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

Holiday Open House

*

***

*

Brinkerhoff

Home
Holiday Open House
1500 N. 5th Street
Sunday - December 9, 2007
2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
no charge - donations accepted
Light refreshments - hot cider & cookies
Come see the Home decorated for Christmas.
For more information, call 523-1666 and leave a message.
Someone

will

call

you

back!

Holiday Events

With winter temperatures sneaking in more and more regularly at night, it won't be long before fall leaves will be replaced by sparkling snow and the scent of evergreen will fill the Brinkerhoff home as it is readied for Christmas.

HOLIDAY DECORATING Anyone who is interested in helping with decorating should contact Dore Skeels at 787-4726. Decorating will be done during the day only starting Saturday, November 10 through the following week. If you can donate a few hours on any given day it would be appreciated.

CHAMPAGNE PARTY

The annual Champagne Party is scheduled for Saturday, December 1st from 4-7 p.m. Many of your old friends will be there, it will be a great way to start the holiday season. It is another chance to see why we are members of the Brinkerhoff Foundation – good times, good friends and to preserve our past.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

The Open House will take place on Sunday, December 9th from 2-4 p.m. Punch and cookies will be available and there is no charge. Please bring your friends to tour the Home and enjoy its special ambiance.

COOKBOOKS

The Brinkerhoff Cookbook will make the ideal gift for the holidays. At only $10.00 everyone – teachers, doctors, lawyers and Indian Chiefs to old Aunt Prissy will appreciate it and wouldn’t it be the perfect stocking stuffer? You can pick up a few of the cookbooks at two upcoming holiday functions The annual Candlelight Christmas Party or the Open House, December 1st and 9th respectively. If you are unable to attend either function, you can obtain a cookbook or two by calling Penny Greek at 546-8890 or email pgreek1@insightbb.com. Thanks for supporting our cause.

RENTALS

If interested in renting the Home for an event – wedding, reception, shower – please contact Nancy Nolan at 528-5087.

NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT

By the time we have the next newsletter, there will be a new President elected for the Brinkerhoff Foundation. I wish that person well and give him my hearty congratulations and warm wishes. To all of you, thank you for your efforts on behalf of the Foundation. It has been a pleasure working with each of you for the greater good. I would expect to stay involved, either by baking, serving or however needed. Again, thank you.

Susan Canny

Editors Note:

With the upcoming Christmas events I will have come full circle; having pictured the Brinkerhoff home in all its seasonal attire. You have seen some of these pictures on this blog. Aside from designing and maintaining the blog, I have also created a web site picture gallery. It can be seen at http://www.brinkerhoffhome.org/ . I have found my relationship with The Brinkerhoff Foundation to be very rewarding and it is my intention to continue this relationship to bring the beauty of the Brinkerhoff home to the Internet. I have enjoyed working with the current president Susan Canny and all Foundation board members and applaud them all for their hard work and dedication. I look forward to working with the new president in the future. My primary goal for next year will be to expand the Brinkerhoffhome website to include more than just a picture gallery. If there is something you would like to see on this Blog or on the website in the future, click on "comments" below. From there, you can add your two cents to this posting and make recommendations for future postings.

May this joyous season bring you peace and happiness that continues throughout the new year.

Dulany F Sriner

UPCOMING EVENTS

THANK YOU
We want to give a special thanks to our committee and members who so graciously gave of their time and talent to make our annual Victorian Tea successful. It was a pleasure and privilege to work with all of you. Co-Chairs Sharon Strasbaugh and Diana Hetherington. Thanks also to Donna Triyonis for donating some beautiful tea napkins.


CHILI/SOUP LUNCHEON
As we say “hello” to the winter season, what a better way to discuss the holidays with friends over a bowl of soup or chili. Seating is limited to the first 80 reservations.
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at 12:00 noon
Cost: $10.00 per person
Menu: Chili or Vegetable Soup, Chicken Salad on Croissant, Texas Cake,Coffee or Tea

If you are interested in helping serve on the day of the luncheon, please call Nancy Nolan at 528-5087.

CHRISTMAS DECORATING
We are still looking for volunteers to decorate the House on November 10, 2007. If you are interested in helping, please call Dore Skeels at 787-4726.

CHRISTMAS CHAMPAGNE PARTY Keep your calendars open for the Christmas Champagne Party on December 1, 2007 and the Open House on December 9, 2007.

50/50 DRAWING WINNER
Congratulations to Vicki Selinger on winning the drawing at the Fall Fair.

