Rain-free Spring Fair

The Brinkerhoff Spring Fair got off to a good start with beautiful weather and got better as the day went by. It wasn't until the very end that sprinkles entered the picture but most us us were packed up without problems.

Before the walks filled with shoppers, the air was filled with the smell of freshly popped kettle corn. It is always delicious and this year was no exception. The 40% price hike was hard to swallow but the sweet maple flavored corn was not. According to the owner, the increase was due to higher costs to him.

My booth was just across the sidewalk so I had my share of the kettle corn. I had lots of interest in my pictures but I think folks are still holding onto their money a little more tightly than in the past. Hopefully, the fall will bring more improvement in the economy and expanded sales for us all.
The educational toys next door seemed to have a steady business .


There was a steady stream of people throughout the entire fair.


As I wondered around the fair, Johnie Knoles caught my eye. His pencil drawings of Einstein are superb. He is so interesting, it is sometimes hard to break away and get back to business. He has other artwork but the intricate pencil drawings were most inspiring to me. He can be contacted at (217) 206-5933 for more information about his artwork. I think he will also be participating at the "Artists on MacArthur" event this summer. Look him up and tell him you saw his work on this website.











In the theater, it is common knowledge that every actor will be upstaged by an animal on the stage. We all love to see cute or beautiful pets. I will end this blog with this shot. How could he not steal your heart?




















































Until I post again, Have a great summer and see you at the next Brinkerhoff event.
Dulany Sriner, webmaster
www.brinkerhoffhome.com
www.DSDigitals.com

Spring Fair just days away

The 2010 Spring Fair will be May 1st. That is this Saturday. Don't let the weather discourage your participation. For up-to-date information, you can call Mary Jo Rappe at 217/525.1420, ext. 222

See you all there.

SPRING FAIR MAY 1

The annual Brinkerhoff Spring Fair will be held on May 1st on the grounds of the Home. Many vendors of merchandise will be available.

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

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 on Friday, April 3 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. If baked items cannot be delivered on Friday, we need them no later than 8 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 and send to Micki Paine, 3996 Mill Stone Drive, Springfield, Ill 62711.

Better Buys

If anyone has items for better buys, please contact Jan Steinhour at 415-5885 or Nancy Nolan at 528-5087 for pickup.

Free Home Tours

The Home will be open to the public during the Fair. If you would like to be a tour guide, contact John Bucari . info@brinkerhoffhome.com

On the Auction Block

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

Concession

Come get a Vose corn dog and lemon shakeup!
Memorabilia

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


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, Ill 62702. If you have moved or changed your phone number, please contact Nancy Nolan at 528-5087.


New Members

Welcome to new members - Tami Skaggs-Braidwood, Kara DuBois, Susan and John Gallagher and Mary Denham.


Bunco Party

The bunco party was a success and the next one is planned for November 7th. Watch the newsletter for details.


St. Patty’s Day Party

A special thanks to Suzie Weiss for the delicious corned beef and cabbage dinner. Further updates will be provided for next year’s party.


Ellen Moore

Ellen has returned home from the hospital and is doing well. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

SEE YOU MAY 1ST AT THE SPRING FAIR!!!!!

LPNA Home Tour huge success!

Sunday's Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association Home Tour was a success as far as I was concerned. I don't know how many folks participated but there were crowds at each home we visited. I took several hundred pictures and many of them can be viewed on my Shutterbug website at: http://dsdigitals.shutterbugstorefront.com/g/brinkerhoff__lpna_christmas . You will need to log in with your e-mail address and then you can look at all the pictures of the tour and the Brinkerhoff Christmas party photographed Saturday night. If you look carefully, you can even see a picture of a ghost in one of the staircase pictures. I will post more about that later. I have set up the gallery so you can right click on a photograph and copy the picture to your computer to share with others. There is also a download option that will provide you with a non-watermarked photo. The cost for that is only $.99.

One of the delights of the tour was a little girl named Cloe. She wanted to be a photographer when she grew up. Her sister, Emma was equally enchanting. She gave us a tour of the upstairs. We even saw the "off limits" play room and an in depth tour of the bathroom. *chuckle* The home was located at 1434 N. Sixth St.

