Newsletter/Info
NORTH LEE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
AUGUST 5, 2010 EMAIL NEWS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
From the President;
We had a great July, near $1,200.00 in donations and gift shop sales from the 730 visitors that signed the guest book at the Historic Center. To date 1,856 total visitors since Jan 1, 2010 – another 250 and we will top last years’ totals. We hope August brings many more through our doors so we can keep up our mission telling the rich history of Fort Madison and North Lee County.
Thanks to the good flood chance predictions of the Army Corps of Engineers and others we decided not to sand-bag the facilities when the Mississippi River was cresting on July 29-30. We watched the predictions several times each day as a precaution but as the river failed to reach predictions upstream it kept looking better each day for our facility.
On July 31 we lost our long time docent, Fred Bindewald, who ran out of eligibility for the “Generations” program, which only leaves us with Vern Windsor on Friday-Sunday and John Scott, who is working daily on the Past Perfect Museum software to photograph, correct the storage locations and condition of all our accessioned items.
This means on many days I am the only docent, but have been assisted by many volunteers including Gerry Shibley, Darrell Richers, Linda & Mark Lair, Don & Skye Lucas and Bryor McMillen. Steve Rippeteau has returned from vacation and is also back assisting now.
Later in this newsletter you will find a list of members that have renewed or joined the society and paid their 2010-11 dues. We still have nearly 20 that have not renewed and have not received the list of our Denmark members for 2010-11. Also a list of the many people that have sent additional donations to help in keeping the bills paid.
With great July donations we are still running the center on a cash flow basis and have not drawn any more funds from our savings accounts for many months.
Much work still needs to be done to put displays in the old REA office area, finish the waiting room displays and set up the first floor office in the depot. Other projects to get the tires on baggage carts, finish restoring the CB&Q Motor Car, correct the plumbing in the depot and move some more items from storage back to the Center - the list could go on.
Hope to see many of you at the meeting Tuesday night, August 10, as we have some business to discuss and hope Don Lucas has lined up an interesting program.
VISITORS
As of the end of day August 4th we have had 1,839 visitors sign our guest book and we have several groups scheduled for August. Volunteers to answer the phone, handle gift shop sales and hand out tourist information are always needed as we only have 2 or sometimes 3 semi-trained docents to give tours through this long facility that is open 7 days a week.
I did make a recap of the guest book and visitors from 43 states and 15 foreign countries have visited since January 1, 2010. The best part is that I believe visitors from our local area has picked up from 2009.
MEETING 7 P.M. TUESDAY AUGUST 10
The last meeting Sam Fiorella gave an interesting program on the early history of writing instruments. At Tuesday’s meeting program chairman Donald Lucas has not advised me who will give the program and I am not going to call him this early in the morning to find out. We have Darrell Richers’ antique clock display in the “Display of the Month Case” and Gerry Shibley should announce what display will follow through September.
The important thing is that if you are not busy - to attend the meeting and invite a guest to the meeting – the success of this Historic Center will be because we have an enthusiastic growing membership.
AMBORN-BECK FURNITURE
Some 140 years ago Judge Joseph Beck ordered a bedroom set from Conrad Amborn’s furniture store here in Fort Madison for his residence. The beautifully carved pieces ended up in Bull Head City, Arizona with the late David & Marcy Paul, former residents of Fort Madison whose family had purchased them from Judge Beck’s auction.
The family feels the three pieces of furniture should return to Fort Madison and has agreed to donate them to the Society. In this weeks’ Democrat an article including pictures should appear as John Hansman has assisted your President in writing articles on Judge Beck and an appeal for funding of the transportation costs of getting the pieces from now Kingman, Az. to the Historic Center is underway.
A special fund has been set up for that purpose with hopes of getting the nearly $1,000 needed to bring them back where they belong and will join Judge Beck’s Wooton Desk in the old ATSF Passenger Agent’s office.
SHORT NOTES
We still have not lined up the next meeting is with the city on possible raising of the depot-REA-freight office complex until our legal representative Elaine Fehseke Eschman and Rusty Andrews set a date agreeable with all parties involved, but should be happening within the next week.
Linda Lair has continued to assist in getting membership cards mailed out and will also mail this newsletter to members not on our email list.
