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.

Mark your calendars Ice Cream Social July 11th

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

July 11TH

Once again the Springfield Municipal Band will play for guests at the annual Brinkerhoff Home Ice Cream Social to be held on Friday, July 11th from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m on the lawn of the Home.

Tickets are $3.50 each or three for $10. Each ticket includes ice cream with your choice of pie, cake or brownie and a drink. Hot dogs and brats will also be available for purchase.

Please make checks payable to the Brinkerhoff Home Foundation and send them to Kevin Beatty, 140 Sidener Lane, Springfield, ILL 62707. All proceeds go toward restoration of the Home.

BETTER BUYS

With the fall fair approaching, items are needed for better buys. If you have items for pickup, please call Nancy Nolan at 528-5087 or Susan Canny at 787-4042.

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to new members: Nancy Tucker, Matt and Karen Penning, Judy Inslee, Carol Helmerichs and Marcella Contri.

UPDATES ON MAILING LIST

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

WISH LIST

The Home is in need of a sweeper. If anyone has one they would like to donate, please contact Nancy Nolan at 528-5087.

THANK YOU

A big thank you to everyone who contributed their time and effort to make the spring fair a success.

Congratulations to Betty Havener, winner of the 50-50 drawing.

MEMBERSHIP DUES

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

Hot off the press

News Letter

SPRING FAIR MAY 3rd


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. They 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

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 2nd 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, Springfield, IL 62702.


Better Buys

If anyone has any items for better buys, please contact

Nancy Nolan or Susan Canny for pickup.

Free Home Tours

The Home will be open to the public during the Fair.

On the Auction Block

The Silent Auction, featuring antiques and collectibles, will be taking bids until 2:00 p.m.

Polo Shirts

A new item this year will be polo shirts with the Home insignia. They will be available for $16 and will come in various sizes and colors.


Thank You

Many thanks from co-chairs Susan Canny and Nancy Nolan to all the dedicated, hard working volunteers who made the Soup and Salad Luncheon such a great success. We couldn’t have done it without you!!!!


House Restoration

Thanks to Kathy and John Iler for their gift of a set of old encyclopedias for the library. They make a wonderful addition to the library.


Membership Dues

Just a reminder – if you haven’t sent in your membership dues, please send to the Home at 1500 N. 5th, Springfield, Ill 62702 or bring your dues to the Fair. A gift membership is a great gift that keeps giving the whole year for just $15 for an individual or $25 for a family membership. If you have moved or changed your phone number please contact Nancy Nolan


Sympathy

The Brinkerhoff Home Foundation lost a valuable member this month in the passing of John Canny. John was involved through his wife, Susan. Please remember Susan in your thoughts and prayers.


Brinkerhoff Blog

Check out the blog page for the home at http://springfieldbrinkerhoff.blogspot.com/ and the new website http://www.brinkerhoffhome.org/ both provided by Dulany Sriner http://www.dsdigitals.com/


SEE YOU AT THE SPRING FAIR SATURDAY, MAY 3RD!!

Spring Fair

BRINKERHOFF HOME’S
ANNUAL
SPRING ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR

Saturday, May 3, 2008

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

1500 NORTH FIFTH STREET, SPRINGFIELD

RAIN OR SHINE !!!


Come out and enjoy the fun! The Fair will include many Arts & Crafts Booths such as flowers & plants, Christmas ideas, rugs, lots of jewelry booths, pet supplies, stained glass, kettle corn, outdoor/indoor furniture, purses, pottery, toys and much, much more, including the original Brinkerhoff Booths:

Note:

Look for the DSDigitals booth. This is our first time at the Brinkerhoff fair.

I will have Springfield pictures availble for purchase.

Luncheon a big success

Thanks to a lot of hard work by the many volunteers, the spring luncheon was a big success and a good time was had by all. Pictures from the luncheon are now available on our website. Go to www.brinkerhoffhome.org and click on the Picture Gallery button. Click on the spring luncheon option on the right side of the page. Be sure to select the "large" option at the top of the page to view the picture full sized. If you want to print a copy of any of the pictures simply right click on the picture and select "save as". Once you have saved it, you can print it or send it. These pictures are free to download but a donation is appreciated.

SALAD/SOUP LUNCHEON

Wednesday, March 12, 2008
NOON
Tickets: $10.00 per person
MENU
Vegetable Soup
Pasta House Salad
Bread Sticks
Texas Cake
Coffee or Tea

If you are interested in helping on the luncheon or contributing toward the luncheon, please call Nancy Nolan

NEW MEMBER
Please welcome new member, Polly Langan.

DONATIONS FOR SPRING FAIR

Please remember the Brinkerhoff Foundation when you start your spring cleaning. If you have items you wish to donate, contact Nancy Nolan at or Susan Canny for pickup. For silent auction items, please contact Penny Greek. We are always looking for volunteers to help at the Fair. If you can help, please call Nancy Nolan
VENDOR CONTRACTS

Contracts will be mailed out by next week. If anyone is interested in being a vendor for the fair, please call Mary Jo Rappe

COOKBOOKS

We still have cookbooks for sale at $10.00. If you are interested in purchasing any, contact Penny Greek at the phone number or email listed above.

