Dear Iles House Friends, THE ILES FILES THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ELIJAH ILES HOUSE FOUNDATION HAPPY HOLIDAYS The Elijah Iles House had many successes in the year 2008, and we have much to be thankful for. First, we thank all of you, our members, who make our existence possible. With your continued help, we will move forward making the Iles House Springfield s home, a place for events and celebrations highlighting our City s rich history and present day strong sense of community. These events and celebrations are not possible without the many wonderful volunteers who give so much. We thank them. If you would like to help out or become a tour volunteer, please call Linda Denk at 415-4727. We also would appreciate your financial support. Please use the form on page 6 to donate to the Iles House Capital Fund. The Elijah Iles House will close for the winter on December 31, 2007, and reopen on March 29, 2008, Elijah Iles 212th birthday. Below is a schedule of many of the events planed for 2008. We hope to see you at these events. Happy Holidays, David Barringer, President 2 0 0 8 E V E N T S C H E D U L E March 29, 2008 Noon to 4 p.m. Elijah Iles 212th Birthday Celebration April 15, 2008 Noon to 4 p.m. Springfield Founders Day Celebration April 15-May 4th, 2008 Lincoln Springfield Funeral Days Iles House draped in mourning. July 4, 2008 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. July Fourth Celebration and Community Sing August 2, 2008 Noon to 4:00 p.m. Latham Souther s 134th Birthday Celebration August 23, 2008 Noon to 4:00 p.m. Edward Hall s 163rd Birthday Celebration. October 19, 2008 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Second Old Settlers Day Celebration Strawbridge-Shepherd House October 25 and 25, 2008 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Candlelight Tours Special Events For Kids November 8, 2008 Noon to 4:00 p.m. Robert Irwin s 200th Birthday Celebration December 5, 6, 12 and 13, 2008 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Tours Elijah and I wish you a Joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year. WINTER 2007 Melinda Iles, Circa 1837.
Page 2 The Iles Files Winter 2007 O L D S E T T L E R S D A Y A T R E M E N D O U S S U C C E S S Crowd of Over 1,000 Enjoy Perfect Afternoon At Strawbridge-Shepherd House s First Old Settlers Day Old Settlers Day was a huge success, beyond everyone's dreams. More than 1,000 visitors attended the 4-hour gathering on October 20, a perfect fall day of clear skies and bright sunshine. The visitors took away so many memories, from a horse and cart carrying riders along the prairie grass to a concert of Civil War-era music by the 10th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry Regimental Band. Guests sat on straw bales before the Strawbridge-Shepherd House, with its exterior newly restored and trimmed. At Mrs. Shepherd's Pantry, volunteers sold donated pumpkins, preserves, pies and cakes. All proceeds will benefit phase 2 of the restoration set to continue in 2008. Big surprise of the day: arrival of the Shepherd Family, three generations from Iowa. They told stories about life in the house, described its rooms and furniture, and volunteered to provide more assistance in the future. The 10th Illinois Volunteer Calvary Regimental Band playing Civil War-era American music as guests sit on straw bales in the front yard of the Strawbridge- Shepherd House. Years ago, Old Settlers Day was a tradition to honor those who settled in Sangamon County before the harsh Winter of 1830-31. Several descendants of those pioneers attended this year s event and told their stories. All the organizers agree: it was a magical day, full of generosity and happiness, giving life once more to a bygone era. R-Lou Barker The Shepherd Family from Iowa visits the Shepherd House in Illinois. Lorna and Robert are to the right. Son Bill and his family to the left. R-Lou Barker helps a young dulcimer player with her costume in preparation for a performance at Old Settlers Day. Carriage rides around the prairie were provided by Springfield Carriage Company, owned by Chris and Peggy Bollinger. Volunteer Elaine Birtch was in charge of the children s area where kids painted pumpkins and played games. Photographs by Ron Schramm and Dick Hart
The Iles Files Page 3 Winter 2007 A MELLOW FALL AFTERNOON A large group gathered at the front door of the StrawbridgeShepherd House waiting for a tour. Jim Patton of the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry sits before his exhibit of Civil War artifacts and materials. The 10th Illinois Volunteer Calvary Regimental Band playing in the front yard of the Strawbridge-Shepherd House. Florence Matheny and Christine Rothrock, members of the Springfield Chapter of the DAR, were in costume to greet visitors. Elijah Iles, portrayed by Chuck Campton, greets visitors to Old Settlers Day. A long line of visitors listen to the 10th Cavalry Band while patiently waiting their turn to enter the Strawbridge-Shepherd House for the grand tour. The beautiful fall prairie at the back of the StrawbridgeShepherd House property was the perfect place to take a carriage ride on a mellow fall afternoon. A member of the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry sits in the Hospital Tent. The brick summer kitchen-wash house became Mr. Strawbridg e Attic, where many antique items found in the House were on display. Tom Woods, UIS archivist, sets up a display of documents from the Estate of Thomas Strawbridge. Carolyn Taitt, her daughter Julie and her granddaughter prepare Mrs. Strawbridge s Pantry of goodies. Abbey Barringer and Lisa Sabo feeding the beautiful horse who had a good work out pulling the carriage donated by Chris and Peggy Bollinger.
