We heard this morning on NPR about the plight of The Mount in Lenox. This beautiful, historic and important property is due to be foreclosed on April 24th. They are trying to raise money so that does not happen, and are taking contribution pledges.
From the website:
The Mount has secured a pledge of matching funds, which will be made available to supplement funds raised under Save The Mount, if The Mount is able to reach a successful restructuring with its principal creditors. Your contribution today will bring us closer to survival and success.
All donations will be processed only if The Mount meets its fundraising goal. In the event that the campaign is unsuccessful, The Mount will destroy all checks and credit card forms and post a notice thereof on this website.
Time is short, but a dramatic show of support will keep Edith Wharton’s house and gardens open. We urge you to make a generous donation without delay. Thank you.
The Mount was the home of writer and socialite Edith Wharton (1862-1937). She designed and built the house in 1902 as a summer home and writer’s retreat.
It is historically important and a beautiful place with majestic views of the Berkshires. It is also, according the the website, “…one of the mere 5% of National Historic Landmarks dedicated to women.” Wharton is such an important figure in American literature (e.g. she was the first woman to win the Pulitzer prize), and The Mount is part of her legacy, for us to learn from and enjoy, and an architectural gem in western Massachusetts.
After Wharton’s death, the house had a succession of owners, and eventually fell into a terrible state of disrepair. In the 1980’s a group formed as The Edith Wharton Restoration purchased the property and has been preserving and restoring it since. It is open to the public May to December.
Please donate whatever amount you can to help save The Mount at their Emergency Campaign page. More information can also be found on the blog, “Help Save The Mount!“
