Historic Commission

Minutes of the City of Wheaton Historic Commission May 16, 2017 Meeting Held at City Hall, Wheaton, Illinois Attendance Present: Nancy Flannery (Chair), Maureen Fogerty, Steph McGrath (Secretary), Frank Principe, Bob Purdy Absent: Barbara Dutton (Vice Chair), Emelie Engling, Tom Kay The meeting was called to order at 7:20 pm Approval of Minutes Minutes of the April 18, 2017 meeting were approved as amended following a motion by Frank, seconded by Maureen, and passed unanimously. Old Business -New Commissioner The Commission extended an enthusiastic welcome to our new commissioner Robert Purdy! -Preservation Month 2017 • Outreach: Nancy has been working with the VFW & American Legion on their histories and archives. The Commission reviewed our current library of local history books for our use and scanned items to date. A possible new project at the mayor’s request, i.e., making identifications/signage for the various time capsules located in Wheaton, was discussed; this would be budgeted for separately. • The Commission revisited the idea for a local history/home history/genealogy blog in conjunction with the Wheaton Public Library. • Nancy reported the oil portrait at the Kiwanis of an unidentified man found in the basement of the Mary Lubko Center has not been identified yet. The Commission discussed strategies for identifying the subject of this painting. • Nancy gave an update on this year’s Preservation Month programs. • Steph reported that we now have the 1882 Bird’s Eye View of Wheaton scanned for home history researchers. • The Commission discussed the Pride in Preservation signs including distribution of sites. Steph recommended that the Commission obtain an oversized map of Wheaton so that the Commission can lay out landmark locations and visually divide the routes for next year. Nancy recommended that we purchase some new wire sign holders to replace old bent wire sign holders. -Application for Wheaton Register of Historic Places The application for 803 N Scott Street was reviewed and discussed. All agreed it was a very thorough application. Steph moved to accept the nomination and Maureen seconded; it passed unanimously. New Business -Annual Report Nancy passed out the FY16-17 Annual Report draft for review. Changes were discussed. Maureen moved it be accepted as amended and Bob seconded; it passed unanimously. -Election of Officers The current officeholders were re-elected unanimously, Nancy - Chair, Barb – Vice Chair, and Steph - Secretary. Commissioner Comments Maureen announced that she has arranged to have possibly two veterans with their service dogs to attend her upcoming Preservation Month talk, “Rags and Scruffy Go to the Front.” Steph gave an update on the Robert R McCormick Museum structure remodeling plans. She reported that they may not be planning to gut quite so much of the interior as previously discussed, but there are still plans for demolishing part of the original interior to create a modern catering area. Bob expressed his appreciation for the acceptance of his application for commissioner and for his home’s addition to the Wheaton Register of Historic Places. He shared copies of the latest issue of Preservation magazine with the Commission members. Nancy provided an update on Seven Gables and Pulte, along with recent efforts to move the structure. Adjournment Frank moved, Maureen seconded, the motion passed unanimously, and the meeting ended at 8:45 pm. Next Meeting: Tuesday, June 20 at 7:00 pm, City Hall