Inn's Future
Seems Assured

The Silkwood Inn has endured for 66 years.

At times, the inn seemed doomed and for many years stood as a mere shell. But because of a determined group of volunteers, the inn's future now seems assured.

The inn was built in 1827. Local historian Ruby Henderson, who is co-author of a book about the inn, said it is historically important because it is the only remaining original structure along the Old Shawneetown-Kaskaskia Trail that connected communities in Southern Illinois during the early 1800s.

Also known as the Silkwood Tavern, the inn was a popular stop along one stagecoach line. It was built by Brazilla (Basil) Silkwood, who had come to Illinois from Pennsylvania.

Both Silkwood and the inn are at the heart of a famous local legend that is based in fact. While visiting a plantation in Georgia in the 1830s, Silkwood became acquainted with several slaves.

Among them was a young girl named Priscilla. When the owner of the plantation died, the slaves were sold and Priscilla was bought by a Cherokee chief and taken to live on a reservation.

When the Indians were moved from the reservation in 1838 along the Trail of Tears, they passed through Southern Illinois on their way to the Indian Territory. Once again, Silkwood's path intertwined with Priscilla's.

Silkwood was in Jonesboro for a business trip when the Indians moved through the area. He recognized Priscilla, and bought her for $1,000 in gold.

Priscilla was taken to the inn, where she was accepted as a member of the family. She died in 1892 and was buried beside the Silkwoods in the Reid-Kirkpatrick Cemetery, about two miles northwest of the inn.

When Priscilla came to Southern Illinois, she brought some hollyhock seeds that she planted at her new home. The hollyhocks have continued to thrive at the inn's from door for years, and are still known as the Priscilla hollyhocks.

Despite its importance, the inn almost slipped into oblivion.

Ten years ago, the structure was heavily damaged by fire. At the time, the inn was owned by John and Jean Crowe, who were unaware of its historic background.

At first, the Crowes planned to demolish the inn. But after learning of the history, they became active in the fight to save and restore it.

The restoration of the inn has been a longtime dream of the Mulkeytown Area Historical Society. Henderson and the society hopes that further work will allow the building to be used as a living history museum.

The Crowes donated the land and helped move the inn 150 feet north to its present site. They also have helped with the restoration project.

For many years, the inn was in serious danger of collapsing because of exposure to the elements. Now, the exterior has been fully restored with twin chimneys, windows and doors and four exterior porches.

The work has been done entirely by volunteers. Money has been hard to come by.

Members of the historical society have conducted bake sales, quilt raffles and other fund-raisers. One bake sale has become an annual event and is sponsored in cooperation with the Wal-Mart store in West City, which matches the donations received.

More funds have come in from the sale of two books by Henderson and her sister, Chloe Davis. The first book was written about the Silkwood Inn, and the second is "Mulkeytown Memories" and includes photos and reminiscences of local residents.

Other than a small grant from the state which was used to underwrite the printing costs of "Mulkeytown Memories," all money has been raised by volunteers. About $30,000 has been spent, and at least that much more is needed for the society to reach its goals.

"Inside the inn, we need to complete the ceiling," Henderson said.

Eventually, the inn will be furnished.

"We have had several people in the area offer antiques to furnish it," Henderson said. "We hope to furnish it as an 1850s rural farmhouse would look."

A separate kitchen and dining area also is planned. At one time, the inn had a separate building for cooking and dining, Henderson said.

"Until 1923, the kitchen and dining area were still in use," she said. "It was a log structure. The porches and four rooms were used mainly for sleeping."

Many people in the community have offered items or services to help restore the inn. One man has offered to landscape the inn and plant trees around it.

"The Silkwood Inn in the 1830s and 40s was certainly surrounded by trees," Henderson said.

The restoration of the inn is not the only successful project undertaken by members of the historical society. They also restored the Reid-Kirkpatrick Cemetery, a small pioneer cemetery that lies next to an Indian mound along the old trail.

Although it is the oldest building, the inn is not the only historic building in the community. Mulkeytown was founded in 1835.

The railroad was built north of the town in 1880, and most residents of old Mulkeytown moved and build a new town around the railroad.

Another historic landmark in the community is the Christian Church, which is home to the oldest continuously operating congregation of its denomination in Illinois. Town father John Mulkey helped found the church, and it was attended by the Silkwoods and Priscilla.

At one time, the volunteers hoped to establish a national historic district at Mulkeytown. Although that plan fell through, the area remains important to historians.

"We call it our historic district because it includes the cemeteries and the trail," Henderson said.

"The Silkwood Inn is sort of the center of local history," she said. "We have been able to keep the trail intact."

The historical society recently realized a long-held dream when it began holding its meetings in the inn. "We eventually hope we can get it all completed and have a dedication and homecoming for all the Silkwood descendants," Henderson said.