So far “Your Heat and Air Guy”, Tom Schultz, seems to be keeping the facility comfortable this summer with new energy efficient systems. If you do not like the air conditioning you may visit our comfortable patio.
We still have one more display case donated by Tim & Tammy Waggoner at the Kingsley to get to our facility as soon as someone comes up with a good method to get it out of their building and transport it to the Historic Center. Believe will bring up at Tuesday’s meeting to hire Best Move to handle this project so Tim & Tammi can get the space needed in their meeting room.
The “preserving our past” interview chairman, Jim Lemberger, has Rusty Andrews ordering the equipment necessary to start the project and appears $225 should cover the microphones, mixers and cords needed to set up the interview room. Maybe can start first interviews in Septembert.
Sad to read about the passing of Marian Keenan a Life Member, who served as President of the Society in 1974 and 1975. Marian also served as vice president in 1973 and was director of the museum for several years.
The Hotel-Motel Tax issue to turn over the portion allocated to the NLCHS, FM Art Center and Convention & Visitors Bureau to FM Partners was passed by the FM City Council. We hope we continue to receive our 8% of the total funds to assist in renovating the bell tower at Brush College, roof repairs on depot and division freight office and removing lead based paint from old Lee County Jail – every cent counts.
The list of renewals/members in 2010-11 below was made before got renewals from Forrest and Judy McPherron and added new members Tom & Judy Burner and Sharon Little.
Those that have made generous monetary contributions in addition to their dues this year include:
Louse Benbow Gray Schroeder Brothers
David & Shiela Sallen Jose Perez
Gerry Shibley Joe & Pat Tebbs
Fred & Kitty Winke Thomas Frantz
Mark & Pamela Fonger Allison Lo
Francis & Linda Boone Mary Miller
Cliff & Arleen Matta Bob & Betsy Badger
Sharon Little
Barb Hocker & Julie Worden – in memory Lorraine Worden
We are sad to hear that Sandy Brown, FM CVB, who has worked with us on setting up and designing tourism literature, has been terminated by FM Partners Board of Directors.
The paid up member list appears on NEXT PAGE of Newsletter
All for Today – Sure there is 20 items I forgot and 20 more people I forgot to thank.
L. D. Andy Andrews, president NLCHS – 319-371-5379 – NLCHS@iowatelecom.net
P. O. Box 285, Fort Madison
2010-11 Dues paid members
As of July 31, 2010
*Indicates Life Members
Allen, Darlene* Holmes, Diane Shibley, Gerry*
Anderson, Don Hupert, Jason Shibley, Megan
Anderson, Sharon Koellner, Julia Smith, Prescott
Andrews, Loren “Andy”* Lair, Linda Soroptimist Club*
Andrews, J. R. “Rusty” Lair, Mark Stein, Ted
Andrews, Susan L. Lemberger, Ed Strunk, Tonya
Badger, Betsy Lemberger, James Stuekerjuergen, Ralph
Badger, Bob Lewiston, Jim Tebbs, Joe
Barr, James* Lindberg, Virgil Tebbs, Pat
Barr, Thomas* Lo, Allison Wenke, John*
Bindewald, Fred Long, Bill Windsor, Vernon
Bindewald, Janet Lucas, Donald Winke, Fred C.*
Boone, Francis Lucas, Skye Winke, Kitty
Boone, Linda Lytakker, Mel Wondra, Dalyn
Brown, Gwen* Marang, Kenneth Wondra, Lauri
Brown, Lyle Marang, Linda Phillips Wondra, Tim
Brockman, Michael* Matta, Arleen Worden, Julie*
Bushong Jewelry, Michele & Skip Young Matta, Clifford Your Heat & Air Guy, Tom &
Butler, Art McMillen, Brian Joanne Shultz
Butler, Sue McMillen, Bryor 114 – Members Paid
Cantwell, Jo McMillen, Connor 40 - 2009-10 Members not renewed yet
Cantwell, Larry McMillen, Lauri Denmark Membership still coming
Creen, James Miller, Mary C.
