Hauberg Estate Newsletter for October - December 2020
Local Union 25 Make A Big Difference at the Hauberg Estate
The apprenticeship program at Local Union 25 Plumbers and Pipefitters recently made some much-needed updates to the Carriage House. Working on mostly original 1910 plumbing can be a challenge. Undaunted, the apprentices, under the guidance of plumbing instructor Craig Buckwalter and business agent, Bill Allison, used their expertise and rose to the challenge.
The bulk of the work was done in the Carriage House and included: replacement of exterior wall faucets; new pipes for the educational classroom hand sink; re-plumbed the car wash station; re-plumbed the horse trough in the stable; re-plumbed the soapstone sink in the upstairs apartment laundry and re-plumbed the original bathroom in the upstairs apartment, including the toilet, lavatory and cast-iron tub.
According to Todd Linscott, chairman of the Friends of Hauberg board of directors, “Once renovations are completed, the Carriage House will provide us with a multitude of opportunities to provide even more community programs and rental spaces.” The downstairs space will feature an educational classroom, be ideal for event rentals and will include a gift shop. Upstairs, the three-bedroom apartment will be available for business or long-term rental.
It is only through partnerships like this one between Local Union 25 Plumbers and Pipefitters working with the Hauberg Estate that we are able to restore the estate to its original beauty and build sustainability. “The work done by Local Union 25 is critical to our ability to develop the Carriage House and programs for the community. It’s not only appreciated, it’s invaluable,” said Deb Kuntzi, Executive Director.
The Director’s Desk
Dear Friends,
As Spring turned to Summer and now has turned to Fall, we’re still facing challenging times with the global Coronavirus pandemic affecting our families, our businesses, our communities and our way of life. We do hope this newsletter finds you in good health and spirits.
More than ever, we are so grateful for the community that has funded, volunteered, celebrated and advocated for the Hauberg Estate through the years. When everything feels uncertain, we find comfort and encouragement, knowing you care about our community treasure. While much of the world has stopped, we are still working on projects and securing the estate’s future. With the challenges related to canceled events, we are working hard to make smart choices and delaying expenses. As you know, most of our operational revenue comes from events held at the Hauberg.
We have become very good at learning and complying with the Illinois and CDC requirements. We can have some small events and recently held a beautiful (health and safety compliant) wedding reception in a large tent on the front lawn. Please give me a call if you’d like to discuss how to navigate your event in these difficult situations.
In the meantime, if you can make a donation to Friends of Hauberg Civic Center, or you would like to become a member, please call (309) 373-5080, or go to our website: www.haubergestate.org.
Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting the Hauberg Estate.
Deb Kuntzi
Around the Garden
The “Eddy Awards” given annually by the River Action organization, recognized the Hauberg Gardens and Deb Kuntzi with their 2020 award for Revitalization. River Action acknowledges those who act as an eddy – “going against the current” to accomplish excellence in the community in areas of art, design, revitalization, river activity, education and stewardship.
Friends of Hauberg board chairman Todd Linscott said, “For 20 years River Action has been recognizing community organizations for working hard to create a stronger more vibrant Quad Cities. We are honored to be the recipient of the 2020 Revitalization award.”
The River Action committee stated, “As you walk through Hauberg Gardens, there is a sense of history in the trees, house and prairie plantings. It can’t be seen all in one visit. It is a grand public space rich with bands of trees, flowers and gravel paths. A major contribution to Rock Island’s open space, its scale, theme and quality have established it as an important landmark.”
The Magnificent Mansion
People ask if we’ve been bored since the pandemic. The resounding answer is no. There’s always something to be done at the Hauberg Estate. With health and safety rules in place, and enforced, we have learned to navigate into our “new normal.”
We created a popular Scavenger Hunt through the gardens. Check out our website at www.haubergestate.org or get a scavenger hunt sheet from the box on the front porch.
We held a Native Plant sale in the Carriage House. Good community participation and promotion of native plants like those famous landscape architect Jens Jensen used in developing the Hauberg Gardens. You can learn more about Jens Jensen on our website: www.haubergestate.org.
The original wood floors were refinished and sealed. They’re beautiful and ready for visitors.
Spring/Summer planting was done and recently the Fall planting was also completed. While the Hauberg family employed gardeners and groundskeepers, the Gardens are now maintained by volunteers and through a partnership with the City of Rock Island. Volunteers can always stop in and get involved.
In addition to major kitchen renovations, the Carriage House windows are being refinished and receiving new glass. If you’d like to volunteer with this project, please give us a call at (309) 373-5080. Supplies and safe distancing practices are in place.
As Derecho hit our community, we were also hit hard. It felled more than 15 trees and lots of hard-working volunteers helped clear the paths. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in keeping the gardens cleared and safe for us all to enjoy throughout the year.
The Girl Scouts held an enrollment event and another popular Native Plant sale took place this time outside.
The weekly tours have been sorely missed by our visitors. Not wanting to disappoint, our dedicated docents created an interesting “exterior” architectural tour. Small, private tours of the Mansion can now also be scheduled by calling and making an appointment at (309) 373-5080.
Tipsy Art was able to come back to the mansion as soon as guidelines allowed. And, we held a virtual Tunes at the Tulip concert featuring Freddy Allen. Now we’re continuing the music with “Freddy and Friends.” Please watch our Facebook page, Friends of Hauberg Civic Center, for these and other events.
So you see, we’re still here for you. Even in tough times. We hope getting involved or taking in an event or activity will help you to not feel so isolated. We will get through this together.
Tours Replace Winter in Bloom
We are disappointed to announce this year’s “Winter in Bloom” event is canceled due to the health and safety rules imposed by the coronavirus. So, we are reinventing a holiday event for the community. In its place, a tour of the Mansion’s first floor will take place by appointment only. You’ll be able to enjoy the beautifully decorated Mansion and take holiday photos.
Please watch our Facebook page, Friends of Hauberg Civic Center, and our website www.haubergestate.org for dates, times and other details.
An Historical Perspective: Hauberg Christmas Cards
Christmas cards were an important tradition in the Hauberg household. They sent cards to friends and relatives locally and around the world. This card was sent in 1942, the year that Susanne died. Due to the age of the card, some of the wording is hard to read. At the top, Season’s Greetings; under Susanne’s picture, In memory of one who fought the good fight, finished the course and kept the faith. John H. Hauberg.
Another holiday tradition was the annual scrapbook. During the year John and the children, Catherine & Johnny, would collect pictures and items from school, travel, and special events. All would be arranged into a scrapbook and given to Susanne for Christmas. Many of the scrapbooks are in the Hauberg archives at Augustana Special Collections.
Friends of Hauberg Annual Meeting
The Friends of Hauberg Civic Center Foundation will be holding a virtual Annual Meeting on November 18, 2020, at 7 pm. Details and a link for the board of directors ballot and login information will be available on our website: www.haubergestate.org and on our Facebook page, Friends of Hauberg Civic Center.
Invite a Friend Challenge
We here at Hauberg can only achieve our vision with the support of you, the Friends of Hauberg. Your friendship provides the resources needed to complete countless ongoing restoration projects. Having your support builds up our community and brings us all together. We want to grow our impact and the only way to accomplish more is with more Friends. I am happy to announce the Invite a Friend Challenge. Now through the end of January, we will keep track of any new friends who were recommended by you and those of you who invite the most friends will be rewarded with prizes. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for some resources to help you share our vision for Hauberg and the benefits of being a Friend of Hauberg. Thank you for all of your support.
Eric Sommers
Friendship Committee Chair
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