We
can take action as individuals and as a group to encourage preservation, to
recognize those who preserve and restore, to oppose and discourage the
destruction of historic structures, sites, and environments.
We have lost a number of historically valuable structures, such as the old Madison County jail and part of the N. O. Nelson Manufacturing Co. buildings. Fortunately, there is a concerted, cooperative effort among city, university, and private organizations, such as the Goshen Preservation Alliance, to preserve the remaining Nelson buildings.
The Goshen Preservation Alliance (GPA) was founded in June 1980 by local residents as a nonprofit, volunteer group to promote interest in and activities of preservation in the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon area, called the ‘Land of Goshen’ by early settlers.
The ‘home town’ feeling fostered by the presence of historic structures and neighborhoods is a major reason why many people come to this area and live – and remain here. GPA works to preserve and protect that feeling.