The Historic Rutherford Complex

In 1969 Oakland Landmarks, Inc. was organized and Mrs. Harriet Crawford, a granddaughter of Dr. Hiram Rutherford, donated the Doctor's house to the organization. Later acquisitions included the Doctor's one room office across the street from the house, the Mail Pouch Tobacco Barn, the Railroad Depot and other outbuildings.

The organization is dedicated to preserving Oakland's historical structures and telling the stories of Dr. Rutherford and other residents of the community. Tours of the buildings are available by appointment or during special events such as Lincoln's Trial and Tribulations.

The state historical sign was installed in 1972 and placed the property on the State Register of Historical Sites. In 1980 the Historical Preservation Advisory Council in Coles County placed the property on the Coles County Register of Significant Places. In 2007 the property was listed as a member of the National Park Service consortium, Network to Freedom, for Dr. Rutherfords involvement with the Matson Slave Trial.  The property joined the “Looking for Lincoln” state historical organization with the purchase and display of a wayside sign at the southwest corner of the home.

In the past year the organization has repaired roofs on the main house, rebuilt the front porch, painted the west side of the house, shored up the foundations of the summer kitchen, and installed the large new sign that connects the property to the “Looking for Lincoln” state organization.

Maintenance and restoration work is a never ending process. Recently the group received a $10,000 grant from the state of Illinois to help with the roof repairs and painting. A $5,000 grant from the Oakland-Hindsboro Charitable Trust helped with the repairs on the Summer Kitchen.

The organization is a volunteer, non-profit group and welcomes donations and new volunteers. Future projects include restoration work on the Railroad Depot, Doctors Office, and Mail Pouch Tobacco Barn. Mailing address: Oakland Landmarks Inc., PO Box 84, Oakland, IL 61943

The home was featured on Illinois Adventures.