Brinkerhoff scores another "job well done"

I am the father of two delightful daughters; so I am definitely familiar with the "Tea Party". My girth suggests that I am also comfortable around delicious pastries and as a photographer, I have an eye for beauty. With these credentials, I feel qualified to judge the Brinkerhoff Annual Victorian tea as a top notch event. I applaud you with a "job well done".


Beautiful surroundings, soothing harp music, mouth watering pastries and rooms full of lovely ladies, add to that a cup of freshly brewed tea and/or a glass of champagne or wine and you have an unforgettable Sunday afternoon. While the male gender was in the obvious minority, they were certainly more than welcome and appeared to be enjoying themselves.



Bill Vetter and John Bucari appear in charge of the wine.






The empty chairs remained empty for only a short time as there was a full house.









One Mother Daughter couple (below) renewed old friendships with the harpist, Jan Mulrooney-Koch and asked for a picture. These and other pictures will be available on my website http://www.dsdigitals.com/ for free download. The complete gallery of pictures is now availble. Click on the "Victorian Tea Pictures" link at the top of the left column of this page.





Some of those who made this all possible are pictured above. From left to right Dore Skeels, Sharon Strasbaugh, Ruth Hook, Karen Moffitt and Susan Canny. They seemed to be having a good time as they got every last drop from the coffee maker.












(At right) With all the teapots, one might expect to see the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland.





Below, Susan Canny makes her rounds keeping everything running smoothly.


I would highly recommend putting a note on the calendar to make your reservation next fall for a delightful afternoon like these people did.









And so the curtain falls on yet another episode of As the World Turns at the Brinkerhoff.

Next episode: Chili Anyone?

Until I post again,
Dulany Sriner

The September news

ANNUAL VICTORIAN TEA

Sunday, October 14, 2007
3:00 p.m.

Tickets $12.00 per person

As we bid summer farewell, is there a better way to welcome autumn than to sip 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 on the Harp. Seating will be limited to eighty guests so mail your check with the completed reservation form (on the back of the newsletter) as soon as possible. Please call Diana Hetherington (546-5984) and forward your check by Wednesday, October 10 to Diana at 2120 Wiggins Avenue, Springfield, Ill 62704. Tickets will be mailed to you.

Menu

Scones served with
Devonshire Cream and Lemon Curd
Delectable Shrimp Tarts
Olive Nut Sandwiches
Chicken Salad Puff Pastry
Apricot Treats
Sinful Chocolate Tea Cupcakes
Cheesecakes
English Tea

FALL FAIR THANK-YOU

Thank you from Penny Greek and Linda Wedeking, co-chairs of the Silent Auction!

Many thanks to all who donated their special items to the Silent Auction booth. A special thanks goes out to Miriam Keirs, a long time Brinkerhoff supporter, who has generously donated many “top of the line” items. The Silent Auction crew enjoys being able to interact with so many great members and, as always, we have a good time putting it altogether. Without the likes of Jane Vetter, Sharon Norris, Cathy Yokley and Ellen Moore, our work would be very difficult. They are the best!!

Sharon Nation would like to thank all the members who donated such wonderful and delicious baked goods or worked the Country Kitchen booth. It was so successful, we made $610.00.

Nancy Nolan and Micki Paine would also like to thank everyone who helped make the Better Buys booth a success.

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to new members Sharon Clark, Cindy Davies and Jim and Carol Shay!!!

HOME BEAUTIFICATION CHAIR, DORE SKEELS
The library bookcases are in need of some books. It would be nice if we could get some donated period books. Encyclopedias are in demand and will accept newer ones as long as the years are not displayed on the spine of the book. The classics will also be welcome new or old.

New purchases to the home are a 7x27 rug for the front hallway. A framed canvass picture “Floral Decadence” for the dining room.

Just a reminder that Christmas decorating of the Home will take place November 10-17. We need volunteer decorators that would be willing to do a room. Materials are provided. Volunteers are also needed just to help. If interested, call Dore at 787-4726.



CHILI LUNCHEON

Keep November 7th date open for the chili luncheon. Volunteers are needed. Call Nancy Nolan at 528-5087 if you can help.


VICTORIAN TEA RESERVATION FORM

Name _______________________________ Phone Number _____________

Number of reservations ____ @ $12 per person = Total Amount ___________

Please enclose check for the total amount and mail with this form to:
Diana Hetherington
2120 Wiggins Avenue
Springfield, ILL 62704
Reservations must be received no later than Wednesday, October 10, 2007.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

FALL FAIR – SEPTEMBER 8TH

Just a reminder – the Fall Fair is from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Country Kitchen is requesting donations for baked goods for the Fall Brinkerhoff Fair. Brownies, pies, cakes, cookies, muffins or any other baked items would be appreciated. Cookies, brownies and muffins should be packaged in zip lock bags (maybe 4-6 per bag). Baked goods can be delivered to the Home anytime after 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 7th.

