Historic Commission

Tuesday, September 15, 2020 I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm. Present: Nancy Flannery (Chair), Barbara Dutton (Vice Chair), Steph McGrath (Secretary), Emelie Engling, Linda Moran, Bob Purdy Absent: Diane Burant, Andrew Welker Public Comments: none II. Approval of Minutes Minutes of the August 18, 2020 meeting approved as amended on a motion by Bob, seconded Linda, and passed unanimously. III. Old Business A. Wheaton’s History Bike tour: There has been some citizen interest in more tours. The Bike Commission is interested in offering tours in September, with the next scheduled for 2021. Nancy suggested the Historic Commission offer one in spring 2021, with the possibility of the Bike Commission participating. Steph suggested multiple mid century modern tours, with the city divided into regions. Barb suggested one based on her research on parks. Other ideas included sites related to notable people, ornamental concrete block structures, and offering maps for do it yourself tours on a variety of topics. B. Down at the Depot marker: Steph contacted Nameplate and they promised to send a copy of the latest design. C. CA&E site marker: Bob contacted the city and learned they plan to install the sign in late summer 2021. D. History Tidbits: Linda uploaded September’s tidbits to Wheaton Patch. She will do each month, making format refinements and adding content. E. Roosevelt Road Corridor Plan: The city/Camiros has proposed moving the project to virtual for public comment, planning and designs. The commission is concerned that this could move the project out of the public’s attention. Since the historic landmark at 534 W Roosevelt is gravely threatened by this project, it will be important to find ways to make sure it stays in the public view. Residents in the past have been alarmed and  annoyed only hearing that a historic building is coming down when it’s a done deal. We need to make sure we are fulfilling our mandate to advocate for the city’s history and heritage. IV. New Business A. Annual Budget: Budget for 2021 is $5,000. Motion to accept made by Bob, seconded Linda, and passed unanimously. B. Wheaton and Its Homes reprinting: Nancy contacted DCHM and staff suggested digitizing it and posting online on the Illinois Digital Archives site. We also would post it on the WPL and Historic Commission sites, since more residents are likely to find it on local links. It would be made from the original copy, not the reprinted version made by WHPC. None of the content WHPC added would be included, although we may add our own updated related information. Emelie wondered about making printed versions since people still ask for copies. Several people suggested that it could be offered as print on demand to avoid the complexities of pre printing copies. V. Commissioner Comments Barb: Has been taking day long road trips to see Carnegie libraries and has been impressed with the architecture. Linda: Her nephew’s wedding will be at the Emil Bach House by Frank Lloyd Wright, a small gathering so will really be able to enjoy the setting. Steph: Her nephew and his wife just bought a historic house in the San Francisco area and she was able to use home history research techniques to quickly get them some info. Emelie: Her grandchild just bought a mid century modern house on Gary Court. VI. Adjournment Barb moved to adjourn, Emelie seconded, the motion passed unanimously; the meeting concluded at 8:07 pm. 2