April, 2009 Newsletter
March Meeting
The club held our March meeting in the Grey House at Four Mounds. So we all had another chance to enjoy their beautiful building and grounds.
For our program, member Jean Kilburg and Sue Huehnergarth presented techniques on restoring antique photos using computers. They briefly covered five different methods of restoring old, damaged photos (airbrush, copying, physical restoration, chemical, and electronic). They then showed before- and after-restoration using a photo of Jean’s family farmstead. Jean then demonstrated a work-in-progress – a photo of her parents that her dad has carried in his wallet for years.
While we were looking at old photographs, Chris Olsen from Four Mounds showed us the University of Iowa’s Digital Library. They have hundreds of old Four Mounds photos. Check it out at: Four Mounds
Business Meeting
President Diane Schulz called the meeting to order at 7:20pm.
Introductions
Pam Thorpe was introduced to everyone.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Dale Knipshield reported a balance of $5,170. He also expressed his gratitude to Linda Derks and Jeannelle Westerfield on their work selling ads and soliciting gifts for the House Tour.
Grants
Grant Committee Chair Cinda Welu reiterated that she’s working on a list of past grant awards (with amounts awarded) so that we can mention these in our publicity
Membership
We’re shooting to send out postcards to current owners of historic homes. The postcard will invite them to attend the Old House Tour and to our June membership meeting and picnic. Gwen would like to mail these out before May 1. Once printed, she’ll host a stamp sticking party at her house. Everyone’s welcome - the cost of entry is a bottle of wine.
House Tour Committee
Gwen Kosel announced that everything is on track. Alan’s finished four of the five sketches. Bethany and Marie completed three of the histories, and the others should be done soon. We’re looking for companies willing to donate paper and printing. Vance DeLeire volunteered to call someone he knows about the paper. Bruce Oestrich is willing to call about printing.
There was also exciting news from member Kay Kluseman - she won $500 worth of radio air time on the Radio Dubuque stations at the February Business PM, and she’s generously donating this to Old House Enthusiast’s to publicize the House Tour! (Everyone tell Kay how great she is next time you see her.)
Preservation
Dick mentioned an article in the Iowa Preservationist newsletter. You can read this at Iowa Preservation.
New business
Jeannelle Westfield announced that she is selling prints of historic Dubuque buildings for a St. Anthony’s fund raiser. One shows the Redstone and 4th Street Elevator; the other shows the gazebo and town clock. They’re $75 a pair.
Marie Nadeau announced the US Grant Birthday Celebration in Galena April 17-19. Most of the activities are free. Contact the History Museum with any questions at (815)777-9129 or visit Galena History Museum.
Adjorned 8:05pm
Future Meetings
April 9 at 7pm – Clarke Manor – 216 Clarke Drive. Treats by: Kathleen Halko and Bruce
Oestreich.
Innkeeper Rose Ames will discuss the history of the building.
May 17-18 – HOUSE TOUR!
Sign up to volunteer with one of the house coordinators if you haven’t already!
May 21 at 7pm – Solon Langworthy House - 264 Alpine Street.
This is a wrap-up meeting to discuss the House Tour. No program is planned.
Membership Drive and club picnic We’ll be having a potluck picnic. Invite all your friends.