Historic Commission

Tuesday, January 15, 2019 Held at City Hall, Wheaton, Illinois I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm. Present: Nancy Flannery (Chair), Barbara Dutton (Vice Chair), Steph McGrath (Secretary), Maureen Fogerty, Bob Purdy, Andrew Welker Absent: Emelie Engling, Meaghan Jorgensen, Tom Kay (ex officio) II. Public Comments Darren and Kevin Lange, residents of Wheaton attended. They were interested in the history of the WW1 memorial at Northside Park. III. Approval of Minutes Minutes of the December 18, 2018 meeting were approved as amended on a motion by Bob, seconded by Andrew and passed unanimously. IV. Old Business A. Railroad Historic site marker was reviewed. Steph will bring the final text to the February 2019 meeting. B. Consideration of the applicant to join the Historic Commission has been tabled. C. Discussion was held regarding several potential research topics. Barb reviewed her past research on the Church of Christ, Scientist church; she still needs to do additional research to identify the architect, but has not exhausted all resources yet. The building was recently discussed on You Know You’re From Wheaton Facebook page. Local model homes also of interest were discussed—the Alcoa Aluminum house on Greenwood, the alleged Century of Progress homes moved to Wheaton, and the Chicago Tribune's Prize Home. D. A recent Wheaton Public Library visitor requested to see the Wheaton Landmark files but was unable to do so since these files have not been processed for public viewing yet. Nancy is working with the Library on setting up a spot for storage of these files. The Commission talked about other related files that the Commission might also house at the Library and make accessible to public such as files on now demolished houses, research for interpretive bollard signs, and information on other local buildings. The Wheaton Public Library already collects similar in drop/clipping files. V. New Business A. Nancy informed the Commission of the Preservation Month talks set up; it was agreed that the home history research sessions will be scheduled per the Library staff’s schedule. The presentation on Prohibition in Wheaton will be delayed and may be held in October. Pride in Preservation signs will be up May 11 to May 19. B. Bike tour topics to be held in cooperation with the Wheaton Bicycle Advisory Commission were discussed. These tours need roughly 10 stops with some safety parameters for using certain types of streets. Nancy will be meeting with the Bicycle Advisory Commission and will propose Mid Century Modern and Wheaton Parks as potential topics. VI. Commissioner Comments Bob recently toured the Mayslake Peabody estate.  HISTORIC COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Month Date, Year Steph recommended looking at the You Know You’re From Wheaton Facebook page occasionally, because there are many local history posts about local preservation issues. Andrew thought the Elbert Gary biography he read might have some information on Wheaton’s alcohol ban; he also expressed an interest in learning more about Hubble School’s history and architecture. VII. Adjournment Bob moved to adjourn, Maureen seconded; the motion passed unanimously. The meeting concluded at 8:18 pm. 2