Davenport, Marcia Minard, Ed
Dressler, Derald* Moehn, David
Fehseke, Richard L.* Mowen, Dallas
Fless, Doris* Napier, William*
Fonger, Mark Oetting, Marty
Fonger, Pamela Pagin, John*
Foster, Nellie* (No address) Perez, Jose
Frantz, Thomas Pilkington, Bonnie
Frels, James W. Pilkington, Gary
Fullerton, Anne Raid, Larry
Garza, Jan Richers, Darrell
Garza, Vincent Richers, Janet
Gorsuch, Mike* Riggs, Brian
Gray, Louise* Rippeteau, Linda
Griswold, Pat* Rippeteau, Steve
Griswold, Jeanne* Roberts, Matt
Haas, Elizabeth “Betty”* Ruble, Karen
Hall, Raymond Rutledge, Sherry
Heins, Glen P. Sallen, David*
Heins, Jeanette Sallen, Sheila
Hocker, Barb* Sanders, Tony*
Hocker, Wendell* Saylor, Jerome
Hoenig, Sherry* Saylor, JoAnne
Schroeder Brothers, Larry & Ron
Scott, John
NORTH LEE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
JUNE 24, 2010 EMAIL NEWS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
From the President;
Since Linda Lair has volunteered to send this out to all members that are not on email - I should change the heading but will not since about 60% of the membership have been receiving their newsletter via electronic means. Even those of you that are on email that have paid their 2010-11 dues will get a copy of this newsletter with their membership card. This is actually a special newsletter since the July newsletter will come out the week of July 5th announcing the program for the July meeting.
Finally we are getting our heads above water after the 2008 flood and find more time to give the service our members deserve. Some of you that have paid your annual dues will be finally getting a membership card and for some of you this will only act as a dues notice.
Membership in the society at one time 30 years ago stood at over 300 but prior to the 2008 flood stood at less than 50 paid members, since that time we have increased the numbers to nearly 170 paid members. Many members were under the old life member program but still feel an obligation to give an annual contribution to further our cause.
With this letter to some who were past members – we hope they will rejoin our great group – for those of you living in the area we have had great programs at our monthly meetings with 30-40 in attendance.
Many more of you that are members or interested receiving this can get better communications by giving this office an email address if you have one. Dues are really reasonable and for those receiving by mail – return the completed application and drop it by or mail to us at PO Box 285, Fort Madison, Ia. 52627 or applications are available on FortMadisonHistory.org where newsletters, agendas minutes, photos, etc. are kept current as possible.
VISITORS
As of Wednesday we have received over 938 visitors through the Historic Center. Volunteers to answer the phone and handle gift shop sales are always needed as we only have 2 or sometimes 3 semi-trained docents to give tours through this long facility. If you can volunteer a few hours give us a call or just stop by. We have also assisted several people with family research through our archives during the summer.
4th OF JULY PLANS FOR HISTORIC CENTER
On Sunday July 4th the FM Partners group will be shooting off fireworks in the west end of Riverview Park. We will have the parking lot roped off for museum visitors, members and member’s guests for reserved parking. Volunteers will be present to let those vehicles on the premises.
On the west patio we will have the large tent set up, with a gas grill so we encourage all members to come down and picnic with us Sunday afternoon & evening prior to the fireworks. We have some 60-70 chairs but may be better to bring your modern comfortable folding chairs. Of course while you are waiting for the fireworks we will keep the air conditioned buildings open for viewing the displays and members will have clean restrooms to use. We have soda and bottled water available at the gift shop or bring your own coolers.
Naturally again we will need volunteers to assist us from noon to the end of the fireworks to watch entrances and assist with the hospitality.
When trains pass it is not the ideal place to watch the fireworks, but those members that did join us last 4th of July said the view was great. Maybe some of our enterprising members may even have some brats or loins on hand to make us some money serving and selling food.
Come join us early, get a good parking place and if you desire move on up to Avenue H for a better view.
MAJOR EXPENDITURES 2010-11
A fund has been set up for the restoration of the bell tower on Brush College that has become a major problem due to lack of car over the years. Estimates around $10,000 have been received from area contractors. About $2,000 is in the Brush College fund at the present time and we hope members and friends will help us raise the money this summer to restore it this fall.
The roof on the Division Freight Office – the two story building – has also outlived its normal years and continual patching is needed – so we are looking at a major expenditure soon down the road – funds as the one above have been set up so those wishing do donate to a specific area may do so.
