Rock Island Preservation Society

June 21, 2011

RIPS Membership Meeting
Tuesday June 21, 7 pm
First Lutheran Church & Parish House, 1600 20th Street
 
We did not have a formal meeting this month.  Instead we invited Moline Preservation Society to join us for a social get-together, refreshments, and a tour of the historic facilities of First Lutheran Church & Parish House led by the pastor, Greg Mayer.  This somewhat hidden treasure has been the home of the congregation since the late 1940s and it is beautifully preserved.  It is hard to believe that what is the church was built as a carriage house.  Our members brought many delicious treats to share and it was an enjoyable evening.
 
In May, we hosted the previously deferred Highland Park walking tour on Sunday, May 22.  It was attended by about 100 people who were duly impressed with the historic district.  There were many other activities that same day, including Armed Forces Day on Arsenal Island, which included tours of Quarters One, so we were pleased at our turnout.  Small groups were led by our member/volunteers and ended at the Cozad house yard for refreshments provided by Jean Dasso and Carolyn Holmgrain.  An extra bonus to the tour was the realtor open house at the George Wagner House on 18th Avenue, whose interior contains an open courtyard.  We received a total of $27 in donations for refreshments for this and the rained-out September walking tour.  That money was deposited into our account.
 
Other happenings during the past two month include more membership renewals as well as donations, which are greatly appreciated.  Linda Anderson and Diane Oestreich attended a statewide preservation conference in Godfrey, Illinois, and returned with renewed enthusiasm.
 
Clayton Peterson delivered the duplicate copies of the Old Chicago Walking Tour placards to the homes that were featured on the tour.  He also included a card to accompany each copy, which provided contact information for RIPS.   He noted that many of these buildings, which were considered important at the time of the tour, had been demolished.

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