 Woman's Club
building recognized for National Historic Preservation Month
Rohlfs, Beaver and Hoppin were present to hear and receive a
proclamation from the city denoting May as National Historic
Preservation Month and recognizing the Lincoln Woman's Club building
in its 100th anniversary.
Rohlfs said that the club building is historically significant as
it was the city's only Jewish temple when built. She expressed her
appreciation to the Woman's Club, which purchased the building and
has kept it up over the years.
She said the club purchased the building in 1927, and since that
time has kept it maintained in good condition and used it as their
meeting hall.
She introduced Sue Beaver, who is this year's president of the
club, and Ruth Hoppin, the club's longest-standing active member.
Beaver spoke briefly to the council, saying that Hoppin, who has
been a member of the Woman's Club for 61 years, has done a history
of the club and its building. This month there is a display in the
window of the Main Street Lincoln office that focuses on that
history.
The Lincoln Woman's Club was founded in 1896, just two years
after a national Woman's Club was chartered. Beaver said that at the
time of its founding, women were not invited to join social and
civic organizations, so the women decided to create their own club.
The women's clubs across the country have done tremendous work in
outreach and community service.
Hoppin said that the Lincoln Woman's Club was a valuable part of
this community.
She noted that strong historic figures, such as Jane Addams, were
members of a Woman's Club.
Mayor Keith Snyder called on the city clerk, Denise Martinek, to
read aloud a proclamation declaring May National Historic
Preservation Month and recognizing the Lincoln Woman's Club for the
role they have played in preserving history and serving the
community.
When she finished, Snyder said, "This proclamation is just a
small expression of our appreciation and admiration for all the work
you do."
The following information on the Woman's Club building is copied
from D. Leigh Henson's website -- "Finding Lincoln Illinois."
Stringer describes
early Jewish activity in Lincoln:
"The Jewish people
of Lincoln organized a congregation in August of 1884, with eight or
ten families. Rabbi Cadden, of Bloomington, was instrumental in the
organization and held services for the congregation in the
Universalist Church. Louis Rosenthal was president of the
organization and Samuel Stern vice president. Subsequently various
other rabbis held services in Lincoln at stated intervals. A more
definite organization took place, however, in 1904, when Rabbi
Charles S. Levi of Peoria, organized the present Beth El
congregation, which resulted in 1910 in the erection of a permanent
synagogue, at a cost of $7,000. This synagogue was dedicated on Nov.
6, 1910. The building is located on the corner of McLean and Delavan
Streets, facing Latham Park. It is constructed of dark-faced brick
with stone trimmings and is 70 by 36 feet in dimensions. The
interior decorations are especially attractive." (Stringer, p. 508)
This historic
structure, designed by Architect J.M. Deal, was purchased by the
Lincoln's Woman's Club in 1927. "The club home has been central to
the club's accomplishments and has been an integral part of its
community service program providing a facility of character for
parties, receptions and weddings plus being a meeting place for many
civic and church groups." (Beaver, Logan County History 1982, p.
78).
Hake addresses council on chamber activities
Andi Hake, executive director of the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber
of Commerce, addressed city officials regarding recent activities of
the chamber.
She brought with her a stack of new rack cards for the upcoming
Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival. This year the festival is scheduled
for Aug. 27, 28 and 29.
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Hake said that so far this year the chamber has 68 artists, 18
crafters, 21 food vendors and 33 pilots signed up for the event. She
said they are hoping for at least two more pilots as well as more
artists and crafters. To date they have more food vendors than they
had hoped for.
Hake said the wrestling exhibition last year went well, and it
will be returning this year with possibly a special guest host.
In addition to the activities in the downtown area and the
launches and fly-ins at the airport, Hake said there would be a
couple of new attractions this year, including belly dancers and
stilt walkers who would interact with the crowds and teach their art
to anyone interested in giving it a try.
Also, live music is being planned again this year, with the Rock
of Ages Band playing Friday night and the Brat Pack playing
Saturday.
Hake said that the Brat Pack was a returning attraction but that
Rock of Ages was new to the event this year. She said the group does
a wide variety of music.
A new idea that is still in the planning stages for this year is
a parade from the downtown area to the airport on Friday afternoon.
Hake said the chamber doesn't have all the details worked out yet,
but what they hope to have is a pilot parade, beginning around 3:30
on Friday afternoon on Wyatt Avenue, which will work its way through
town and out to the airport.
Hake said the chamber is also trying to address the traffic
issues at the airport and is looking into providing shuttle buses.
This is still in the planning stages, but she said the hope is to
establish pickup and drop-off points at the Lincoln Christian Church
downtown as well as at the old Walmart parking lot on the city's
west side.
She said that if this comes to fruition, the shuttles will run
constantly throughout the weekend and will have a dedicated route to
the airport that would allow them to avoid long waits in traffic.
It takes over 300 volunteers each year to put on a successful
festival, and Hake said they are taking names now. She encouraged
anyone who was willing to give even a small amount of time to please
contact Heidi Brown or herself.
Financially, she said that the festival fund is at about 50
percent of what it should be. It takes approximately $53,000 to
launch a successful festival, and to date the chamber has $23,000.
There are fundraising events in the works right now, including a
June 4 golf outing and participation in this year's Route 66 Garage
Sale.
In other news from the chamber, Hake said that chamber board
member Jean Ann Hutchinson has resigned from her position as she and
husband John prepare to leave the area. Hutchinson has been replaced
with Greg Eimer.
The chamber will soon be handing out gift bags to new residents
of Lincoln and Logan County. Hake said the bags will be filled with
items and information about Lincoln and Logan County businesses and
attractions.
In November the chamber will host a bowling tournament. This is a
first-time activity that will serve as a fundraiser for the
organization.
Anyone interested in learning more about the chamber and the
activities they have planned for this year can contact Hake at the
chamber office on Fifth Street or visit
http://www.lincolnillinois.com/.
[By NILA SMITH]
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