Ice Cream Social cancelled

The ice cream social originally scheduled for July has been cancelled. No further information is available at this time. Several additional activities will be announced later.

Spring Fair Saturday

SPRING FAIR MAY 2

The annual Brinkerhoff Spring Fair will be held on May 2nd on the grounds of the Home. Many vendors of merchandise will be available.

50/50 Raffle Tickets Enclosed

Tickets for the 50/50 drawing to be held at the Spring Fair are enclosed with this month’s newsletter. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. The drawing is at 2 p.m. and attendance is not required.

Please send your completed ticket stubs and donation to Kevin Beatty, 140 Sidener Lane, Springfield, Illinois 62707.

Country Kitchen Baked Goods

Country Kitchen will need lots of baked goods for the Fair. Suggestions are pies, cakes, breads, cookies, pizelles or brownies. We would appreciate it if you would package and label the goods in zip lock bags. Cakes, pies and breads should be labeled and covered in saran or clear wrap. Baked items can be dropped off at the home on Friday, May 1st from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. If baked items cannot be delivered on Friday, we need them no later than 8:00 a.m. on Saturday. If you are unable to bake an item and wish to donate to the Home, please send your check made payable to the Brinkerhoff Home at 1500 N. 5th Street, Springfield, Illinois 62702.

Better Buys

If anyone has any items for better buys, please contact Nancy Nolan at 528-5087 or Susan Canny at 494-1571 for pickup.

Free Home Tours

The Home will be open to the public during the Fair. If you would like to be tour guide, call John Bucari at 585-0845.



On the Auction Block

The Silent Auction, featuring antiques and collectibles, will be taking bids until 2:00 p.m. If you have any antiques, collectibles, china or crystal to donate, call Penny Greek at 546-8890.

Memorabilia

Polo shirts with the Home insignia will be available for $16 at the Fair. Cook books will be available for $10. Aprons, tote bags, Christmas ornaments, napkins and note cards will also be available for purchase.

Concession

Concession will be provided by Vose. Come have a corn dog!!


Restoration

Thanks to Riley and Ann Barber for the 1800-1900’s mantel clock for the Home.


Membership Dues

Just a reminder – if you haven’t sent in your membership dues, please send to the Home at 1500 N. 5th Street, Springfield, Illinois 62702 or bring your dues to the Fair. If you have moved or changed your phone number, please contact Nancy Nolan at 528-5087.


New Members

Welcome to new members – Mary Stewart, Kevin & Carolyn Delaney and Marian Kochmann.


Golf Outing
The golf outing scheduled for June 8th has been cancelled.

January News Letter

HOME BEAUTIFICATION THANK YOU

I would like to thank everyone with the Christmas decorating of the Home. Brian Eggemeyer, who did all the heavy work and gave the ladders a workout. Marcella Contri, who decorated the trees and was a valuable assistant. Diana Hetherington and her crew of Jane Bundy, Cheryl Neal, Kathy Jump and Jerry Thompson who donated the Yule log. Many hours went into all the work to make the rooms look inviting for the holidays. A big thanks also goes out to the “dismantling” crew of Jonathan Beatty and his friends, Justin Kirk and Ryan Doza who hauled all the containers, boxes, bags and trees up three flights of stairs. They also gave the ladders a good workout! Diana, Jane, Marcella and Sharon Bucari who also went out and got us lunch. The SCI staff who put up and took down the 12-foot tree and worked with connecting the lights on the staircase. To Mary Jo Rappe who has always helped us with coordination support.

UPCOMING EVENTS


February 15 Mrs. Lincoln’s Presentation

February 24 Mardi Gras Luncheon

May 2 Spring Fair

June 22 (tentative) Golf Outing

September 12 Fall Fair

October 18 Victorian Tea

November 9-13 Christmas Decorating

December 13 Christmas Champagne Party

NEW MEMBER

Welcome to new member, Nancy Jo Rogers.

MRS. LINCOLN’S PRESENTATION

Jane Lawder [shown at left] will present her biographical sketch of Mary Todd Lincoln on February 15th from 2-4 p.m. Ms. Lawder’s interest in Mary Todd Lincoln evolved from volunteering at the Lincoln Home National Historical site. Jane developed her interpretation and presentation over ten years, refining her views of Mary’s tragic life. All members and the public are welcome at no charge. Light refreshments will be served. Pictures from last year's event can be found at:
http://www.gallerypg.com/WebGallery/Brinkerhoff%20Home/4/med/Mary_Todd_Lincoln-2814.htm

DONATIONS FOR SPRING FAIR

Please remember the Brinkherhoff Foundation when you start your spring cleaning. If you have items you wish to donate, contact Nancy Nolan at 528-5087 or Susan Canny at 494-1571 for pickup. For silent auction items, please contact Penny Greek at 546-8890 or email her at pgreek1@comcast.net.

RENTALS

If you are interested in renting the Home for a wedding, reception, shower, dinner party, etc., please contact Nancy Nolan at 528-5087.

