Hauberg Estate Newsletter for July - September 2021
“Our Community” Capital Campaign Launching July 2021
The Hauberg Estate, currently managed and operated by the Friends of Hauberg Civic Center Foundation, has been a community gathering place since 1911. Susanne Denkman-Hauberg and John Hauberg built the 20,000 sq. ft. Mansion and 8,000 sq. ft. Carriage House on 10 acres. And since the beginning, friends, family and the community have enjoyed the estate with its 5 ponds, 5-acre forest, 1-acre meadow, 3-acre Terraced Food Garden and Hauberg Field.
As with all things 100+ years old, a little dust and the years take their toll. The Friends of Hauberg, having brought the Mansion into a restored new life, have now turned their attentions to the Carriage House and Terraced Garden and are re-imagining them to best meet the needs of the community today.
The Carriage House Learning Center and Event Venue
The Carriage House is ideal for re-imagining into a larger multi-purpose space. And, with a 120+ vehicle parking lot, we can logistically make it a safe and suitable venue for short- and long-term utilization. The 1400 square foot space in the Auto House will be used for a classroom and for event rental. The Carriage House/Stable area will contain ADA bathrooms, a prep kitchen and bar.
The Children’s Education Art Garden
Re-imagining the Terraced Garden is a considerable undertaking. Originally created as a large “family food garden” Susanne Hauberg took baskets of fruits and vegetables from the garden when she visited friends and neighbors. Children were frequent visitors to the garden and the generous family encouraged them to learn about the food they ate and shared their garden’s bounty. It is with this history that the re-imagined Children’s Education Art Garden is being restored.
Each level of the terraced garden has a specific theme. Level 1 is Poetry Walk with a covered arbor and will feature Illinois authors. Level 2 is the hands-on Pollinator Flower Garden. On the Level 3 Fairy Walk, visitors will learn important lessons taught by fairies, gnomes, sprites and trolls. After all the excitement, Level 4 offers a quiet space on the Nature Trail. Our last terrace, Level 5, the Standing Bear Trail, introduces young people to the history and culture of Native American nations who lived in the area.
As our Hauberg community has grown, we are re-imagining the Hauberg family Terraced Garden as a terraced garden for children and families. The Carriage House learning center will extend the educational opportunities in coordination with the Children’s Education Art Garden.
We invite you to come and take a tour to see firsthand how the Hauberg Estate has grown, how you might be involved and how our community grows at the Hauberg.
The Director’s Desk
A recent survey reminded us of all the activities and offerings our community has come to enjoy at the Hauberg Estate. Women tell us of their beautiful weddings and receptions. Families come to the Hauberg to enjoy Winter in Bloom and take their family Christmas pictures. Seniors tell us about playing at the Hauberg as a child and today young children enjoy the scavenger hunts and walks with their family. Community volunteers come to work in the garden and on mansion restoration projects. Local community members hold celebrations at the estate and attend events here. The list of community involvement at Hauberg goes on and on.
It is only fitting as we begin our Capital Campaign, to restore the Carriage House and Terraced Garden, that we follow the community’s lead in what they do and how they feel about the Hauberg.
“Our Community LEARNS, GARDENS, CELEBRATES, PLAYS, TOURS, HIKES and GROWS at Hauberg.” Look for these signs throughout the estate and find out how you can learn, garden, celebrate, play tour hike and grow with Hauberg.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Deb Kuntzi
Executive Director
Around the Garden
Thank you to everyone who recently attended the “Celebrate the Ponds” event at the Hauberg Estate. As you may know, the restoration is significant to the Rock Island community in helping control storm water flowing into the neighboring Broadway District and aids in deterring erosion. A project of this size could not have been accomplished without the support and involvement of many organizations and volunteers. A special thanks to the City of Rock Island Rain Garden Program, Public Works, Rock Island City officials, Rock Island County Soil and Water Conservation District, Friends of Hauberg Civic Center Foundation, Mariposa Design and Rock Island Parks and Recreation.
