SKOWHEGAN — Rebecca Corson Somes and her husband, Steven Dutile, had been working for months on the Civil War-era home of former Gov. Abner Coburn.
The mansion, they said, was in poor condition. Corson Somes’ uncle, who died last year, had owned it for decades, and he kept most people out.
After moving to Skowhegan to make the mansion their full-time project this summer, Corson Somes, the personal representative for her uncle’s estate, and Dutile said they felt it was almost in good enough condition to get insurance and begin showing it to potential buyers interested in preserving the property.
Then, while workers were completing repairs on Aug. 30, the home caught fire.
Despite the fire damage, Corson Somes and Dutile said this week they remain committed to preserving the historic home at 24 Main St. But with winter fast approaching, they need help.
“This building wants to stay,” Corson Somes said during a tour of the property Thursday.
The fire, which Skowhegan …