Best cookies were provided at 1501 N. Fourth St. We were tempted to go back for a second "look" make that taste. Best Memorabilia was provided at the Bed and Breakfast at 1317 N. Third St. It could definitely make for an interesting stay. I liked the Captain's quarters. My favorite office was at Clark's Computing at 401 E. Keys. The best presentation would be the 1331 N. Third house. I considered both inside and out for this award.

It goes without saying that The Brinkerhoff won the Best of Show but then I am a bit biased as their official photographer. Every time I go through there, I see something different to picture. It is a great place for parties or an intimate wedding. It exudes class!

You will find a link to the LPNA on the our web page.

Lincoln Park Historic Home Tours

This Sunday, the Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association will present it's annual Historic Home Tours from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM. The Brinkerhoff Home is only one of the six homes to be on display. I have seen the home on several Christmas Tours and if this is anything like the other's it will be spectacular! You can see pictures of the Christmas decorations at: http://www.brinkerhoffhome.org/ and go to Picture Gallery then click on the Christmas '06 album.

The Brinkerhoff home is sponsored by Noonan's True Value Hardware. Your support of this family owned business is unappreciated.

I took a preliminary tour of the other homes the other day. I was only able to see them from the outside but I am assured that the true beauty is on the inside. I plan to take the tour on Sunday and will take pictures to share on the blog after the tour. I highly recommend your participation in this neighborhood event.

Other homes on the tour:

401 E. Keys

1317 N. 3rd St.

1331 N. 3rd St.

1434 N. 6th St.

1501 N 4th St.

If you see a guy with a couple camera strapped on and sporting a full grey beard, that will probably be me. See you on Saturday

December is just around the corner

CHAMPAGNE PARTY

The annual Champagne Party is scheduled for Saturday, December 5th from 4-7 p.m. The cost for the party is $10 per person. Make your reservations by mailing your check to Jane Vetter, 213 S. Walnut, Buffalo, IL 62515 by November 30th. 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. If you would like to bring an hors d’oeuvre, please call Jane at 364-4826.

LINCOLN PARK HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

The Brinkerhoff Home as well as four other homes in the Lincoln Park neighborhood will be on the holiday tour on December 6th from 12-5 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $10 at www.lpnaspringfield.org or at Noonan’s Hardware (8th & N. Grand). Tickets purchased at the door will be $12.

COOKBOOKS

The Brinkerhoff Cookbook will make the ideal gift for the holidays. At $10, wouldn’t it be the perfect stocking stuffer? You can pick up a few of the cookbooks at two upcoming holiday functions - the annual Champagne Party or the Lincoln Park Holiday Home Tour. 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.

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to new members, Jan Steinhour and Judith Marcy.

BUNCO PARTY

Many thanks to everyone who helped in making our first annual bunco party such a success. The turnout was great and a good time was had by all!

2010 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 1 – Spring Fair

September 11 – Fall Fair

October 3 – Victorian Tea

November 7 – Bunco Party

December 4 – Champagne Party

DONATIONS

The Home is in need of a hall tree and matching sets of silverware. If anyone is interested in donating such items, please call Nancy Nolan at 528-5087.

VICTORIAN TEA

Many thanks to everyone who helped make the Victorian Tea a great success.

Anyone for tea?

The Brinkerhoff home was filled with tea cups and goodies while the sound of harp music filled the air the first Sunday of this month. Unfortunately, my return from SIU Carbondale was delayed and I arrived just in time to see the clean-up.

Susan Canny did share some of her pictures.

John Bucari, Foundation President can be seen here welcoming guests in the library. If you wanted something a bit more festive than tea, it was available here.



Empty cups and dishes surrounded by smiling faces indicates to me that a good time was had by all.

Even with the tables cleared, some old friends find it hard to leave such a warm comfortable setting. They linger just a bit longer to take it all in.

Who makes all this possible? The great group of volunteers; some pictured above!

After the guests are all gone and the tables all cleared and put away, the work continues.

