Historic Commission

Minutes of the City of Wheaton Historic Commission November 21, 2017 Meeting Held at City Hall, Wheaton, Illinois Attendance Present: Nancy Flannery (Chair), Tom Kay, Steph McGrath (Secretary), Frank Principe, Bob Purdy Absent: Emelie Engling, Maureen Fogerty, Barbara Dutton (Vice Chair) The meeting was called to order at 7:06 pm Public comment none Approval of Minutes The minutes of the October 17, 2017 meeting were approved as corrected following a motion by Bob Purdy, seconded by Tom Kay, and passed unanimously. Old Business Preservation Month 2018 -The commission reviewed the calendar of events for Preservation Month 2018 -Nancy mentioned that the DuPage County Historical Museum’s history walk for Preservation Month 2018 has added the WWI doughboy statue. Miscellaneous -Nancy updated the commission on the Martin Plaza renovations and the impact on the existing historic site markers on the Plaza. Steph mentioned that the Original 10 Blocks historic site markers should be reinstalled at ADA-compliant height -Nancy informed the commission that we have joined the DuPage County Historical Society. -Naperville outreach: Nancy has established contact with Naperville. They are looking into organizing a meeting of area historic commissions and perhaps creating a group. -Frank reported on his progress in trying to get the Paul Harris oil painting at the Mary Lubko Center back to the rightful owner/heir. He will keep us updated. -Nancy gave an update on the Northside Park WW1 memorial. -Steph asked that the commission make a formal request to the Wheaton Public Library to post the link to the 1939 aerial photo on their research page so that it will be available to patrons doing home history research. Nancy agreed to send the request. -It was agreed that any and all commissioners who are available will meet at the Metra railroad depot to review bollard site choices at noon Monday, November 27th. -Nancy informed the commission that the Wheaton Register of Historic Places PowerPoint Presentation has been completed and is now posted on the City’s new website -Landmarks Illinois annual fund appeal letter quoted Nancy, Chair of Wheaton Historic commission New Business Commissioner Comments Frank informed the commission of a demolition sign in front of an old house near Indiana and Naperville roads. This property is not landmarked. Bob mentioned that it looks like work is being done on old Wheaton Bible Church. He also related his experiences when he attended the recent Past Forward conference in Chicago. Tom talked about his grandfather, Ira D. Kay, who had a business on Front Street selling real estate, which was another source of his interest in historic Wheaton Steph had an appointment with Bauer Dentistry & Orthodontics, the new dental clinic, in the Warren L Wheaton house. She was pleased to discover that parts of the old structure were left visible. Nancy reminded the commission of the Culinary Historians of Northern Illinois event on October 28th at Jesse Wheaton house (Jesse Wheaton Homestead Tour, Lore Tasting). Adjournment Frank moved to adjourn, Bob seconded, passed unanimously and the meeting concluded at 8:28 pm. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 7:00 pm.