolition. Several Pontiac families, aware of the historic significance of the building, bought the home to save it. In 2009, ownership of the home was transferred to the Livingston County Historical Society. Since then, the house has been evaluated by several experts in historic restoration, and a plan was formulated to return portions of the home to their pre-Civil War condition.
You can support the restoration of the Strevell House by making a monetary gift, or by purchasing a memorial brick. The walkway leading up to the home's front door is made of four sizes of bricks that can be engraved with a dedication, a memorial, or a tribute to a person or group. For more information on the Memorial Brick Program or on making a tax-deductible gift in support of the Strevell House Restoration Project, contact Pontiac Tourism at (815) 844-5847, or download and print the Memorial Brick Order Form.
Below are photos taken at various stages of the restoration process at the Strevell House.
Strevell Home circa 1950 - Many Spires Missing
Early Photo - Note the Full Front Porch
Strevell House Prior to Restoration - 2009
Abe Lincoln Speaks at Strevell House
Restoration Project Kick Off -2010
Restoration Kick Off Event - 2010
Boarded Up and Looking Sad
Windows Removed for Restoration
Window Casings Repaired
Window and Door Restoration
Strevell Interior
Strevell Interior
Workers Remove Old Wallpaper and Paint
Refurbished Storm Windows Ready to be Installed
Back to Bare Studs in Some Rooms
Paint Removed, Patches Complete
Street Department Prepares Walkway
Memorial Bricks Engraved
The House stripped of paint.
Placing Memorial Bricks in New Walkway
Sod Arrives to Dress up Front Yard and New Walkway
Mike displays the new spire he made for roof
Working on the new roof!
New Exterior Paint
Byrne Trust Donation
Electrical Work in Progress
Strevell House with Completed Walkway and New Roof
Matrix and Enbridge Donation
Society President Bob Sear with two very dirty members after an afternoon at the Strevell House
New Heating Unit Installed
Work crews discuss painting plan
Carpet removed, broken stairs replaced
Storage Area for bits and pieces
Painting near completion.
Finished Staircase
Furnishing the historic parlor
Enbridge Community Room
Folks Gather To Celebrate Completed Restoration Project