John David Thurman and Karen Thurman moved to Chippewa Falls in 1962 shortly after their marriage.  Through John's work as Director of Social Services for Chippewa County and Karen's position as Director of Nursing for the former Hannah Rutledge Home for the Aged, they realized the importance of giving back to the community.

As long time board members of the Cook-Rutledge Mansion, John was instrumental in raising large funds of money for this non-profit landmark.  Karen used her culinary expertise to make the annual Elegant Dinner and Christmas Open House memorable.  They also served as chairpersons and in numerous other capacities.

Judge Dayton Cook purchased the Mansion following the death of Edward Rutledge and their family lived there until 1973.  At that time it was sold to the Chippewa County Historical Society.  It is now self-sustaining and supported through fundraisers, donations and bequests.

The Mansion, opened to the public in 1973, was originally built by Lt. Governor Bingham, in 1873 and was enlarged and beautified in 1887 by Edward and Hannah Rutledge.  In his position of President of Lumberman's National Bank as well as chief officer for Frederick Weyerhaeuser's  sawmill, Rutledge was required to entertain often and lavishly.  The brick house is a unique example of High Italianate Victorian design, deemed by a member of Washington D.C.'s National Register of Historic Places "a perfect jewel."

Ornate woodwork, stained glass, ceiling murals and Lincrusta wallpaper are among the visual points of interest, but the life style modeled by the Mansion and its furnishings is of bygone elegance, and an important link with Chippewa's logging industry.  

Tours, weddings and special events are ongoing by request.  Echoing the mission statement of the Mansion, the John Thurman and Karen Thurman Petersen Family Designated Fund will make possible continued historic restoration, preservation and education in the community.