2010 Calendar Released

The Brinkerhoff Home Foundation Board of Directors has announced the dates for upcoming 2010 events. Mark your calendars and watch this website for updates and additional information as it becomes available.

Spring Craft Fair – May 1st from 9 – 3
Fall Craft Fair - September 11th 9 – 3
Victorian Tea – Oct. 3rd 3 – 5
Christmas Champagne Party – Dec. 4th 5 – 7

Bunco Party

FIRST ANNUAL BRINKERHOFF HOME

BUNCO PARTY

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1^ST

1500 NORTH FIFTH STREET, SPRINGFIELD

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cost: $8.00

Snacks, dessert and beverages will be served.

Hold this date and come out and enjoy the fun!

Please call Micki Paine at 546-1387 between

Oct. 8^th and Oct. 23^rd to make a reservation.

Proceeds of this fundraiser go to repairing the

front steps of the Brinkerhoff Home.

Brinkerhoff Victorian Tea

Sunday, October 4

3 p.m.-5 p.m.

$15 a person

You are invited to join us for the annual tea at the Brinkerhoff Home. Once again, please dust off your hats, dig out your gloves, and don’t forget the lace handkerchiefs! In addition to our delectable scones accompanied by Devonshire cream and lemon curd, the menu will include cucumber heart sandwiches, salmon fancies, and our famous chicken salad tea sandwiches.

Petite chocolate cupcakes, apricot balls, and special tea cookies are planned for dessert. And, of course, thanks to Miriam Keirs and Rhianon Dalby, plenty of English tea will be served.

Come savor this wonderful assortment of treats while enjoying the beautiful music of Jan Mulrooney-Kuhn at the harp. Doors will open at 2:45 p.m. and serving will begin at 3:00. Tables will be set for groups of four, eight or ten. Seating is limited, so please mail your reservation form along with a check to Sharon Strasbaugh, 5605 Grissom Drive, Springfield, IL 62711 by Friday, September 25. If you have questions, please call Sharon at 529-5624.

Many thanks to Diana Hetherington for her donation of a nice teapot and tea towels and also Sharon Strasbaugh for donating some demitasse’ spoons and cocktail forks for our upcoming tea.

Reservation Form

Name:____________________

Phone Number:_____________

Number of Reservations _____@ $15.00 per person = Total Amount________

Reservations must be received by Friday, September 25, 2009.

NEW MEMBER

Welcome new member Nahla Abu-Saba.

FALL FAIR

The Brinkerhoff Home Board of Directors would like to extend a big “THANK YOU” to Jim Shay of Shay’s Antiques and Fine Art. Jim very graciously donated three items (two clocks and a pressed glass compote) for sale in the Silent Auction held at this year’s Fall Fair.

This past September 12^th was a beautiful end-of-summer day: blue sky, few clouds, the smell of kettle corn in the air, and just warm enough to still wear those summer clothes while finding some shade under the big Ginkgo tree. And where better to have enjoyed all that than at the Brinkerhoff Home Fall Craft Fair! Those of us who spent time at the Fair were able to relish the great weather and have lots of fun brought about by so many people in attendance. We had 52 vendors, many returnees, but also some new vendors too. There was a nice mix of items for sale. As has been the practice, the Home was open for tours and over 150 people visited the Home. But with the good weather, high attendance and many vendors all taken into account, the success of the Fair was not measured by the people who came to look and purchase items from the vendors; the real measure of success was the number of volunteers who unselfishly gave of themselves in many ways to help bring about the Fall Fair. To those people who came on the preceding Friday to help with the set up, to those who baked goods, others who donated items, and to the many people who gave their time to come and help with various tasks for making the Fair a great accomplishment, the Board of Directors extends its thanks you. Now, on to the Spring Craft Fair 2010!

Congratulations to Lois Jirgal, winner of the 50/50 drawing.

FIRST ANNUAL BUNCO PARTY

Sunday, November 1^st from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

$8 per person - Snacks, dessert & beverages will be served.

Call Micki Paine at 546-1387 between October 8^th & 23^rd for reservations.

Proceeds of this fund raiser go towards repairing the front steps of the Brinkerhoff Home.