Another possible area is that many years ago Iowa Supreme Court Judge Joseph M. Beck’s fancy bedroom furniture hand- made and carved by local furniture maker Conrad Amborn may become the possession of the NLCHS. The furniture is now located in Arizona and if presented to the society nearly $1,000 will be needed to transport it back to its home in Fort Madison.
Maintenance on this huge complex is always a worry of the Society and although in our various funds we have nearly $15,000 in the accounts for the Brush College, Old Lee County Jail, Exhibits, Caboose and other earmarked areas it will not go far for any of the major projects I have listed above.
We probably need a full or part time grant writer to attempt to assist us with some of the above problems since the money is out there for the asking in the Historic Preservation area, but with the small dedicated group of volunteers at present the grant money is going to others.
SHORT NOTES
We still have one more display case donated by Tim & Tammy Waggoner at the Kingsley to get to our facility as soon as someone comes up with a good method to get it out of their building and transport it to the Historic Center.
The Display of the Month – Glass Insulators – will probably be held over until July 5th then believe Darrell Richers will set up an antique clock display in time for our July 13th meeting for you to all enjoy. Gerry Shibley will be creating other “displays of the month” to follow after the antique cloak display.
The “preserving our past” interview chairman, Jim Lemberger, did attend the class in Waterloo on proper procedures and equipment needed to interview as many old citizens of our community. It is hoped by July we can get rolling on this project.
We still have the 1949 and 1950 film of the Chicago and St. Louis grade school trips that someone needs to take on to get the best price to get converted to a DVD.
Since artifacts always accumulate dust we need volunteers to assist in keeping the facility looking its best for our many visitors.
We are hoping the “Generations” program can keep supporting us by giving us part time docents and computer wizards. If you know of anyone over 55 that may be income eligible for the program please refer them to Jan Bindewald the area administrator.
SEE YOU THE FORTH at the 98th annual Kiddie Parade – at the Historic Center and do not forget your dues and donations.
All for Today –
L. D. Andy Andrews, president NLCHS – 319-371-5379 – NLCHS@iowatelecom.net
Web Site: FortMadisonHistory.org
NORTH LEE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
JUNE 2, 2010 EMAIL NEWS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
From the President;
Progress at the Historic Center moves very slow – but is constantly changing – so what you see on one trip through the complex may change the next day as we move exhibits and displays around.
Manpower is the main problem – that it does not move faster - since we have limited volunteers to create the exhibits and draw more artifacts from storage. What volunteers we do have spend much of their time catering to the tourists that filter into the facility each day.
We still have unfinished projects, as the restoration and repainting of the CB&Q Motor Car, obtaining Baggage Cart tires, wiring in the lower floor office & setting it up with office equipment, installing phone lines to the other two buildings, and many other projects.
Gerry Shibley, Janet Richers & crew have completed the accessioning & storage of the clothing and John Scott works daily on the Past Perfect Museum Software to add photos of all the archives to the program. Steve Rippeteau works daily to display more railroad artifacts in the new area we have opened in the Depot. Janet Richers and her willing servant obtained a donation of plants from Matt Mohrfeld and our planters are looking great.
The Brush College Committee has three bids on bell tower ranging from $4,000 to $11,000 and should make a decision soon on fundraising and getting it repaired.
Although Womack volunteered to work on the roof of the Division Freight Office we have not heard back from him.
Until we get a “generations” docent for Brush College and the Jail I have not announced opening hours for either place. So for now tours are by appointment only, unless can get volunteers to open it up on some week-ends.
The “display of the month case” for June is ready – it so far has one glass insulator – assume the exhibitor still trying to round up some samples.
We still need a membership chairman to work on getting out dues billings and membership cards and to promote membership to get us back up to the 150 figure we had in 2009-10.
Again my thanks for your support and hope all have paid their 2010 dues or made their annual contribution to the Society.
VISITORS
As of the end on May we have had 712 visitors sign our guest book and today, Thursday, we have groups from Mooseheart and Holy Trinity visiting the facility. Volunteers to answer the phone and handle gift shop sales are always needed as we only have 2 or sometimes 3 semi-trained docents to give tours through this long facility.
MEETING CHANGE 7 P.M. WEDNESDAY JUNE 9
Due to the fact 3 of our officers and 2 regular attending members are involved with working the primary elections – the meeting has been changed to Wednesday. The program for the meeting is The Hoover Administration given by member Mel Lyttaker, an instructor at Southeast Community College.
