February 2006

---

February 21, 2006, Tuesday, 7:00 PM

Home of Jaan Sturgis and Peter Richards, 730 West 8th Street, Davenport This is an opportunity to enjoy the new home of RIPS members Jaan Sturgis and Peter Richards. This is a large 1-1/2 story Craftsman Bungalow, circa 1910, in the Hamburg Historic District. We are invited to tour the first floor as the proud new owners are still in the move in stage. Jaan hopes to have some historic background to share about the house.

Directions: From the Centennial Bridge, travel up the Gaines Street hill. At the top of the hill, turn left onto 8th Street. The home is at the end of the block on the corner of 8th and Brown.

March 21, 2006, Tuesday, 7:00 PM

Gas & Electric Credit Union, 2300 4th Avenue, Rock Island RIPS members will review and vote on the nominated projects for the 2005 Historic Preservation Awards. Nominations are still being accepted. See the article below with criteria for nominations.

April 18, 2006 Tuesday 7:00 PM

Home of Clayton Peterson, 1202 21st Street, Rock Island Comments and suggestions for Society activities are always welcome, now and in the future! Remember to keep the third Tuesday of each month marked on your calendar for monthly RIPS meetings and activities.

2005 HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS
Now is the time to look around your neighborhood and the city to note preservation work that was finished in 2005 or nearing completion. Please bring your suggestions to the next RIPS meeting or contact Diane Oestreich at 788-1845 or oestreich@qconline.com.
To help determine whether a project you noted is eligible for a Preservation Award, RIPS has determined the following guidelines:
Eligible structures must be 50 years or older. Buildings can include residential structures, churches, public buildings, and commercial properties and must be located within Rock Island city limits. The first concern of an improvement project shall be the preservation/renovation/reconstruction of original architectural style, building materials, fixtures and craftsmanship. It is expected that modifications will be made as a necessary function of the renovation process which will make the dwelling more useful or livable. Modifications made solely for the purpose of remodeling do not constitute genuine renovation and will not be recognized as such. Likewise, alterations made to a home or building, when genuine renovation or restoration of the original work could have been done without excessive expense or labor, shall be considered ÒremodelingÓ.

Special consideration is also made for preservation activities which do not involve structures. For example, recent past awards have been given for restoration of brick sidewalks, appropriate infill to historic locations, publications which celebrate historic architecture and individuals whose efforts have reflected the ideals of the RIPS.

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE IN FEBRUARY
Watch for your annual RIPS membership renewal later this month. Please plan on continuing your support of RIPS and return your membership confirmation promptly.

AREA LEGISLATORS JOIN HISTORIC PRESERVATION CAUCUS
We are pleased to report that State Senator Mike Jacobs and State Representative Pat Verschoore have joined the recently formed Historic Preservation Caucus in Springfield. Led by Representative Tom Holbrook (D - Belleville), it is reported to be the largest caucus in the Illinois State Legislature, with 66 legislators having joined as of last November.

The caucus will help our legislators become better informed and make enlightened decisions on matters that affect historic preservation within our state.

HISTORY OF STEAMBOATS
The Scott County Historic Preservation Society invites us to join Dr. Roald Tweet and Karen Anderson as they speak about the history of steamboats in the region on Thursday, March 9 at 7 p.m. at the Bettendorf Public Library, 2950 Learning Campus Drive, Bettendorf. If you have any questions about the presentation, please call Ms. Hartman at 441-0698. (Or those of you who know Roald, please ask him!)

Dr. Tweet is a scintillating and knowledgeable speaker (if you hear the 11 am broadcast "Rock Island Lines" on WVIK every day, you'll know his voice) and Karen Anderson has been a leader in preservation issues on the Iowa side of the river. She too is immensely knowledgeable and a good speaker.

POTENTIAL 2006 PROJECTS
Recent ÒbrainstormingÓ sessions resulted in the following areas for RIPS attention. It is hoped that one these ideas will spark the interest of each current RIPS member and draw in the talents and skills of all RIPS members. Which catches your eye?

Newsletter - development and increased submittal by membership.
Preservation Awards - greater understanding of awards, resulting in fuller nomination of eligible candidates.
Postcards From Home - any great post cards out there?
Neighborhood Walking Tour - always a popular summer event, possible areas are Augustana College Area, WWI Housing, Watch Hill
Recent Past Significant Structure Survey - working with state preservation groups, identify recent (under 50 years old) structures which will have sustained impact on our communities.
Architect Series - identify buildings designed by local architects.
Walking Tour Brochures Reprint Project - updating and reintroducing Walking Tour Brochures.
Significant Structure Research and Landmark Nomination

INFORMAL ADVICE SESSIONS OFFERED BY ROCK ISLAND PRESERVATION COMMISSION Are you aware that there is an opportunity for free advice on restoring and maintaining your historic home? There is a time allotted prior to the City of Rock Island Preservation Commission meetings. You can bring your questions to the informal round table and learn from architects, contractors and other historic home owners. Contact Jill Doak at732-2900 or Doak.Jill@rigov.org for details and times.

Rock Island Preservation Society
P.O. Box 3261
Rock Island, Illinois 61204-3261