According to event coordinator Michelle Roseburrough, proceeds from the sale will go to “help protect, maintain and decorate” the house. This includes repairs to the tornado damaged roof, which is more extensive than previously thought. The work is not fully covered by insurance. Future costs include renovations to the second floor and ongoing maintenance.

Events and private meetings are usually Binford House’s main source of income, but the pandemic has prevented these from happening.

“There are no plans to open that anytime soon,” Roseburrough said.

She said they hope to be open for meetings by the holiday season but there are no guarantees.

Donations wait in boxes to be sold at the Binford House yard sale on Aug. 8. Items for sale have been donated by Binford House supporters.

“We’ll keep addressing the reopening monthly,” Roseburrough said.

For now the house’s main support comes from donations.

People can help either by sending monetary donations to 110 N Second Ave, P.O. Box 273 or donating items to be sold in the yard sale. Clothes and large furniture will not be accepted.

“We are really, really grateful to anyone who wants to help,” Roseburrough said.

They also plan to apply for grants to help with expenses.

According to Roseburrough, Binford house is important because of its rich history in Marshalltown. The house was built in 1874 by Thaddeus Binford, and the Binford family were the only people to ever live in the house. Jessie Binford, daughter of Thaddeus and Angie Binford, donated the house to the Marshalltown Federation of Women’s Clubs which continues to own and operate it.

Binford House has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984.

“The Marshalltown Federation of Women’s Clubs and the Binford House are grateful for the strong continued support of this community,” Roseburrough said.

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Contact Anna Shearer at 641-753-6611 or ashearer@timesrepublican.com.