BRINKERHOFF BLOG

Check out our blog page for the Home at http://springfieldbrinkerhoff.blogspot.com/.
Event pictures can be found at: http://www.gallerypg.com/WebGallery/Brinkerhoff%20Home/index.htm

MEMBERSHIP DUES

Enclosed are membership dues envelopes for 2009. Please return envelope with your renewal by April 1st.

MARDI GRAS LUNCHEON – FEBRUARY 24

The menu will include New Orleans Jambalaya, Crusty French Bread, Mardi Gras Slaw and Bread Pudding with Amaretto Sauce. Iced tea and coffee will be served.

Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and serving will begin at noon.


Name ____________________________ Phone Number _________________________
Number of Guests _________ Number of Tables __________

Please enclose check for $10 per person and mail to:
Kevin Beatty
140 Sidener Lane
Springfield, ILL 62707
Reservations must be received no later than February 20, 2009.

November Newsletter

Christmas Party

Enclosed is the invitation for the Christmas reception to be held on December 6th from 4-7 p.m. Hope to see you there!! [Invitations are mailed to current and perspective members ]

Christmas Open House

The open house will be held on December 14th from 2-4 p.m. Come enjoy the Christmas decorations. Light refreshments and cookies will be served. This is free and open to the public

New Member

Welcome new member, Diane Best.

Tea Thank You

A special thank you from Sharon Strasbaugh to my committee and members who so graciously gave of their time and talent to make the Victorian Tea successful. Thanks for all your time and hard work. It was a pleasure and privilege to work with all of you. A special thanks goes to Diana Hetherington for donating several beautiful tea cups and saucers and numerous tea napkins. Also, thanks to Cheryl Neal for her donation of tea napkins.

Fairs

Many of you know this year’s weather has proven to be temperamental. The annual Spring Craft Fair and the Fall Craft Fair were both hampered by heavy rainfalls. The Fall Craft Fair was cancelled at the last moment because the college was concerned about possible damage that would be created by the throngs of people walking on the rain soaked campus grounds. As a result of the winds and rains for the Spring Fair and the cancelled Fall Fair, the usual income the Brinkerhoff Foundation acquires was dramatically affected. We are always looking to expand the membership of the Home and look to the faithful base of friends for their continued support. If you know of someone who would like to be a member, please let us know and we will be happy to follow up with an invitation to join our membership. Monetary gifts to the Home are most appreciated and are also tax deductible.

Sister Ann Lacey

The Brinkerhoff Home Board of Directors would like to acknowledge the passing of Sister Alice Lacey. Sister Lacey was an extraordinary supporter of the Home. She began her work with the Home in the mid-1970’s when she lent her support and energy in preserving the Home. She aided in gathering the history of the Home and the Brinkerhoff family, applying for grants and she always glad to help paint and clean the Home’s interior. She was indefatigable with her desire and determination to see the Home saved. Perhaps she will be best remembered for her exhaustive work and its culmination in the publication of the book entitled ­­­­­­The Story of the Brinkerhoff Home. The book, available for sale from the Foundation, elaborated the efforts of so many people in the battle to keep the Home from being demolished, the creation of the Foundation, and the Home’s continued restoration.

You are reading this on the Brinkerhoff Blog. There is also a website containing numerous pictures and other information at http://www.brinkerhoffhome.org/.

See you all at the Open house. I'll be the one with a gray beard and the camera.

Save the Dates

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, volunteers are getting the home ready for Christmas. If you have not seen the house at Christmas, make this be the year. Speaking from experience, I can say it is awesome. Members will receive invitations to the champagne Christmas Dec 6. A public open house will be Dec 14. Put it on the calendar. More information to follow.

Fall News

RUMMAGE SALE

Due to cancellation of the Fall Fair by the school, we are having a rummage sale in the Home on October 4, 2008 from 8 a.m. – NOON. We will also have some baked goods, collectibles, household items, plants, etc.


ANNUAL VICTORIAN TEA

Sunday, October 19, 2008
3:00 p.m.

Tickets $15.00 per person

Come join us as we welcome autumn by sipping tea, munch on delightful scones and finger sandwiches, and enjoy decadent desserts with friends on a lazy fall Sunday afternoon. We will be listening to the wonderful sounds of Janice Mulrooney-Kuhn at the Harp. Seating will be limited to eighty guests so mail your check with the completed reservation form as soon as possible. Please call Sharon Strasbaugh at 529-5624 and forward your check by Monday, October 13 to Sharon at 5605 Grissom Drive, Springfield, IL 62711. Tickets will be mailed to you.

Menu

English Tea

Scones served with
Devonshire Cream and Lemon Curd

Olive Nut Sandwiches
Delectable Shrimp Tarts
Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Sinful Chocolate Treats
Apricot Balls

HOME BEAUTIFICATION

The Home has purchased a new Howard Miller “Arendal” chiming wall clock that has been placed in the dining room. A mantle or anniversary clock would be a welcome addition to the Home. If you have one that you would like to donate, we have a place waiting for it. Books are still needed for the library. Contact Dore Skeels at 787-4726.

NEW MEMBER

Welcome new member, Lanley Dawyer.



