The history of the Nauvoo Cheese Factory will be the theme of this year’s souvenir Grape Festival program. The Nauvoo Historical Society is seeking to interview people associated with this important, lengthy industry. Family members are welcome to participate. To schedule an interview, please call Debbie Callaghan at 217-219-1188.
Nauvoo’s First Presbyterian Church
The Nauvoo Historical Society has started a series of presentations on the history of the churches in our town. Last February, Father Tony Trosley spoke about the history of three Catholic pastors at St. Peter and Paul Church- Fathers Alleman, Reimbold, and Tholen-and their continuing influence in the Nauvoo community. In May, 2011, Kay Berry presented the history of Christ Lutheran Church and highlighted the changes in the styles of worship through the years. She also discussed the events and groups that provide fellowship opportunities for church members and shape the Nauvoo community.
The upcoming meeting on Thursday, February 23, 2012, will feature Mark Anderson, lay pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Nauvoo. He will discuss the role the church has played in the community for over a hundred years, and provide details of current activities that this congregation enjoys.
The meeting will be held at the Christ Lutheran Church, and it begins at 7pm. Come share in this informative time about another piece of Nauvoo’s 200-year rich history. Refreshments will be served after the meeting.
Black Fox Singers
The Black Fox Singers were on the drum, again, at this year’s Standing Bear Council Winter Gathering. Their precision is the result of years of practice and profound enjoyment in singing and working together. Jerry Baker emceed the event. The singing and dancing were breathtaking. About 20 tribes were represented this year, including Cherokee, Cheyenne, Ho-Chunk, Shawnee, and Sioux. Cheryl and Calvin Pherigo, and Tawnya Jones were there. Calvin and Tawnya are direct descendants of Chief Keokuk. It was good to see and talk with them. Check out the Standing Bear Council Facebook page, and watch for more entertaining and educational events.
Journey Stories
The Nauvoo Historical Society is pleased to participate in the Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit, “Journey Stories,” which is coming to Nauvoo September 29-November 10, 2012. Plans are underway to create a permanent exhibit that reflects all of Nauvoo’s rich history, and to develop and present three educational public programs. Volunteers are needed to help create the exhibit, plan and execute the programs, and staff the exhibit when it is here. This ia a once-in-a-lifetime to be involved in a Smithsonian Institution-sponsored event! Be a part of it!
American Indian Winter Gathering
The Standing Bear Council, a group of American Indians dedicated to preserving and promoting understanding of native culture, is hosting its Winter Gathering on January 21-22 at the Faith Family Church in Keokuk, Iowa. It promises to be another informative and educational time. Members of 20 tribes will be there, including Tawnya Jones, Chief Keokuk’s great-great-great granddaughter. Beautiful hand-crafted items will be available for purchase. The Nauvoo Historical Society appreciates the Council’s support as Grape Festival Pageant cast members during the important native scenes, and encourages local residents to participate in this important and entertaining gathering. See you there!
Andrew Burtin’s Piano
The Hopp and Kraft families, of Nauvoo, have graciously donated Andrew Burtin’s Brazilian rosewood piano, built between 1820-1840, to the Nauvoo Historical Society. Burtin was a farmer, grape grower, and widely-acknowledged vinter in the mid-late 1800′s. He also started a ferry service with the steam boat, the A. Burtin, that made it possible to receive mail on a daily basis, rather than three times weekly. Betty Hopp, daughter of the late Verona Kraft, and Andrew Burtin’s great-great-granddaughter, reported that he purchased it as a gift for his daughters, Addie and Alvina, and had it brought up the Mississippi River on a raft. This unique and beautiful piano has been moved from the Hopp home to the Nauvoo Tourism Office. Stop by and see this historic treasure!
Weld House Open House
The Weld House Museum, featuring 200 years of Nauvoo history, was the backdrop for an open house on December 2 and 3rd. David and Sal Candido added to the Christmas celebration by providing lovely seasonal music. David played the guitar, and Sal, the mandolin. The outdooor “Giving Tree” has been warmly received; people have enjoyed selecting ornaments from the tree that celebrate Nauvoo’s historic buildings, and honor Lillian Snyder’s contributions to the community. The Weld House is closed for the season, but interested persons can request tours by appointment by calling 217-219-1188 or 217-453-6590.
“Bootiful Nauvoo” a Success
As visitors to Nauvoo strolled Mulholland Street to view the brightly-lit, intricately-carved pumpkins, the Nauvoo Historical Society enjoyed another successful evening selling mouth-watering slices of pie, hot chocolate, cider, and coffee. Repeat-visitors from last year, and new guests, eagerly selected their pieces from an array of tempting varieties, including fruit, pumpkin, and cream pies. Nauvoo Historical Society members contributed 35 pies, and Dan Kraus’ rich hot chocolate was much enjoyed. Thank you to all who
worked so hard to make this another excellent fund-raising event!
Bootiful Nauvoo
The Nauvoo Historical Society will, once again, celebrate “Bootiful Nauvoo” by selling slices of pie, hot cider, coffee, and hot chocolate at our table on the lawn of historic Hotel Nauvoo. Stroll Mulholland Street, which will be lined with intricately-carved pumpkins, and stop for a visit! Books detailing Nauvoo’s rich 200-year history will also be available for purchase.
Join local residents, and visitors from the surrounding area for this memorable event on Saturday October 29th, 5pm. Local history books will be available for a goodwill donation.
Hope to see you there!