December, 2008 Newsletter

Jackie Arnold hosted our meeting this month. It’s always a joy to tour her lovely home.
(WARNING! Shameless plug alert!…the home is for sale if you know anyone who’s looking.)

We enjoyed two presentations that evening.
First, Bud Guyer and Dave Vanderah spoke. These gentlemen are the brave souls who purchased Jackie’s home in 1988 – when it was still apartments – and did much of the renovation to return it to it’s current splendor. They had many stories and a photo album detailing what the house looked like in the late 1980’s.
Next, Dave Reno, a local brick mason, answered our questions on brick work.

Treasury Status

Dale reported that we had a balance of $6803.68. The increased balance reflects the sale of 29 Historic Dubuque Homes books. He also paid our annual Chamber of Commerce dues.

Committee Reports

Grants

Last month, John Martin contacted Cindy Steinhauser about installing a bench outside city hall with our name on it. It’s $1800. We had a motion to purchase a bench and it passed.

Membership

Jo and Jim Edwards were not able to attend the meeting. However, we talked about ideas to increase membership. John’s proposed that we send a postcard to all owners of houses built before 1900 inviting them to our meetings. To see his full proposal (and a COOL link to the Dubuque County Assessor’s website), go here

Speaking of increased membership…we welcome to new members:
Kay Kluseman
Bud Guyer
Dave Vanderah
Fr. Sam and Sue Doughty

House Tour Committee

Gwen reports that they’ve changed neighborhoods for the tour. The focus is now the Fremont/Simpson/Sunset Ridge area. There are 4 homeowners who have expressed interest. We may also be talking to Wartburg Seminary to see whether they’d open their doors (and parking lots) for the tour

Preservation

The Ryan House hosted a fundraiser dinner on Nov. 15 that had sold out.

Social

We discussed how to handle beverages for future meetings. In the future, we will ask the meeting host to provide pop and beer (the club will reimburse them $35). Phyllis will continue to bring the wine.

New Business

There’s a Business PM (Chamber of Commerce Social Event) on January 20. Cinda distributed copies of “Researching the History of Old Buildings” – a white paper put together by member Michael Gibson at Loras College. (If you would like a copy, please let Cinda know.)

Future Meetings

December 11 at 6pm – Gwen Kosel will host our annual Christmas potluck (445 S Grandview…note that Gwen moved this year. Don’t accidentally go to her former house!) Board members will bring a main dish. If your last name begins with A-L, please bring a side dish or appetizer. If your last name starts with M-Z, please bring a dessert.

HELP! HELP! HELP!
We are still looking for people to host our January, February, and March meetings. Please contact Paul Opperman if you have ideas.