VICTORIAN TEA RESERVATION FORM

Name_______________________Phone Number ___________________

Number of Reservations _______@ $15.00 per person = Total

Amount__________

Please enclose check for the total amount and mail with this form to:

Sharon Strasbaugh
5605 Grissom Drive
Springfield, IL 62711

Reservations must be received no later than Monday, October 13, 2008.


If you come across any tea napkins, tea towels, or tea pots while cleaning out your treasures, please remember that we are always in need of such for our annual teas.

FALL FAIR CANCELLED!

The Brinkerhoff annual Fall Fair scheduled for September 13 th has been cancelled due to anticipated inclement weather.

weather doesn't cooperate - Fall Fair Cancelled

What a summer! You might suspect from my lack of summertime entries that it has been a busy time for me. I got behind when I was getting ready for the Spring Fair and I never got caught up. I only have time to update now because this was my prep time for tomorrow's cancelled fair.

It all started before the spring fair as I was trying to get pictures printed and framed for my maiden voyage onto the Sea of Summer Fair Vending. After many late nights, and a lot of miscellaneous expenses, I was ready. The day was threatening when we arrived before 7am. It was cold and windy. Some of the vendors had set up the night before and the billowing tents gave an indication of things to come.

Along with fellow vendors, we set up hoping for the best. (Pictured above) Shortly before the 9am opening a mist was added to the mix. Out came the plastic tarps to shield the pictures and frames. We had a water resistant canopy and makeshift side curtains. Our neighbor to our right was not so prepared. Her uncovered educational toys were fair game for the ever intensifying misty rain. She tried to protect the cardboard boxes but was simply unprepared and packed up within the first hour.

To our left, a lone vendor shivered in her unprotected spot covered only by her umbrella. (below) She eventually moved to the site vacated by the educational toys booth to get some protection from the overhanging tree and found a car blanket to wrap around her.

All across the grounds, similar events were taking place. The wind didn't slack off as we had hoped but the rain subsided and we were able to take off the plastic covering. The longer we sat the colder it got and we could see vendors starting to get restless. The same inclement weather that was bringing shivers to our bodies was keeping fair goers at home. Only the most hardy ventured out and most were quick to go in the Brinkerhoff Home to warm up and have some fresh coffee. We would see them scurry by clenching their spring wraps around them.



The weather turned from bad to worse. Winds were tossing tents like sagebrush on the open range. Expensive set-ups were sent toppling into the tents next door. Soon, it was evident the fight was not winnable. We packed up our limited supplies called it quits!

As we made a last walk through the grounds, an elderly couple caught my eye. I don't remember what they were selling but I had to think they were probably trying to supplement their limited Social Security income selling handmade goods. They were still holding on in hopes the weather would clear and at least pay the booth fee. It made me sad. I sold 3 pictures and almost got my fee back. I had to look at the rest of my costs as investment. The Fall Fair would surely be better.

I was out of town for the Ice Cream Social but it was also plagued by rain and was moved indoors.

Just about an hour ago, I got a call to tell me tomorrows fair was cancelled. I was somewhat relieved. I didn't want to experience another Spring Fair. So we have come from Fair to Fair and the summer is all but gone. Fortunately the next Brinkerhoff events will be inside out of the weather.

FALL FAIR - SEPTEMBER 13

50/50 Raffle Tickets Enclosed

Tickets for the 50/50 drawing to be held at the Fall Fair are enclosed with this newsletter. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. Attendance is not required.

Please send your completed ticket stubs and donation to Kevin Beatty, 140 Sidener Lane, Springfield, Illinois 62707.

The Home will be open to the public during the fair. Tours will be free.

Penny Greek (546-8890) and her committee are looking for those “special” items (antiques, collectibles, china, crystal, etc) that you might like to donate for the Silent Auction. Bids will be taken until 2:00 p.m.

Country Kitchen will need baked goods for the Fair. Suggestions are pies, cakes, breads, cookies, pizelles or brownies. We would appreciate it if you would package and label the goods in zip lock bags. Cakes, pies and breads should be labeled and covered in saran or clear wrap. Baked items can be dropped off at the Home on Friday, September 12 from 8 am – 2 pm. If baked items cannot be delivered on Friday, we need them no later than 8 am on Saturday. If you are unable to bake an item and wish to donate to the Home, please send your check made payable to the Brinkerhoff Home, 1500 N. 5th Street, Springfield, IL 62702.

Vose’s concession will be serving food.

VICTORIAN TEA - OCTOBER 19

Keep in mind the date for the Victorian Tea. The event will be chaired by Sharon Strasbaugh. Mark your calendars now so you won’t miss this event.

NEW MEMBER

Welcome to new member, Wendy Porch-Casey.




UPDATES ON MAILING LIST

If you have any change of address, phone number or any deletions, please contact Nancy Nolan at 528-5087.

MEMBERSHIP DUES

Just a reminder – if you haven’t paid your dues for 2008, please remit your check made payable to the Brinkerhoff Home.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Despite the weather, the July 11th ice cream social was held indoors and was quite a success. Thanks to all who helped!!

RENTALS

If you are interested in renting the Home for a wedding, reception, shower, dinner party, etc., please contact Nancy Nolan at 528-5087.