The important thing is that if you are not busy - to attend the meeting and invite a guest to the meeting – the success of this Historic Center will be because we have an enthusiastic growing membership.
SHORT NOTES
And in closing probably need someone to assist with newsletter, especially to see copies mailed to those that are not on email. Since this is our main communication tool I am relying on those of you with email to pass the word.
Rusty should have copies of our lease agreement to those that volunteered to be on the committee to negotiate with the City when called upon at the meeting Wednesday evening.
So far “Your Heat and Air Guy”, Tom Schultz, seems to be keeping the facility comfortable this summer with new energy efficient systems. If you do not like the air conditioning our comfortable patio always available.
We still have one more display case donated by Tim & Tammy Waggoner at the Kingsley to get to our facility as soon as someone comes up with a good method to get it out of their building and transport it to the Historic Center.
The FEMA representative stopped by last week and we told him we are ready to settle up with them on our expenditures – not holding my breath for the check if any forthcoming.
The “preserving our past” interview chairman, Jim Lemberger, will be attending the class in Waterloo on proper procedures and equipment needed to interview as many old citizens of our community. If is hoped by July we can get rolling on this project.
All for Today –
L. D. Andy Andrews, president NLCHS – 319-371-5379 – NLCHS@iowatelecom.net
NORTH LEE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
MAY 8, 2010 EMAIL NEWS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
From the President;
As usual - I am late again this month – and really do not have a lot of news. We still have a lot of moving to do to get the display area set up in the depot area and creating the displays may be an ongoing project.
I want to thank Jerry Shibley, Jan Richers and our “Generations” employee John Scott for nearly finishing up the clothing project, making sure all is properly accessioned, photographed and stored until needed. During the next work sessions they will go through the boxes that were completed earlier, (before we had a working camera) and photograph the items and repack hem. John, when not being kept busy with the clothing, has been photographing archives in the west loft of the REA Building. He seems to have picked up the Past Perfect Museum Software really well.
We will still have a large open area in the Depot waiting room to hold our meeting Tuesday evening, but will be filling up shortly as the Railroad Display moves from the REA office to the East end of the waiting room.
At the last meeting we elected the new officers for 2010-11, that officially assumed office May 1, and I want to thank all that volunteered to serve on the Board.
We always need more volunteers, if only to watch for visitors while the docents are taking visitors through the complex – we do have an extra large area to watch over to make sure security is kept on the items at all times. We can never tell what days we will have many groups or individuals stop by or some days NO visitors, but the more folks we have that are somewhat familiar with the gift shop, tourist information and as get more experience the displays to better.
By next week, May 17, we should have another 20 hour a week “Generations” docent on board and a docent to open Brush College and Old Jail like we did last summer.
One of our previous “flood employees”, Ray Hall, has been volunteering to finish up the projects that did not get completed by the time we lost our laborers, hopefully we can get a coat of primer on the motor car and finish cleaning out the depot office this week.
Again my thanks for your support and hope all have paid their 2010 dues or made their annual contribution to the Society.
VISITORS
As of today we have topped 500 visitors since the first of the year. It is not a great number of tourists, but the season is just beginning. Probably another 200 visits have been paid the office by NLCHS members and interested residents inquiring about history that do not usually sign the guestbook.
MEETING 7 P.M. TUESDAY MAY 11
As of the writing of this newsletter – probably we will not have a program for Tuesday night’s meeting – but Steve Rippeteau may get out the slide projector and run through some of the slides we have in the archives, for a short program.
The important thing is that if you are not busy - to attend the meeting and invite a guest to the meeting – the success of this Historic Center will be because we have an enthusiastic growing membership.
I have reviewed the expenditures of the last few years and hope that we will approve a budget for the 2010 year – a little late – but will assist us in planning our future. With the budget in place we will be able to better gauge or financial well being.
SHORT NOTES
Through a contact made through the web-site a resident of Des Moines, whose father taught at the old Junior High building on 14th & F, has in his possession many slides taken of the interior of the building prior to the demolition. We understand these photos are enroute to our collection.
