President’s Corner
2008-09 was a transitional year. The Glenview Area Historical Society name was formally changed to the Glenview History Center. To document the change we adopted a new set of bylaws and informed the required governmental authorities. Chuck Goetz is working with the village to erect a new sign for the front lawn of the center.
The Glenview History Center had three fundraisers, the Wine Tasting in March, the Ice Cream Social in July, and the Mother Daughter Tea in September. Not only did we raise money but we had a lot of fun. A large crowd attended the Wine Tasting. The weather was dismal so wine tasting was a welcome event. Chuck Goetz did a terrific job in circulating the crowd and selling raffle tickets.
In July we had a picture perfect summer day for the Ice Cream Social. We had a USO Canteen theme enhanced by volunteers dressed in WWII costumes. The Center’s Military artifacts were displayed in the library, and the Military Vehicle Club displayed a restored ambulance. Nancy Eisenstein and our members dished out ice cream to a steady stream of visitors. (Pictures of the event are on our Facebook page.)
Then in September we had a picture perfect autumn day to host 85 mothers and daughters for Samantha’s Tea Party. To transform the guests into the 1900’s the committee members and cast of the skit were dressed in Victorian costumes. Through a skit about Samantha, an American Girl Doll, the tea party guests traveled back to the 1900’s and Samantha’s world. Cast member’s, Nancy Eisenstein was a perfect cook who worked from dawn to dusk to prepare the sumptuous meals and Sue Forrester an austere housekeeper who kept the house sparkling clean.
Just like at home when company’s coming to your house it gets sparkling clean. The House Museum windows were washed, new curtains hung and repairs made. In preparing the house for the tea, we discovered some wood rot. We had to contract a carpenter for some major siding repair. This year we also had to install a new alarm system for the Library.
As your president, I am concerned about membership. Ace Realie and Bob Warskow have embarked on recruiting local businesses. Also, Bob and I talked to and passed out brochures to Glenview residents at the recent Volunteer Fair. I am happy to report that we are reaping some results.
All in all, we had a very good year. I wish to thank our board members, Library and House Museum committees, and all docents for making it such a good year. I especially wish to thank our membership which is the life blood of the Center. Our board is now looking forward to 2010.
By Mary Long, President
Glenview "Landmark" Lost to Blaze
On October 21, 2009 the community was stunned at the loss of one of Glenview's oldest restaurants as an early morning fire consumed Matty's Wayside Inn. The original building was the Lockman family farmhouse built about 1890. Matty Fegers, Sr. and his wife Erna bought the property in 1931 and established a small restaurant. According to GHC records, the dining room included a little bar -- which would have operated as a speakeasy (or "Blind Pig") before the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. Over the years, the farmhouse building was expanded and remodeled. For several generations, Matty's was a destination for folks from Glenview and the surrounding area; it will be sadly missed.
GHC 2009 Annual Meeting
Hackney's on Lake was the location of this years' GHC Annual Meeting. Oktoberfest was the theme chosen by co-chairs Mary Lee Attea and Nancy Eisenstein.
The evening included dinner, a silent auction and raffle. Accordionist Harry Blus provided entertainment for the nearly 50 members and friends in attendance. The following businesses and individuals provided prizes for the event: Chalet, Cora Lee Candies, Gusto Ristorante Italino, Mitchell's Fishmarket, Old Willow Wine Shoppe, Reagan Meats, Teddie Kossof Salon & Spa, John & Paula Dore, Sue & Jim Forester, Ben & Nancy Eisenstein, Mary Jane Stevens, Lorraine Milius, Beverly & Bill Dawson, Ace Realie, Jane Campbell, GHC Library Committee, Anonymous and Friends GHC. Toni Anderson designed and donated lovely fall centerpieces which added just the right ambiance to the decor.
Mary Lee and Nancy wish to thank everyone who made the evening such a great success!
Notes from the Library
This fall, Dr. Phil FitzSimons, one of the newest members of GHC, completed his work on the history of Normandy Lane. His research included oral histories from current and former residents of the Lane; in addition, he was searched the archives of the History Center and Village records. He has generously donated a copy of the book -- a great addition to Hibbard Library's collection of histories of Glenview neighborhoods.
By Beverly Dawson, Librarian
Membership
Once again, members of Glenview's business (and church) community have stepped forward to support the History Center. To date, business memberships have been gratefully received from:
Jennings Chevrolet
Suburban Travel
Stonecutters
Glenview Community Church
Red's Body Shop
Weiss Hardware
Glenview State Bank
Illinois Bone & Joint Institute
A warm welcome is extended to new members Dr. Philip FitzSimons and Barbara Schmolze.
The Glenview History Center gratefully acknowledges all those Individuals and Families who, as of this date, have renewed their membership since our last issue. It is only with your loyalty, support and interest that we can continue to maintain and keep alive the history of Glenview. Your input is vital and appreciated. Thank you.
by Mary Jane Stevens, Membership
Check out our page on Facebook and become a fan.
|
