Your support can help the Bureau County Historical Society and Bureau County History Center prepare our campus for the next generation and beyond!

The Sash Stalter Matson Building was originally built as the Matson Public Library. Construction began in 1912 and it opened to the public in 1913. The architect who designed the Carnegie Libraries in Streator and Spring Valley also designed this building. It operated as the primary public library in Princeton, IL until 2007 when the library moved to a new location. The building was sold to Robert Sash, who donated it to the Bureau County Historical Society in December, 2013.

Early in 2014, a hard freeze caused pipes on the top floor and in the basement to burst and flooded the basement and damaged the stairwell wall and main floor ceiling. Through the generosity of time from the Princeton Veterans Organization and Flags of Freedom, over 1000 volunteer hours have been spent cleaning, painting and restoring the building to operational status. To date, BCHS and BCHC have spent nearly $40,000 on this project.

In the Fall of 2023, the History Center voted to move forward with a cosmetic renovation plan to make the building available for use.

Phase 2 Projects

Renovations began in the Fall of 2023. Volunteers cleaned and painted the basement. One of two bathrooms have been restored to service and plans are in place to restore the second bathroom.

In March of 2024, it was announced that the former library will have a tenant, True Leaves Bookshop, LLC. This prompted the board to authorize a micro fundraising campaign to restore the main floor for their use. True Leaves Bookshop opened its doors in June, 2024. This cosmetic renovation is a prelude to a larger renovation and construction project that is being developed with a focus on disabled access. The Bureau County Historical Society and Bureau County History Center are committed to access for all. Our long term goal is to construct or install wheelchair friendly entrances, restrooms and any necessary items to be sure our history is available for all to enjoy, study or present.

Sash Stalter Matson Building

Phase Two

Alarm System – $7,317.00
Security Door (Furnace Room) – $350.00
Drywall (Stairwell) – $299.88
Paint – $900.00
Floors – $12,600.00

Plaster restoration

Main Floor – $3,500.00
Auditorium – $7,000.00
Board Room – $2,500.00
Mats – $65.00
Stair Treads – $750.00
Labor – $5,000.00
Auditorium Lights – $15,000.00

Signage – $9,821.46
Curtains – $2,500.00
Architectural Rendering – $7,500.00
Structural Study – $3,500.00

Sub Total: $78,603.34

Restricted Gift, for future operations: $20,000

Project Total: $98,603.34

Our goal is to complete the cosmetic restoration by March, 2025.