In our collection a 16mm film of the school trips to Chicago and Kansas City in the early 50’s has been located and I hope someone can find a qualified vendor who may transfer this film to a DVD as was done with the “Our Town” video of the mid-50’s – this film should have moving pictures of the trains that carried the students coming into and leaving the depot. Endless possibilities for scenes from that film!
The interviews done in 1973 by Charles LaFrenz with elderly Fort Madison area residents, that were thought lost, were found at the FM Public Library and with the new project Jim Lemberger and committee working on can make a great addition to their project to preserve our historical remembrances.
Thanks to Steve Rippeteau who has been filling in on Friday and Sunday when we do not have a “generations” docent the past few weeks – but believe he going out of town this week-end so need some volunteers for Friday and Sunday for sure.
All for Today –
L. D. Andy Andrews, president NLCHS – 319-371-5379 – NLCHS@iowatelecom.net
APRIL 1, 2010 EMAIL NEWS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
From the President;
First the good news – The new trim is completed in the depot area, and a little painting over the primer on the walls and final clean-up of floor area will allow us to complete the historic center. Jan Bindewald has placed advertisements in area papers to recruit docents through the Generations Program to staff the Historic Center, Brush College and the Old Lee County Jail through the tourist season. A new Generations employee John Scott is learning the Past Perfect Museum software and will spend the summer completing our accessioning program with some help from volunteers.
Now the bad news – Iowa Workforce Development abolished the workforce of 6 men effective close of work March 31 as they determined we were no longer eligible for the flood recovery assistance since we covered by FEMA, we had hoped to keep them on board until April 15th or 30th to complete the project and assist in setting up displays. The sad part was giving the employees the notice that some would be back on the unemployment lines, however, a few will be able to transfer to the Riverview Park FEMA flood clean-up jobs which somehow are still recognized by Iowa Workforce Investment Act.
Another “good news” that we made the decision to keep our recovery on a “cash flow” basis and not rely on any funding from FEMA, just using our insurance money and donations from visitors and members. Steve Rippeteau, our FEMA Liaison, is still working to get all our expenses in the proper format so we can close out with FEMA and recover what funding we can. Since we were supposedly under-insured, completed some flood mitigation projects not covered by FEMA, upgraded our HVAC, wiring and some plumbing, and went back to a more historical design by taking out the dropped ceilings, etc. – if we get $10,000 from FEMA from the $122,000 FEMA estimate I will be shocked, or Steve did a heck of a great job in creating the paper trail.
So it is back to work for what volunteers we have to see all is completed by April 30th as the tourist season starts.
VISITORS
At close of business March 31st we have had 270 visitors tour the museum or just pick up tourism literature according to the guest book since January 1, 2010. This is part of what we are here for - to promote our community and explain the rich history our area has to offer.
MEETING TUESDAY EVENING, APRIL 13TH
The Old Fort Manager gave a fine talk on the recent research he had completed on daily life at the Fort 200 years ago at our February meeting. Since we have a lot of business to discus and elections of 2010-11 Officers, we are planning on having a short presentation showing the progress photos since the flood struck in June of 2008. If some member knows where we may borrow a projector to show those photos at the meeting, let me know. The meeting will start at 7 p.m., with plans to use the Depot area for the meeting instead of the Division Freight Office.
Prior to the meeting Jim Lemberger, who is attempting to put out a new revised North Lee County History book, sponsored in part by the NLCHS has asked that everyone interested in helping on the book meet earlier at 6:15 p.m.
BRUSH COLLEGE
At the last meeting we started a fund drive to purchase new shades for Brush College – 8 new window shades at $156.00 apiece – We got 7 sponsorships at $160.00 from Gwen & Lyle Brown, L. D. Andrews and family, Don & Skye Lucas, Gordon Roxberg Family, Steve and Linda Rippeteau, Gerry Shibley and In memory of Ina Carroll – That leaves one sponsorship still open and the bill will be covered.
The shades have arrived and the Brush College Committee should get them installed soon and get the items we removed for the winter returned in time for tours. The Committee is also to get a couple of bids to repair the bell tower, hopefully in time for our next meeting so we can see how much money we will need to raise.
