Historic Commission

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm. Present/in person: Nancy Flannery (Chair), Barbara Dutton-Thomas (Vice Chair), Lisa Buchanan, Linda Moran, Bob Purdy Present/virtual: Steph McGrath (Secretary), Diane Burant, Emelie Engling Public Comments: Lori Bilske II. Approval of Minutes Minutes of the February 16, 2021 meeting approved as amended, moved by Linda, seconded by Barb, and passed unanimously. III. Old Business A. Site markers: Arrangements made with the installer, ready to go when signs are done. B. History booklet reissue: Received a higher resolution scan of Wheaton and Its Homes but it didn’t read in optical character recognition. DuPage County Historical Museum has decided not to put it on the Illinois Digital Archives website. A copy is online on the Internet Archive website. Steph will get a link added on the Wheaton Public Library website. Emelie is still interested in getting a print version made and will meet with Nancy to explore options. C. DuPage Foundation: Nancy said she is still waiting for the foundation’s criteria regarding local (DuPage County) philanthropists. D. Miscellaneous: Lisa revisited the idea of holding a cemetery walk, reviewing costs, possible volunteers and getting costumes. She spoke to Wheaton Cemetery staff and they were positive about the idea. Parking could be at Edison School. Researching and creating the stories would take the most time. Might get some ideas and help from people on the You know you’re from Wheaton IL if... Facebook site. Barb mentioned the Bluff City Cemetery walk in Elgin as a local example. There are many interesting people buried in Wheaton Cemetery; could start compiling names and consider a thematic approach.  IV. New Business A. New Commissioner: Nancy asked commissioners to introduce themselves. Lori Bilske then introduced herself, her background, interest in history and community involvement. She is interested in organizing events using her skills in project management. Lori excused herself from the meeting while the commission deliberated. Bob moved to accept her application, Lisa seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. B. Preservation Month: The City approved our putting the Pride in Preservation signs up. Usually have lectures in May, but now planned for this fall: Bob Goldsborough on the major fires in Wheaton. The History Bike Tour will be in September featuring Mid- century modern homes. Decided dates for the Pride in Preservation signs will be May 15 to 23. Discussed getting landmarks on a map by the city’s Geographic Information Systems staff. Will need to check first that the list is current with any new listings and demolished houses. DuPage County Historical Museum will be hosting their architectural walking tour. Steph will work with Wheaton Public Library on highlighting home history research help. Lisa wondered if commissioners would distribute flyers about her new social group for old home enthusiasts, the Wheaton Century Club, to homes while they put up Pride in Preservation signs. C. Annual Report: Nancy will compile information for a draft of the report. D. Officer Election: The commission’s officer elections will be in May. V. Commissioner Comments Barb: Brought the February newsletter from Landmarks Illinois to share. Bob: Brought issues of Preservation Magazine to share. VI. Adjournment Linda moved to adjourn, Bob seconded, the motion passed unanimously; the meeting concluded at 8:41 pm. 2