Page 4 The Iles Files Winter 2007 V A C H E L L I N D S A Y A S S O C I A T I O N A N N U A L M E E T I N G A Perfect Fall Afternoon For Champagne and Vachel Lindsay On November 11, 2007, the Vachel Lindsay Association held its 2007 Annual Meeting at the Iles House. President Corrine Frisch planned a beautiful champagne brunch that included a meal prepared and served by Iles House volunteers. It was a perfect fall day for the event. The Iles House patio was put to good use for the champagne cocktail reception where attendees lingered in the afternoon sun talking and enjoying the last days of autumn. After lunch, the group was entertained by three talented performers. Kevin Purcell recited poetry of Vachel Lindsay, Edgar Lee Masters and Carl Sandburg, Ann Collins sang, and Kevin Carton played the piano. It was a most enjoyable event. Kevin Purcell recited the poetry of Vachel Lindsay after the business meeting. Larry Stevens, Mrs. Bussard, Charles Hammond, Katie Huther, Phyllis Brissendon, John Huther, Susan Hammond and Lawrence Bussard enjoy the champagne reception on the Iles House Patio. Association treasurer Emily Wright, her husband, Dan, and their little baby girl enjoyed the annual meeting. June and Wilson Park relax in the afternoon fall sun on the Iles House patio. Docents Logan McMinn and Betty Ann Poage preparing the luncheon meal in the kitchen of the Iles House. U N I T E D S T A T E E L E C T R I C C H R I S T M A S P A R T Y AT T H E I L E S H O U S E United States Electric held its Christmas Party at the Iles House on the evening of December 8, 2007. Two of Iles House docents, Kerry Franke and Berry Ann Pogue, work for US Electric and were the hostesses for this spectacular dinner. They decorated the tables and prepared the hors d oeuvres for their fellow workers. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays and enjoy the fellowship of co-workers. I L E S H O U S E D O C E N T S L I N D A D E N K, C O O R D I N A T O R L I N D A C U N N I N G H A M G E O R G E S O U T H E R B E T T Y A NN P O A G E L O R R I F A R R I N G T O N E L A I N E K E R H L I C K E R D A V I D S T E V E N S G A R Y L A Z A R M A R T H A B E D F O R D L A R Y S T E V E N S L O G A N M C M I N N J A C K I E S T I T E S L I N D A G A R V E R T K E R R Y F R A N K E L I S A S A B O J O A N G A R V E R T T H A N K Y O U!
The Iles Files Winter 2007 Page 5 F A L L C A N D L E L I G H T T O U R S Photographs by Logan McMinn Elijah and Melinda Iles (aka Chuck Campton and Michele Guerea) on the Iles House front porch, prepared to greet visitors to the Fall Candlelight. David Stevens, dressed as his grand father Latham Souther, points out the wonderful wood work in the northeast room on the first floor. The tours started on the front porch and here Dick Hart tells the story of the blue porch ceiling to keep away wasps. President David Barringer touring a group in the upper south bedroom telling them the story of the Cannon Ball bed. Visitors to the northwest room enjoy a tour by candlelight over fifty candles lit the Iles House during the fall tours. After completing their tours, families and friends gathered in the Museum for apple cider and cookies. In Memory of Robert E. Shep Shepherd Old Settlers Day at the Strawbridge-Shepherd House was a magical day in many ways. The appearance of Lorna and Robert Shepherd of Ainsworth, Iowa contributed greatly to the magic. Their son, Bill who lives in Knoxville, Iowa, had seen the announcement of the Old Settlers Day on the State Journal Register website and called his Dad to tell him about the event. Dad, we are going to Springfield for this. And indeed they did come. Bill and his wife and his daughter, and his parents, Lorna and Robert, drove to Springfield on Saturday morning. They arrived and stood in line to take the tour of the House, not letting anyone know that they had a special connection to this place. Their identity was discovered only when in the middle of a tour someone wondered out loud if the upstairs north bedroom had always been painted pink. Robert s granddaughter spoke up and said that it was painted pink because that was her favorite color as a child. Oh, Lorna and Robert Shepherd at the Strawbridge-Shepherd House for Old Settlers Day on October 20, 2007. you lived in the House? Yes, indeed, and she introduced us to her grandparents who had moved from the House in 1971 when it was purchased as the site for the new University campus now UIS. From that point forward, the Shepherd s were the center of attention for all of those wanting to learn more about their life in the Shepherd House. R-Lou Barker spent well over an hour going from room to room with the Robert, picking his memory for tid bits of useful information. Indeed it was magical. And that is how we all should remember Robert Shepherd. A charming, understated gentleman who was born in 1925 while his parents, Charles and Minnie Shepherd lived in the Shepherd House and who happily spent his last full day of life there enjoying Old Settlers Day. On Saturday evening, Robert and Lorna returned home to their farm in Ainsworth, Iowa and Robert died the next day in a farming accident. May he rest in peace, joyful that he spent his last day, Old Settlers Day, with us at the Strawbridge- Shepherd House. Dick Hart
