Investigation ongoing into origin of Cora Pope Home fire

An investigation is ongoing into the origin of a fire that damaged the historic Cora Pope Home in Ottawa on Friday.

Firefighters were called to the the scene at about 7 p.m. Friday, where flames and smoke were visible in the upper level of the house at 116 W. Prospect Ave.

No injuries were reported. Ottawa Fire Chief Andy Burkowski said more information would be released later.

The Ottawa Fire Department is working with the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal to investigate the cause of the fire.

The 18-room house at 116 W. Prospect Ave. that overlooks the Illinois River. The home is being renovated to serve as a bed and breakfast. Originally, the mansion was the home of Milton and Cora Pope. Milton Pope built the house in 1902 for his wife.

In 1942 when Cora, then a widow, died, the house was converted as her will provided into a residence with a Christian atmosphere for older women who could live independently.

Opening in 1945, the home could accommodate 11 ladies.

But by 2013 the home had outlived its purpose. Despite attempts to attract new residents, there was only one woman left and the home was closed.

Assisting the Ottawa Fire Department on Friday were Ottawa Central Dispatch, Naplate Fire, Wallace Fire, Grand Ridge Fire, Utica Fire, the Ottawa Water Department, Ameren and Nicor.