MEMBERSHIP DUES

Just a reminder – if you haven’t paid your dues, please send $15 to the Brinkerhoff Home, 1500 N. 5^th Street, Springfield, IL 62702.

MEMBERSHIP DUES

In an effort to be mindful of the economy and the tight budget many of our members are feeling, the Board of Directors has avoided any increase in membership fees. We are working to make sure that each dollar is spent wisely and carefully. In an effort to ensure that events can proceed at the Home, that maintenance is on-going, that the furnishings upkeep is current, and long term planning is accordingly programmed, the Board needs your continued financial support. If you have not submitted your annual dues, please do so at your earliest convenience. If you would to become more involved, there just may be a place for you in our organization. Some areas where we are seeking assistance are:event volunteers, event chairpersons, event planners. If you are seeking a way to keep yourself occupied, the Brinkerhoff Home Foundation may just have a spot for you. Or if you know of someone who would like to become involved with the Home, please pass their name on to us. If you don’t have experience but want to help, we’ll only be too happy to get you started. Feel free to contact us. We have some events rapidly approaching and if you looking for a start, now is the time. The Fall Craft Fair, the Victorian Tea, Bunco Party or the Christmas Party are occasions that you might want to participate “behind the scenes”. Call Nancy at 528-5087 or Susan at 494-1571. We look forward to hearing from you. If you know of a friend or family member who would like to join, please let us know.

COME JOIN US FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY!

We are celebrating George Brinkerhoff’s birthday. We know it is difficult to believe but Mr. B is turning the big 170 this August. What better way to start off his 171st year than to have a party for the gentleman. His party will be held on August 28th from 6-8 p.m. on the grounds of the Home. Mr. B is kindly supplying (at HIS EXPENSE) the cake and the ice cream plus he is promising some entertainment for those attending. That’s right, since this is his birthday, there will be no charge for the fun and the food, just come and enjoy the evening. Of course, if anyone wants to give a gift to George for his birthday, we will be sure to accept it on his behalf.

See you on the 28th at 6 p.m. Come help Mr. B blow out all those candles.

URSULINE DONATION

The Brinkerhoff Home Foundation recently received notice from the Ursuline Convent of Springfield that the hall tree with mirror and marble top, which sits in the foyer of the Home, has officially been donated to the Home. In 1983, when the tree was placed in the Home, it was under loan by the Ursuline Convent. The Brinkerhoff Home Foundation Board of Directors graciously accepts the donation and extends it appreciation to the Convent for its continued support of the Foundation.

50/50 RAFFLE

Sharon Norris was the winner of the 50/50 raffle at the Spring Fair.

FALL FAIR

Just a reminder – September 12th is the Fall Fair from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. We are still looking for volunteers to help in the various booths – better buys, silent auction, memorabilia, Home tours, country kitchen, 50/50 ticket sales.

Don’t forget to call Nancy at 528-5087 or Susan at 494-1571 if you have items that need to be picked up for better buys.

If you have any antiques, collectibles, china or crystal items to donate, call Penny Greek at 546-8890.

Enclosed are tickets for the 50/50 drawing. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. The drawing is at 2 p.m. and attendance is not required.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Victorian Tea will be held October 4th.

Bunco Party will be held in November (date not yet set).

Christmas Decorating November 9-13th.

Christmas Champagne Party December 5th.

BAR STOOLS

The Home is looking for 3-4 new bar stools for the kitchen. If you have any stools you would like to donate, please call Nancy at 528-5087.

BRINKERHOFF WEB PAGE

Check out our web page for the Home at http://www.brinkerhoffhome.org/. and http://www.brinkerhoffhome.com/

Happy Birthday George

A new event is scheduled for August 28th from 6 to 8 PM. This new event is a birthday celebration in honor of George Brinkerhoff. Come to the party; the public is welcome and there is no admission fee.

Another schedule change involves the Victorian Tea originally scheduled for October 19th. It has been rescheduled for October 4th from 3 - 5 PM.

More information on both events will come later.

Don't forget the Fall Fair. It is still scheduled for September 12th.

If you have not visited our new website, check it out at http://www.brinkerhoffhome.com/

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.