Also, we are in need of better buy items. Please contact Nancy Nolan at 528-5087 or Micki Paine at 546-1387 for pick-up.

Enclosed with this newsletter are raffle tickets for the Fair. Tickets are $1 each or six (6) for $5.00. Attendance is not required. Please send tickets stubs and donation to Bill Vetter, 215 South Walnut, Box 65, Buffalo, IL 62515.

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

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.

Memorabilia will be offered for sale during the Fair. Items offered include cookbooks, ornaments, T-shirts, note cards, tote bags and aprons, featuring a picture of the Home. There are still a few of the limited edition pen and ink prints of the Home done by local artist, Rich Doering.

Also, Sharon Nation would like to thank everyone who worked in the Country Kitchen and all the members who so generously donated such delicious baked goods for the Spring Fair.

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to new members Ted Williams and Kathy Twyman.

THANK YOU!!!

A special thank you to Pat Porter, former President and avid supporter of the Brinkerhoff Foundation for selling so many cookbooks at the Barrel Antiques where she has a booth. Pat says many tourists who stop by pick up a cookbook and ask questions about the Home. A big high-five to Pat!

Don’t forget, we will be selling the cookbooks at the September 8th Fair or you can call the Home at 523-1666 to order cookbooks.

THANKS FROM ICE CREAM SOCIAL CHAIR

The Ice Cream Social was a huge success and thanks goes out to Mary Jo Rappe and Ron Garrett for all the “set up” work. Also, thanks to Chefs John Canny and Bill Vetter for the delicious brats and hot dogs. Thanks also goes to Susan Canny, Nancy Nolan, Jane Vetter, Sharon Norris (her daughter, Stacie and her husband), Sharon and John Bucari, Sharon and Chuck Nation and to all those who donated baked goods.

BRINKERHOFF TEA

Mr. & Mrs. George Brinkerhoff will serve as host and hostess for the afternoon tea at the Home. The three course lunch includes English tea, scones with clotted cream and lemon curd, assorted petit sandwiches and tarts and a variety of delicious sweets. Ms. Jan Mulrooney-Koch will entertain at the harp. The $12 tickets will be available at the Fall Fair. If you have any questions, contact Sharon Strasbaugh at 529-5624 or Diana Hetherington at 546-5984.

RENTALS

The Brinkerhoff Home is available to rent for teas, weddings, receptions or parties. For information on renting the Home, contact Nancy Nolan at 528-5087.

CHILI LUNCHEON

The Chili luncheon is scheduled for November 7th at noon. Co-chairs for the event are Nancy Nolan (528-5087) and Vicki Selinger (544-2172). Volunteers are needed.

MAILING LIST UPDATES
If you have a change of address or phone number, please contact Nancy Nolan (528-5087).

WEBSITE

The Brinkerhoff Home blog is http://springfieldbrinkerhoff.blogspot.com/

The picture gallery is http://www.brinkerhoffhome.org/

Superb evening

Last night, I was able to enjoy the evening at The Brinkerhoff Home ice cream social and band concert. The evening weather was superb, the music was delightful and you just can't beat little old ladies and their home made pies and cakes and freshly cooked brats just off the grill. ( now that I think about it, some of those little old ladies were younger than I am. Does that mean I am a little old man? . . . . . Nope, can't be that. Like I said you just can't beat those young ladies and their home made goodies!)

Speaking of delicious goodies, all the recipes came from the Brinkerhoff cookbook. These wonderful loose-leaf cookbooks are available at most Brinkerhoff functions and the proceeds help fund the organization. My wife bought one and was very pleased with the quality.

Board member Bill Vetter (at right in picture above) looks over the hot dogs and Brats on the grill while Nancy Nolan, (below) board member, keeps time to the music.



First chair for the desert table was held down by Sharon Norris, board member (pictured below on right end of table) was supported by (left to right) Nancy Nolan and Jane Vetter.

Board President, Susan Canny, seemed always busy running from place to place that she never found herself in the viewfinder. Below, an unnamed guest conductor (below in orange) brought a smile to everyone's face.

The next Brinkerhoff event will be the Fall Fair September 8th. Get you reservations in for booth space.

