February, 2009 Newsletter
About 20 members attended our January gathering at Behr’s Funeral Home. Kevin, our host, proved very knowledgeable about both the history of the building and about renovation techniques used.
Alexander Young built the building as a private residence in 1879. Mr. Young had been elected 3 terms as sheriff of Jo Davies County before working security on riverboats and, finally, working in the timber business.
After Mr. Young’s death in 1880, his wife lived there for another 20 years. The Bell family purchased the home from her estate in 1897 and kept the home until it was sold to Norbert Behr in 1948.
The home had 11 coal-burning fireplaces and indoor plumbing – an unusual feature in the 1880’s. The home still boasts matched marble fireplaces and Chippendale mirrors in the dining room. The light fixtures are original gas lamps that have been converted to electric.
Kevin has been lovingly restoring the building since 2000. He gave us an overview of completed work and work-in-progress. (He admits that he worked overtime to complete work on the second floor before our meeting. Sounds like a lot of our house-tour hosts, doesn’t it?)
There’s lots more information about the build at their website.
Treasurer’s Report
Dale reported a balance of just under $5000 after writing checks for the City Hall bench and other club expenses.
Grants
Cinda reports that we’ve had two applications for grants so far: one from Four Mounds and the other from Linwood Cemetery.
Chris Olson from Four Mounds described the increased signage that Four Mounds would like to purchase with the grant. She showed us paper versions of existing signs and answered questions from members. (If you missed it, come to the March meeting at Four Mounds and check out the real things.)
Cinda summarized the request from Linwood. They are renovating the historic building housing their offices and director’s home.
If you know of other worthy recipients, please have them contact Cinda Welu or look at the grant application requirements on our website.
Finally, Cinda expressed interest in getting some photos and a short blurb from our 2008 grant winners – the Ham House Museum. She will contact Karen Vander Millen to get these for inclusion on our website.
House Tour Committee
Unfortunately, we lost one of the houses Gwen planned on for the tour. However we still have 4 very strong houses in the Fremont/South Grandview area. If you know anyone in this area who may be interested in participating, please contact Gwen ASAP!
New Business
There’s a Business PM on January 20. Cost for Old House Enthusiasts members is $5. It is at the Grand River Center – Exhibit Hall B from 5-7pm.
Future Meetings
February 12 at 7pm
Jeanelle Westerfield will host our Valentine’s meeting at her home (1344 Locust St, Dubuque). Jeanelle, Paula Connors, and Kathy Walske are signed up to bring treats.
March 12 at 7pm
Four Mounds – 4900 Peru Rd, Dubuque. Maureen Weires, Frank & Cindy Kraus, and Chris Olsen will provide the goodies. Jean Kilburg will discuss old photo restoration.