Nauvoo’s Christ Lutheran Church hosted its seventh annual St. Patrick’s Day corned beef and cabbage dinner last Saturday. An excellent meal, complete with a tantalizing array of desserts, was enjoyed by all. “Locals” and people from nearby towns, gathered to “catch up” with each other, and lingered long after their meals were consumed. Two weeks ago, the Nauvoo United Methodist Church held its annual turkey pot pie dinner-another outstanding meal. Sts. Peter and Paul Church’s annual God’s Portion Day dinner, in November, is also eagerly anticipated. Nauvoo’s churches are known for their excellent meals. Times of fellowship are thoughtfully crafted with delicious food and colorful decorations. Memory-making opportunities abound, and they linger long after the last guest has left, the kitchens are clean, and the lights are turned off. Church-supper memories are a long-standing part of Nauvoo’s heritage. The Nauvoo Historical Society commends our churches and those who faithfully continue such important community traditions.
Hotel Nauvoo
The buffet line at Hotel Nauvoo will be bustling, once again, as the hotel re-opens for the season tonight. Those of use who have savored the delectables offered in the nationally-famous buffet line eagerly anticipate this Spring-time ritual. Nothing compares to the tantalizing aroma of fried chicken wafting from the hotel down Mulholland Street! The cinnamon rolls are “second to none!”
John Andrew Kraus arrived in Nauvoo in 1912 in response to an ad for a cigar maker. In time, his business acumen led him to establish other enterprises, including Grandpa John’s Cafe, and the Hotel Nauvoo. Kraus purchased the Oriental Hotel in 1946, and, after extensive renovation, it was re-opened as the Hotel Nauvoo in 1948.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of this astute gentleman’s first venture in Nauvoo. The Nauvoo Historical Society would like to join local residents,and those in the Tri-State area, in celebrating the Kraus family’s enduring contributions to the community. The legacy of excellence continues!
What is a Heritage?
The online Free Dictionary states that heritage includes “anything that has been trasmitted from the past or handed down by tradition.” It encompasses “evidence of the past, such as historical sites, buildings, and the unspoilt natural environment, considered collectively as the inheritance of present-day society.”
The Nauvoo Historical Society’s mission is to preserve and promote the town’s rich multi-cultural heritage. We are proud of our two non-profit museums, the Rheinberger House in the state park, and the Weld House on Mulholland Street. Both of these gracious, historical buildings priovide evidence of a long timeline with a history spanning over 200 years. Each artifact and photo was donated by residents of Nauvoo and the surrounding area. Like the well-loved “Velveteen Rabbit,” the artifacts that the museums hold are worn; they are scratched and chipped, signs of use and involvement in the lives of the families they represent. In addition to our lovely museums, we savor the tranquil beauty of our “unspoilt” state park, where the Rheinberger is located. The museums and park are truly a treasured inheritance which we are pleased to share with local residents and visitors alike.
Weld House Visitors
Lt. Col. Leroy Baxter and his sister, Karen, the children of Margaret and Jean Baxter, and grandchildren of Miles Baxter, visited the Weld House Museum, in Nauvoo, this past Saturday. They viewed the Baxter-Snyder Icarian Room with their spouses, Shirley and Harry, and cousin, Bob Baxter.
Miles was the son of Emil J. Baxter and his wife, Eugenie (Dadant) Baxter. His grandparents were Annette (Powell) and Emile Baxter. Emile Baxter founded Baxter’s Winery, Illinois’ oldest bonded winery, in 1857.
Emil J. Baxter became well-respected in the field of bee culture and honeycomb manufacture. His other children were Bayard, Florence, and Alice.
Icarian history comes alive when viewing the lovely furniture and other artifacts in the Icarian Room. The Nauvoo Historical Society is pleased to share local heritage, with local residents and visitors, alike; the Rheinberger and Weld House Museums will be open to the public May 15 – November 10, 2012. The museums are usually open only through October 15th, but the Smithsonian exhibit, “Journey Stories,” is coming to town-September 29th – November 10th. Visitors will be able to view the “Journey Stories” exhibit and then come to the Weld House to learn about the Nauvoo-history timeline, which spans over 200 years! Come be a part of it!
“Nauvoo” by Emile Vallet
“Nauvoo,” an original oil painting by Icarian Emile Vallet, has been restored, and will be available for viewing at the Weld House Museum, 1380 Mulholland Street, Nauvoo. Art conservator, Bob Norman, was on hand at the Nauvoo Historical Society membership meeting last Thursday evening to discuss the steps he took in restoring this historic painting. It depicts Nauvoo around 1875, and features several known historical sites, including Sts. Peter and Paul Church and the Old Nauvoo House. The temporary coffer dam is featured in the foreground. The Weld House will be open for the season on May 15th. Until then tours are available by appointment by calling Debbie Callaghan at 217-219-1188. Take some time to view this unique piece of Nauvoo’s heritage.
Nauvoo Cheese Factory
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!