SYMPATHY

The Brinkerhoff Home Foundation lost a valuable member last week in the passing of Chuck Nation. Chuck was involved through his wife, Sharon, who is an integral member of the Home. We will all mourn Chuck’s passing and will keep Sharon in our thoughts and prayers.

MEMBERSHIP DUES

Enclosed with this newsletter is the membership renewal envelope. Please return the envelope with your renewal by April 1st.

Submitted by Susan Canny
________________________________________________________________________

Mary Todd Lincoln Visits the Brinkerhoff Home

Mary Todd Lincoln portrayed by Jane Lawder paid a return visit to the Brinkerhoff home Sunday, February 10th. She was greeted by a room full of visitors who showed their pleasure by an extended applause at the conclusion. This was my first time to experience the presentation. With a higher budget, a special effects team might have sailed her in on a wave of smoke as the presentation was in the first person as the deceased Mary looked back on her life as Lincoln's First Lady. This personal retrospection presented a new perspective to me and I found it very interesting. She recounted the events in her very troubled life before and after her husband's death.

As we approach the year long celebration leading up the the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, we will have many opportunities to look back on Lincoln's life and death. With the strong emphasis Springfield puts on Lincoln, I think we owe it to our city and ourselves to become more aware of the Lincoln legacy. I urge everyone to seek out and participate during this special time.

Here we can see Jane in the question/answer portion of her presentation showing the intricacies of the undergarments of the time. I overheard her discussing the difficulty she had just getting dressed for her appearances and that it was easier to dress at home. Driving to the event in costume was another story. Todays automobile s are definitely not made for a hoop skirt! Not being a lady, I can only imagine how difficult this type of dress might be in different circumstances. Do we now understand why they had split bloomers and why the outhouse at Lincoln's home was more like a short barrel than a bench with a hole? As my daughter would say, "too much information, Dad." So, I'll stop here.

Above we can see our new board president, John Bucari (far left) and newly installed treasurer, Kevin Beatty, talking with visitors after the presentation as they took the opportunity to tour the beautiful house; while below, Jane talks with interested participants.

As mentioned previously, there are some new faces on the Brinkerhoff Board. The new board officers are: John Bucari, President; Suzie Weiss, Vice President; Kathy DuBois, Secretary; Kevin Beatty, Treasurer.

Sharon Norris, after 20 years, has retired from the board to free herself to do more traveling after retirement. I'm sure it goes without saying that her past commitment will be missed. I can certainly understand her need to loosen the soil and cut a few roots to give herself some growing room. I wish her calm waters and a steady breeze to fill her sails as she sets out on new adventures. She did say that she wanted to continue receiving my e-mail notification of blog changes so I'm guessing we will still see her around. She just won't be quite so busy!

As George Burns would say, "Say goodnight, Gracie"

Until the next event brings new entries to the blog, "goodnight, George"

Dulany Sriner, Blogmaster

A year of Pictures

One year ago last month, I took my first pictures of the Brinkerhoff Home. Last spring, I was made the official photographer for the Brinkerhoff events and began posting pictures on this site in late March. I have enjoyed providing this service and hope you have found it both enjoyable and informative. During these cold winter months, I plan to develop a full service website at http://www.brinkerhoffhome.org/ . Currently, you will find a picture gallery there but it will be expanded to provide more information. If there is something you would like to see on the new website, please use the comment option below to post your ideas.

Thanks,
Dulany Sriner, blogmaster

Regrettably, the open house advertised in the previous post was cancelled due to the inclement weather conditions. I know about those conditions because I was there to take some pictures. Finding locked doors, I made the most of the opportunity to take a few winter pictures outside.

While the walks looked clear, they were actually ice covered. I found it safer to walk on the ice covered snow that would crunch beneath my feet.

The normally inviting bench took on a new look with the wintry gingerbread.

Nature's ice sculpture, pictured at left, encapsulated the buds waiting for spring.

While below, the colorful remnants of a late warm fall were captured inside the icy shroud.

One last look back as I headed for the the warmth of my SUV and and a trip back to the office to download these pictures of nature's wonders.

While I missed the beauty of the Brinkerhoff Home in its holiday splendor, I captured another of nature's wonders. I was actually glad I wasn't aware of the cancellation and made the trip across town. Hopefully, you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Now on to the business of 2008.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Brinkerhoff Home 2008 calendar of events

February 10 (Sunday) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lincoln Open House

March 12 (Wednesday) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Spring Luncheon

May 3 (Saturday) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Spring Fair

July 11 (Friday) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ice Cream Social

September 13 (Saturday) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fall Fair

October 5 (Sunday) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Victorian Tea

November 10-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christmas Decorating

December 6 (Saturday) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christmas Champagne Party

December 14 (Sunday) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christmas Open House



2008 BRINKERHOFF MEETING DATES (5:30)

January 17, February 21, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19 , July 17, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 20, December 18