Restore the Historic Swenson House Arbor

Preserving the place where generations have made memories.

$65,000 restoration campaign

Online giving is coming soon. To support the Arbor restoration or discuss a sponsorship, email info@swensonhouse.com. We’ll help you with the next steps.

More Than a Historic Structure

For decades, the Swenson House arbor has been a backdrop to life’s treasured moments. Couples have celebrated weddings and engagements beneath it. Students have marked proms and graduations. Brides, expectant mothers, and families have captured portraits commemorating new chapters and lasting connections.

For many people, the arbor is more than part of Abilene’s history. It is part of their own.

Rooted in the House’s History

During the house’s remodeling around 1928, wooden columns from its front and side porches were preserved to build a grape arbor south of the house. The arbor connects the gardens directly to the architecture and story of the Swenson family home.

Why the Arbor Needs Our Help

The Society’s July 2026 condition photographs and project plans document wood rot, splitting beams, open voids, deteriorated beam-to-column connections, water damage and widespread paint failure. Restoration will help protect the arbor’s historic appearance and its continued use as a community gathering place.

Our campaign goal is $65,000, based on the project’s planning budget. Together, our community can help preserve this beloved setting for the generations who will make memories here next.

What Restoration Will Involve

Planning calls for removing deteriorated wood, repairing or replacing damaged framing and connections, preparing and painting the completed structure, and addressing lighting and architectural details as needed. Contractor proposals explore traditional wood construction and a steel framework designed to retain the arbor’s appearance. Final materials, contractor, scope and schedule will be confirmed before construction.

Long-term care will include inspections, protective coatings and vegetation management to help protect the restored structure.

Imagine returning to the restored arbor, knowing you helped preserve it, and seeing another family gather beneath it for a photograph they will treasure.

One Restoration Campaign, Many Ways to Help

Community Giving

Every contribution matters. Online giving details will be added when available, bringing neighbors, families, and friends together to preserve the arbor. In the meantime, email info@swensonhouse.com to ask how you can help.

Business & Community Support

Abilene businesses, families, and friends can help carry this local landmark into its next chapter. A gift supports a place that holds both our city’s history and its families’ memories.

Tell us about the contribution you have in mind, including any interest in a business, family, or memorial gift. Email info@swensonhouse.com to discuss a gift and current recognition options before making arrangements.

Direct Donations

Individuals, families, and businesses may also support the restoration directly. Online donation options and payment instructions will be available soon. To arrange a gift designated for the Arbor restoration, please contact info@swensonhouse.com.

Share Your Memories Beneath the Arbor

Do you have a wedding, prom, engagement, graduation, maternity, bridal, or family photograph taken at the arbor? Your story can help show why this place matters. A selection from the Society’s archive appears below. To share a memory or photograph, email info@swensonhouse.com. We’ll confirm permission before featuring your contribution.

Campaign Progress

Our goal is $65,000. Fundraising and restoration updates will be shared here as the campaign moves forward.

Help preserve the place where memories are made.

Campaign inquiries: info@swensonhouse.com

Memories Worth Preserving

The arbor framed by purple irises, alongside a close view of the work now needed, from the Society’s original photograph archive.