The dedication of the 3 lower ponds took place at the lower end of the Estate. A wide variety of over 2,000 native plants, for wildlife and pollinators, are being planted as shown in the original Jens Jensen landscape design.
Future plans include restoration of the upper ponds. Re-establishing the spring head and rebuilding the upper water feature and pools will create a beautiful natural environment open to the community. We invite you to take a walk through the property and see for yourself the progress being made.
The Magnificent Mansion
Our community members are positive and passionate about their time at the Hauberg. We thought you’d like to hear from them directly.
QUOTE: “The Hauberg was absolutely perfect for us – lots of history and charm, and the setting was gorgeous. I highly recommend using the Hauberg for your wedding venue!” Anne
QUOTE: “The restoration is great.” Patrick
QUOTE: “We held an event here and we were so hugely impressed Staff was excellent and super helpful. Highly recommend!” Georgann
f you’re interested in holding your wedding, private or corporate event with us, please give us a call at: 309-373-5080.
An Historical Perspective
Every Friday afternoon at 1p.m. our wonderful volunteer docents conduct tours of the Mansion. Our guests enjoy learning about the history and architecture of the Estate. Here’s what they have to say:
QUOTE: “Neat place. Lots of interesting history too. Ask the Hauberg Estate manager.” Xavior gave us 5 Stars!
QUOTE: ”Love the history.” Kimberlee
QUOTE: “Beautiful home and knowledgeable docents.” Angela
Tours last about an hour and the cost is $10 per person. Children and students are free of charge. In addition to the Mansion, the Carriage House is now regularly included in the weekly tour. Watch for our special Behind the Scenes Tour and Garden Tours. You can find information on our Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/FriendsofHauberg, or website: www.haubergestate.org.
Upcoming Events
More Upcoming Events at the Hauberg
August 20th 7:00-10:00p.m. Tipsy Art
August 21st 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. Girl Scouts will be planting the perennial beds in the front of the mansion by the parking lot. Participants will earn a badge. (See FOHCC Facebook page for details.)
August 27th 6:00p.m.-9:00p.m. Tunes At the Tulip. Freddy Allen and Nervous Neal Smith. $5.00 at the door.
September 12th 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m. Fall Plant Sale, in the Carriage House.
September 23rd 9:00a.m.-2:00p.m. United Way Day of Caring. Working at the ponds.
October 2nd 1:00p.m.-10p.m. Oktoberfest with German American Heritage Center. Vintage Football Kickoff at 2:00p.m. 1:00-5:00p.m. free event for the whole family, yard games at the mansion. 5:00p.m. -10:00p.m., Live Music, Food, Games . Advanced Tickets on Eventbrite $10.00. $15.00 at the door. 12 and under Free.
October 22nd 7:00p.m.-10:00p.m. Halloween Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt.
November 5th 7:00-10:00p.m. Tipsy Art
Starting November 7th at noon and going through November 13th, we will start decorating the Mansion for Christmas.
December 5th 12:00-5:00p.m. Winter in Bloom
Become a Friend of Hauberg and be involved firsthand in the “Our Community” capital campaign. The campaign begins July 1, 2021 and will run through May 31, 2023,as we work toward the goal of $300,000.
You can support and donate in a number of ways. There is a Donate link on the website at: www.haubergestate.org. If you would prefer to donate via mail, you can send a check or credit card information to: Friends of Hauberg, 1300 24th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201. Please note Capital Campaign or Membership on your check.
While on a tour, our visitor Madison said, “Beautiful! Any donations clearly go to renovations and landscape.”
If you are interested in sponsorship of an individual terrace, or would like information about other sponsorship opportunities, you’re invited to contact our Executive Director directly. Call Deb Kuntzi at 309-373-5080 or email her at: Director@haubergetate.org.
Your tax deductible donation will help with the creation of a multi-dimensional gathering place, which will meet current and future needs for a safe and healthy environment for community enjoyment and celebration.
