Jane Young House Foundation
The JYHF is responsible for maintaining the home’s interior, exterior, and structure of the home.
Mission Statement
The JYH Foundation is dedicated to preserving,
maintaining, and sharing the heritage of the historic Jane Young House for future generations, while promoting the home as a venue for community use.
History of the Jane Young House Foundation
The Jane Young House Foundation was organized in 1993 when the Kendall Young Library (KYL) announced plans to add on to the library. A public meeting indicated considerable support for retaining the Young home rather than demolishing it. Moving the house was a major effort, requiring engineering, foundation, repairs, and restoration. The JYHF was organized at this time with tax-exempt 501(C)3 status, to raise funds to
move the house 100 feet west to a lot owned by the library. With the help of professional fundraisers, donations by many organizations and individuals, and volunteer help, the dwelling was eventually moved to its new foundation.
On February 11th, 1997, a lease was signed between the Kendall Young Library Board of Trustees and the Jane Young House Foundation. Young House Foundation. The Foundation agreed to pay rent of $1.00 for the 99 years! The city of WC owns in trust the premises and the JY House, both under the control and management of the Library. The Library leased the house to the Foundation, commencing on November 1, 1996, for a term of 99 years with the understanding the lease could be extended. The Foundation was responsible for moving the house to its present location, 629 Elm Street, on or before March 11, 1997. The cost of moving the house was $45,000. “The JYH must be used and maintained in such a fashion as to preserve its historical significance in the community. According to the lease, the Foundation shall, at its own expense, be responsible for any maintenance or repairs of any kind to the interior or exterior, as well as structural repairs.” This lease was signed by KYL Board of Trustees President Virginia Veach, JYHF President Cleta Cupp, WC Mayor Gus Dermand, and Notary Public Josie Greenley.
Improvement Projects Through The Years
The Foundation has funded many improvements to the home. Some improvements are very obvious, and others are not as noticeable to us. To list a few of the major improvements: new roof, exterior was scraped and painted, landscaping (with more to be done) handicap ramp, new handrail on west wall going upstairs, new carpet & wood flooring throughout the
main floor, mini-splits, chair lift, structural support beams & columns in the basement, windows repaired & covered with plexiglass, new back porch, a new basement when the house was moved, and a complete kitchen remodel in 2025. The Women’s Club Board donated monies toward the expense of the stair rail, ramp, and carpeting. As with any home, there are
monthly/yearly expenses the Foundation is responsible for such as: heating & air conditioning, insurance, security, plumbing, electrical, lawn care & snow removal, and advertising events. Because the city owns the house, there are no property taxes or utilities to pay.
FUTURE PROJECTS AT THE JYH
The Foundation is working towards replacing the railing around the handicap ramp on the west side of the home. We are also planning to paint the front porch in the spring. As with the upkeep of any home, there are always repairs and projects that need attention.
FUNDING OUR PROJECTS
The JYHF is responsible for maintaining the home’s interior, exterior, and structure of the home. Funding for all projects comes from many different sources: Rentals, Tours, Open Hours, Memorials, Grants, Interest, and DONATIONS. If you would like to donate to the JYHF, please check out the many ways you can support the legacy of Jane & Kendall Young by going
to the tab DONATE. Any donation is tax deductible as we are a 501(C)3 organization.
How to Contact Us
Tours
Loween 515-297-0846
JoAnn 515-310-0397
Rent
Donna 515-835-9111
We are proud members of the following organizations
