Historic Commission

APPROVED Minutes of Wheaton Historic Commission March 15, 2016 Meeting at Wheaton City Hall, Wheaton, Ill. In attendance: Nancy Flannery (Chair), Barbara Dutton (Vice Chair/Acting Secretary), Emelie Engling, Maureen Fogerty, Frank Principe, Greg Morrison, and Steph McGrath (Secretary). Absent: Tom Kay Public comment: None. The meeting was called to order by Nancy at 7:06 p.m. Minutes of the February 2016 meeting were approved following a motion made by Greg and seconded by Frank. Old Business Preservation Month: Nancy announced that Commission members assembled would not be (as previously discussed) stuffing envelopes during the evening’s meeting for a mailing announcing Preservation Month events; she does, however, welcome help in a week or so to prepare the mailing. She reported that the Foulis talk, to be held at the Wheaton Cemetery, is all set. Nancy also said that she is considering expanding the map of Mid-Century Modern homes, adding that she is thinking of engaging local Boy Scouts to distribute the maps as part of the upcoming Preservation celebration. Barbara gave an update on the plans for the “Estate Gardens-Parks” program, which is to be held the evening of May 12th at the DuPage County Historical Museum. Speakers will include Park District and Cantigny staff. Promotional poster mock-ups featuring park imagery were viewed, and one design selected for printing in a quantity to allow for posting in advance of the event, and for handouts as souvenirs at the event. Maureen is to obtain printing quotes for producing 100 pieces on different paper stock. Greg spoke about options for preparing maps to reflect “Pride in Preservation” sign placement assignments. Nancy will bring map copies to the next meeting to review for logical proximities, as well as potential duplication of posting sites. Some preferences for particular neighborhood assignments were expressed. 25th Anniversary: Nancy asked for ideas for commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Wheaton Historic Commission (WHC), and distributed a list she had compiled of past and current members. She is hoping to send invitations to past members, inviting them to a celebratory event. Further discussion determined that Saturday, June 25th looked to be a good date to host such an event. Nancy expressed that she would be willing to have an afternoon open house at her home. In addition to inviting past Commission members to the gathering, it was thought that City Council members might be asked to join the celebration, as well. Frank suggested asking past Commission members if they had any files they might wish to share. Wheaton Register: Nancy distributed to the group the most current version of the Register nomination form, which reflected suggestions and edits from the previous meeting. Additional changes were determined, and Nancy will bring a further revised version to the next meeting. On a somewhat related topic, Frank expressed interest in the Wheaton Park District “house” on Blanchard Road that was recently torn down, reporting that the Commission got photos of the structure. These, it was suggested, could be used in a history blog. Frank would like to obtain a concrete block that was part of the building. Steph thinks the blocks used were produced in Wheaton, possibly on site. Bollards: Nancy passed out photocopies from Steph of a mock-up for the “Down at the Depot” history plaque; the layout was discussed and opinions offered. Though current plaques are gold colored, this one is envisioned to be silver colored with black printing, as well as larger in size than the others. Steph didn’t think the variation matters, and would like to explore more layout options, ascertaining size concerns hinted at by the vendor, and which Nancy is curious about. Image quality and alternate designs were discussed, and Nancy wondered about where to locate the bollard in the proximity of the downtown train station. One suggestion was to see about the feasibility of posting the plaque on the present-day building. APPROVED Nancy referenced a newspaper article that included a photo indicating that an historical marker indeed had been in place at site of the old Longfellow School. Emelie will try to find out what happened to the marker. Emelie related that the Wheaton History Center had acquired several relics from the razed building. Nancy said she would send around the photo of the marker, and wondered if the Commission should proceed with establishing a replacement marker for the site, as current funds could allow for such a purchase. Steph has a write-up she worked some time ago on about the site, recognizing that a building had occupied it, suggesting the text could perhaps be used for a rework effort. New Business Financial Report: Nancy reported that the Commission currently had $3,378 in funds available in the current budget year, which goes through May. Commission Membership: Nancy announced that the Commission has received a new member application. She will invite the applicant to a meeting to introduce herself. Commissioner Comments Frank expressed interest in a building that is a former factory now housing a church, emphasizing that he likes to “preserve stuff.” He is thinking of checking with Chicago Title & Trust to see about historic building photos. He also noted the centennial of the Spanish-American War, citing an article about a nurse who served in the conflict, and reminded the group that the 100th anniversary of WWI is upon us, and that the Commission might think about programming to commemorate this. Maureen wondered what the shuttered, Neoclassic building on the southeast corner of Main and Union Streets had been. Barbara shared some insights she had on the former Church of Christ, Scientist building. Greg said he will work on a map indicating signage placement spots to help with distribution of “Pride in Preservation” signs. Maureen motioned to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Greg, the motion was approved by vote, and the meeting concluded at 8:57 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2016 at 7:00 pm, Gamon Room, City Hall