That's the Brinkerhoff Blogspot news for the day; until I post again,

Dulany Sriner

http://www.dsdigitals.com/

Board members plan for upcoming events

Board members: (left to right) Sharon Norris, Penny Greek, Dore Skeels, Jane Vetter, Susan Canny (President), Nancy Nolan and Bill Vetter. Not present Kathie Wilson, John Bucari and Ron Garrett.

Everybody likes ice cream!

What could make it better? How about the Springfield Municipal Band!



So where might one find such a combination? Ice cream, along with cake, hot dogs, and brats can all be found at the Brinkerhoff Home Ice Cream Social on Friday, July 13th from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.


Looks like everyone is having a good time. Join them on the lawn of the Brinkerhoff Home on the SCI campus, 1500 N 5th St. Springfield

Hope to see you all there. I'll be the one with a grey beard and a camera.

June Newsletter

Spring Fair - A Success

Lots of vendors, good food and many items for sale. This and good weather
make for a successful outdoors gala. Thanks to all those who helped set it up and worked. A very heartfelt thank you to all of you who attended the Fair.

Betty Smith was the winner of the 50/50 drawing.


Ice Cream Social – Friday 7-13

The Ice Cream Social will be held on Friday, July 13th from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. The Springfield Municipal Band will perform.

Menu served will be:
Cake, ice cream and drink for $3.50 or 3 for $10.00.
Brats for $2.00
Hot Dog for $1.00.
Drinks for $.50 – lemonade, tea, coffee or water.

The cakes will be baked by volunteers using recipes from the Brinkerhoff cookbook.

Tickets for the social will be available that evening.


Cookbook Update

Cookbooks will be available to purchase for $10 at the Ice Cream Social.


Better Buys

Don’t forget to donate any unused items for the Fall Fair – September 8th. We are in need of household items. Call Nancy Nolan at 528-5087 or Micki Paine at 546-1387.


Membership

Just a reminder – there are a few members who have not paid their dues for the 2007 year. Please remit as soon as possible. If you need a membership envelope, call Nancy Nolan at 528-5087.


Victorian Tea

Keep your calendars open for the Victorian Tea to be held on Sunday, October 14th.


Rentals

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

Ice cream social

The annual Brinkerhoff Ice Cream Social is less than a month away!

Be certain to put it on your calendars - Friday, July 13th from 5:30 to 8 PM on the Brinkerhoff lawn. There will be Ice Cream and Cake as the name implies but there will also be Hot dogs, brats, and drinks. So, plan to come; bring the family; step back in time to a simpler life when the ice cream social was the social event of the summer. Enjoy dinner and desert; relax and listen to the municipal band while gentle breezes rustle the leaves in the oak tree canopy above.

Spring Fair Pictures are on the web!

A new set of pictures taken at the Spring fair are now available on my website at http://www.gallerypg.com/WebGallery/Brinkerhoff%20Home/index.htm
If the link won't work for you simply go to http://www.dsdigitals.com/ and click on the box labeled Brinkerhoff Home. That is the new entry point for all the Brinkerhoff pictures including the Christmas tour. Picture comments are welcome. Use the comments option below.

Another successful fair

The above view was taken from the Brinkerhoff tower window. If you click on it, a very large version will fill your screen. When you are finished viewing it, simply use the back arrow on your browser to come back to this page.

Stands of all types lined the walks in front of SCI and the Brinkerhoff house. I spent some time walking through the vendors but even more time taking pictures inside the house. A few of these new pictures will be featured here later in the week while the majority will be on my web site at http://www.dsdigitals.com/

They are up now! See post above.

Spring Fair

Join us at this year's Spring fair
Saturday May 5th

Country Kitchen Baked Goods

What better way to start the weekend than

with some home-made goodies

Baked items can be dropped off at the Home on Friday, May 4th from 8:30 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.

Free Home Tours During Fair
The Home will be open to the public during the Fair.

On the Auction Block

Don’t miss this year’s silent auction, featuring antiques and collectibles. Bids will be taken until 2:00 p.m.

Cookbooks

The coming Fair will be the first time we will have the opportunity to sell our new cookbooks. Look for the cookbooks at the Memorabilia Booth right in front of the Home. The cost is $10.00.

DSDigitals will be there taking pictures

Upcoming events

From the President Susan Canny

Our events for the rest of the year are:
May 5 - Spring Fair 9-3

July 13 - Ice Cream Social (Municipal Band)

Sept 8 - Fall Fair 9-3

Oct 14 - Victorian Tea

Nov 7 - Chili/Soup Luncheon

Dec 1 - Holiday Champagne Party

Dec 9 - Christmas Open House



For rental information for weddings, receptions, showers, parties call Nancy Nolan at 528-5087.