ELECTIONS
It is time for the annual election of officers and from those that have volunteered we will start by electing a President and since no one else stepped forward you will probably be stuck with me another year. After we elect the President we will move on down the ballot to the two candidates that have volunteered for Vice President, Steve Rippeteau and Don Lucas. Next we will elect a treasurer and Rusty Andrews volunteered as long as Steve takes care of FEMA and Tim Wondra handles the Generations and payroll reporting, for Secretary my loving wife Sue Andrews is again drafted unless another party is interested and for the four Directors slots believe Diana Holmes, Gerry Shibley, David Moehn, Jim Lemberger and Linda Lair have either been drafted or volunteered to serve. Linda Roxberg will probably be drafted again for the Denmark group. Nominations will still be open from the floor that night – so be present or you may get elected. As President last year the re-construction served as top priority, but organization improvement in 2010-11 may require a more active Board.
Whatever we have an obligation to keep this 47 year old organization moving forward in a positive direction to preserve our rich history and share it with the WORLD!
Join in and be a part of it – It is fun!
THE FUTURE
Will say that we will still be able to pay the remaining reconstruction bills with our available financial resources, but we have a Bell Tower at Brush College that needs attention, we have a very old roof on the Division Freight Office that needs replaced, and work to do on the first floor of the Old Lee County Jail that may need some professional help that could wipe out our reserves. We have been pretty tight with our spending during the past year – now we will have to do some fundraising, grant writing, etc. to keep moving forward.
As our computers (2) are always busy, we still need another to have for secure Treasurer record keeping, another digital camera to record pictures of artifacts, and maybe another laptop for docents and gift shop use. Someone also feels we have the need for a flat screen mounted on wall to show old videos, such as the 1954 Fort Madison film. Technology costs money but we need to plan for the future.
We did have two good desks donated by Mid-America Energy to set up the second secure office in the depot for use by those unable to climb the steps in the DFO. This office may be used by the committee working on the North Lee County History book, the Depot docent or whatever it is needed for since we will have a copier, phone, maybe a scanner, etc.
When we get this office set up we will have the new copier the members voted to get at the last meeting installed, but will need the help of someone to net-work the two offices..
Also Tim & Tammi Waggoner at the Kingsley have two large display cases to donate to us, that I did not get picked up before we lost our man-power so we need volunteers to set a day and transport them to the Historic Center. Without the dedicated workforce crew we will need to get our paint/work clothes on and complete the painting and polishing the floors and creative designers to assist with displays. Member Ray Hall, who was part of the paid work force, is working today as a volunteer to keep the progress going.
The Railroad Wig-Wag Crossing signal is now operational, but the CB&Q motor car is only half way restored and a good project for some volunteers to complete.
Janet Richers, our resident Fort Madison gardener, will be looking for help when it comes time to beatify the grounds and shortly the clothing committee headed by Gerry Shibley will be working to complete the storage of all our garments.
We have created a committee of Lyle Brown, Tom Schultz, Rusty Andrews, Donald Lucas and a hopeful legal counsel to work with the Mayor and City Manager on the plans they have to raise the three buildings, parking lot and grounds to make it level with a possible Amtrak platform, no word yet when the city fathers may call for a meeting. Rusty should have copies of our existing lease agreement to you all soon.
We need a committee to plan for the 100th anniversary celebration July 23-25 and a Gift Shop Committee to restock and assure accountability for that operation. Maybe even a committee to plan an antique car show, an antique tractor show or small gas engine show this summer to draw visitors.
Do not forget we are going back to a “Display of the Month” using an area collector beginning in May so your assistance is needed to look for candidates – two have in mind are a “Glass Insulator” collector and “Antique Clock” collector so far – they know who they are so can get prepared.
Also donations of cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, rags, etc. are always welcome and looking at our 1 year old Iowa and US Flag that waves so proudly, replacement flags always needed.
In order to accomplish some of these goals we need to keep increasing our membership with new enthusiastic blood and IDEAS.
As you can see I have visions for a great future for this depot complex, Brush College, Old Lee County Jail, and the NLCHS that those volunteers before us have worked many years to preserve. Now I need your help – see you at the meeting Tuesday, April 13 or stop by and visit anytime with your ideas.
I am planning to mail this to the members not on email so all get proper notification of the meeting and what we are doing. Also feel free to share this communication with friends that may be interested in the Historic Center - we are still open daily from 10-4 and Sunday Noon-4 for tours.
L. D. “Andy” Andrews
President NLCHS
email NLCHS@iowatelecom.net
