By Ronda Wertman
tribune correspondent
KEYSER — In recent years residents have watched as the Carskadon Mansion on Radical Hill was transformed from a community hazard to a place of beauty that overlooks U.S. Route 220 in Keyser.
As part of this year’s Strawberry Festival, residents will get a glimpse inside the mansion to see the potential this historic structure holds.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday visitors can tour the grounds and interior of the mansion.
One of the new features at the mansion is a china cabinet that was an
original piece of furniture in the mansion.
It was returned to the mansion by the late Donald Leatherman. His grandfather, George W. Lynch, had purchased it from Thomas R. Carskadon around 1902.
The Carskadon Mansion was placed on the Historic Register in 2002, but members of the Mineral County Historical Foundation continue to gather information on the structure and its past residents.
Foundation Secretary Nancy Niland notes that the Foundation has never gotten an original picture of the house and would like to include one with the mansion.
The open house is a chance for residents to share their knowledge of the mansion and to become a part of its restoration.
So far work has included replacing the roof, repointing the brick, restoring the windows and shutters, new front and side porches and replacing the sub floors on the main floor to make it safe for guests.
The next project is the installation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning. This is crucial to allow for continued interior restoration and preservation of furnishings.
Donations for the continued restoration efforts are tax deductible and can be sent to the Mineral County Historic Foundation at P.O. Box 1325, Keyser, WV 26726.