Page 6 The Iles Files Winter 2007 P R O G R E S S R E P O R T ON I L E S A N D S T R A W B R I D G E - S H E P H E R D H O U S E S Strawbridge-Shepherd House Roof Completed Phase One of the restoration of the Strawbridge-Shepherd House was completed in mid December. During this Phase, the House was stabilized with replacement of sills and addition of foundation support, reconstruction of the east, 1 1/2 story lean-to, extensive removal of non-historic materials and replacement of the roof with an historically appropriate shingle roof. The House has been put to bed for the winter, and Phase Two of the restoration will begin in the Spring of 2008. Iles House Insulation Completed The much awaited insulation of the Iles House was completed in mid December 2007. This should make the House more energy efficient and warmer in the winter. In late November under early moonlight, Tom Bundy and Gary Large finished roofing the west side of the House. In mid December, Matt Von Behren of AHI Electrical & Insulation Contractors Co. braved inclement weather to insulate the Iles House. Having finished the roof, Tom and Gary flashed the two chimney s on the Strawbridge-Shepherd House. ILES HOUSE CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION CAMPAIGN During this season of giving, please consider a gift to the Iles House Foundation. The Iles House Foundation has no permanent source of regular income and is entirely dependent on contributions. Our members and the Springfield community has been most generous in the past. We still need contributions to pay for the insulation of the House which was completed in December. Any assistance is greatly appreciated. Please use this form to make your contribution. Your check should be made payable to the Iles House Foundation. Thank you for your support. Capital Contribution $ Name: Street Address: Town: State: Zip Code:
The Iles Files Winter 2007 Page 7 SECOND NOTICE MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL! 2007-2008 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL! Your dues and any donations are tax-deductible. Please make your return in the enclosed envelope. Your check should be made payable to the Iles House Foundation. Individual $25.00 Family (One Address) $40.00 Supporting $50.00 Benefactor $100.00 or more Brick $100.00 each Watch Factory Poster $25.00 Postage & Handling $5.00 Name: Street Address: Town: State: Telephone #: Email address: Zip Code: Name on Brick (Limit to 11 letters): Date:, 2007 (Your Signature) T H A N K S F O R Y O U R C O N T I N U E D S U P P O R T. Mail to: ELIJAH ILES HOUSE FOUNDATION P. O. Box 144 Springfield, Illinois 62705 EL I J A H A N D I W A N T Y OU! J O I N T O D A Y, HO N E Y! AT T R I B U T E D TO M E L I N D A I LES, CI R C A 1 8 3 7
ELIJAH ILES HOUSE FOUNDATION P. O. Box 144 Springfield, Illinois 62705 NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Springfield, IL PERMIT #990 I N LINCOLN S SHAWDOW On December 19, 2007, the Sangamon County Historical Society will hold a special book signing event at the Iles House celebrating their newly published book, In Lincoln s Shadow. The book contains 43 stories contributed by individuals who write of their ancestors buried in the Cemetery memories of their family and family plots at Oak Ridge Cemetery. In addition, the book includes a history and map of the Cemetery and several pages of historic pictures of the Cemetery in prior years and businesses associated with the family stories. The collection provides a wonderful insight into the development of the community, as many ethnic, occupational and religious groups are represented. Many of the authors will be present to sign their stories, give readings or telling more about their ancestors. December 19, 2007 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. Complimentary Holiday Refreshments! Free Admission Free Parking in Iles House Parking Lot Southeast Corner of Seventh and Cook