Hauberg Estate Newsletter October – December 2021
Winter in Bloom Returns to the Hauberg
The Friends of Hauberg are please to announce the return of the Winter In Bloom festivities to the Hauberg Estate. The tradition returns on Sunday, December 5th, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., with activities throughout the day. The Open House is free and open to all. Briarwood Carriages are bringing back the carriage rides around Hauberg Park from 12 noon to 4 p.m. You won’t want to miss Santa from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the beautifully decorated Hauberg Mansion.
The kids always enjoy making crafts with the Rock Island Horticulture Club. And don’t forget to take a stroll over to the Carriage House for mimosas, hot chocolate and cookies. If still mandated, masks will be required inside the Mansion and Carriage House.
We are looking forward to welcoming the community back to the Hauberg following the lengthy pandemic restrictions. We’ve missed your visits and hope you mark your calendars and make sure you stop by to say hello on December 5th.
If you’d like to volunteer to help decorate for Winter In Bloom, we’d love to have you join us. Decorating will take place November 9thuntil November 19th, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Director’s Desk
Volunteers and Donors have been invaluable to the Hauberg Estate over the past year. They have worked tirelessly and contributed to the on-going development of the estate.
A big thank you to our Oktoberfest volunteers and the partnership with the German American Heritage Center. The event was such a success, we’re already planning for next year’s Oktoberfest to take place at the Hauberg on September 27th.
The Friends of Hauberg Annual Meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 17th, at 6:30p.m. in the Mansion. We will be updating the community on this past year’s progress, electing new board members and providing updates on the capital campaign.
Renewal letters will be going out for your Friends of Hauberg memberships. Memberships begin at $25.00 and information can be found on the website at: www.haubergestate.org.
Don’t forget to book your holiday party now! The holiday ambiance at the Hauberg is extraordinary and provides an environment your guests will long remember. Check out the venue rental information online at www.haubergestate.org or feel free to call me at 309-373-5080 for additional information, or to schedule a tour.
Thank you for your support and we hope to see you very soon.
Deb Kuntzi
Executive Director
Around the Gardens
The 10 acres of landscape and surrounding gardens require the involvement of many Volunteers and Donors to keep it in shape to receive visitors year-round. The careful organization of an effort of this size is necessary and volunteer botanists, ecologists and organic growers lend their skills in restoring the estate, along with local garden clubs, local student groups and community volunteers.
One volunteer we’d like to tell you about, is Steve Smith. About a year ago, Steve showed up at the Hauberg with his edger in-hand and offered his services. He began by edging the huge parking lot areas, moved to the front lawn and things just took off from there.
Steve is always eager to work on landscape projects to keep the Gardens in shape. He has donated hundreds of hours to these projects over the months. If you see Steve on your walks through the Estate let him know how much you’re enjoying the fruits of his work. We couldn’t have done it without you Steve. Thank you.
But, it’s not only Volunteers who have lent a hand. It’s Donors, private individuals, government entities and foundations. It has allowed us to make considerable restorations to the pond system. These restorations will greatly help the adjacent Broadway neighborhood with flooding problems. Over a thousand plants were returned to the lower pond and work is starting on the upper pond system. We are currently $2500 away from funding for full pond restoration.
The Magnificent Mansion
Makes Your Holiday Events Memorable
The Hauberg Mansion is impressively decorated and provides the perfect location for your holiday event. The historical details and layout of the Mansion lend an intimate feel to corporate events, family celebrations and receptions.
Arrangements may be made for rental of the entire Estate, Mansion, or the Carriage House. The Mansion can accommodate seating of 170 on the first and second floor. For a less formal venue, the Carriage House may be your perfect solution.
An Historical Perspective
The Baker Electric
As you may have noticed, the Hauberg carriage house has two separate sides: an auto house and a carriage house. Susanne had a Baker Electric motor vehicle. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the Baker started making electric cars in 1899. The gas-powered automobiles were difficult to start requiring priming and cranking of the engine. Electric cars required only a click of a switch, a twist of a lever and you were off and running. The cars were quiet and comfortable. Interiors could almost be described as plush. Advertising was directed towards women.
There was one drawback. The batteries wereveryheavy and needed to be changed and recharged. Fortunately,theHaubergshad Andrew Reitz in their employ. He took care of both theBaker Electricandthecarriageandhorses that were used in the early years for carriage rides.
Just a reminder, Friends of Hauberg Civic Center Foundation memberships are for the calendar year. If you haven’t renewed membership, or if you’d like to become a new Friend of Hauberg, you can do so at the annual meeting or online at www.haubergestate.org.
Also, to assist you with your end of year giving, letters will be going out this month. If you have any questions about your gifts or benefits, call 309-373-5080 or you’ll find additional information on our Friendship, and Donate pages on the website:www.haubergestate.org.
The Capital Campaign for the restoration of the Carriage House and Children’s Art Garden continues to grow. To learn how you can get involved, join us at the Annual Meeting on November 17th at 6.30p.m. If you’re unable to attend the meeting you can email us at: director@haubergestate.org or check on the website.
