|
|
The Bention House Newsletter - Spring 2010
Review of End of the’09 Year Activities
Just before Thanksgiving the Association held its annual Christmas Ba-zaar at Benton House. The first floor was occupied mainly with Arti-sans and Book Dealers who were there to display and sell their wares. In the kitchen, restroom and the upstairs were slightly used Christmas items for sale. Members of the Boards of both Landmarks and the Association were on hand to help. A great day earned the House more than a thou-sand dollars. Thanks to Ann Shaver whose idea it was and who chaired the event. In December Benton House participated in Irvington’s Annual Luminaria by having the home open for the evening. A crowd of nearly 100 came and many stayed not only for the refreshments but also for the entertainment by the well known “Gerry Gray and Friends,” who played Christmas Carols on “folk” instruments. Gerry has been entertaining at the Benton House for over 30 years. Thanks to her and to Colin Hudson who put out the luminaries for the evening.
Irvington Cooks
The Association publication of “Irvington Cooks” sold out its first printing by last summer. A second printing was ordered and arrived in time to offer them at the Hallow-een Festival. The cook books( $10.) featuring many recipes of Irvington’s finest cooks have been selling well. A third printing is not anticipated; so if you have not gotten yours as yet it, call Rose Mary Clarke at 356-8692
Our Loss
Recently Landmarks and the Association lost two long time friends and supporters of Benton House. In late December Dortha Booe passed at 101. A graduate of Shortridge High School and a member of the last class of Butler University when it was located in Irvington, she was a founding member of Irvington Historic Landmarks Foundation and the Benton House Association. A number of memorial gifts have been received in her name. Recognition of those will be placed on the wall of honor at the house.In January James Kiefner lost his battle with cancer at age 61. Be-fore retirement he had been Executive Vice-President of Indianapolis Water Co. Some years ago Jim turned over some stock in the com-pany to be used for Benton House. That remains as a hedge against some disaster which might occur. Though in recent years he had lived in Elizabethtown, he still had ties to the Irvington Community. Jim served as Treasurer of Irvington Historic Landmarks Foundation for 24 years and was instrumental in the last renovation of the Benton House kitchen and library.
Confused?!?
People ask all the time how our two organizations operate with regards to Benton House. Well here it is! In the late 1960’s the Benton House (not called that at the time) came on the market. Recognizing that a number of fine older homes had been demolished and others had fallen on hard times, members of the Irvington Union of Clubs and Irvington Historical Society decided to save this structure. A new organization was formed as a non-profit group to take ownership. Thus Irvington Historic Landmarks Foundation, Inc. became the owner of the property. The Foundation consists of a self-perpetuating Board of Directors. Once the job of restoration and renovation was complete the Benton House Association was formed. It is a membership organization. It has officers, directors and a board who are elected by the members at the annual business meeting. It is responsible for the day- to-day management and support of the House as well as House use and activities. Landmarks is a 501c3 non-profit which aids the Associa-tion and as owner is responsible for the expenditure of all funds. Land-marks is ultimately responsible for the care, direction and program-ming of the House. In addition to the Benton House, Landmarks also owns the Kile Oak property on Beechwood Ave. and is responsible for the care of the tree and the upkeep of the property. The Garden Club has been invaluable as a partner for the last decade in this regard. Still confused? Come join us and see how it all works.
Are You A Member?
Enclosed with this letter you will find an Association membership card. If it has a small heart on it that means you are currently a member in good standing. If not then according to our records your membership dues are due. Please use the enclosed slip including your e-mail address if you have one so that we can bring our records up to date. Make checks or money orders out to Irvington Historic Landmarks Foundation, Inc. and mail to 312 S. Downey, Indianapolis, IN 46219. Of course we can all make mistakes. So, if you know you’re up to date please call 356-8692 and indicate that that is the case. We’ll go back and check again.
Landmarks Sponsors Crime Watch meeting
Recently, Ann Shaver, President of Irvington Historic Landmarks Foundation and others have formed a Crime Watch organization for the area around Benton House. The group met at the House in January to develop plans and will continue to make Benton House its home. Contact Ann Shaver at 277-1105 for more information.
Landmarks and Oasis
Jack Eichacker, Director of Education for Landmarks and the Asso-ciation announced recently that there will be more sponsored educa-tional programs at Benton House in conjunction with Oasis. The first, “Recalling the 60s” is scheduled for March 11. Interested? Call Jack at 351-8072 . Or watch our website, thebentonhouse.org for more information.
Thebentonhouse.org
Our website experienced some difficulties late last fall but is back up and running. There may still be a little hesitation when you hit certain buttons but in general you should have no trouble. You can go through the www etc. or using your search engine simply type in what is above and it should take you right there. Problems? Call Linda Hudson at 353-1210
Here’s an Idea!
The Benton House can easily accommodate up to 50 people for a wed-ding, shower, party, retreat, reception or what have you. And with little expense! Got an event planned that you don’t want to do it in your own home? Try Benton House, 312 S. Downey Avenue in the Heart of Irvington. Call Linda Hudson for details. 353-1210
Co-Chairs Volunteer for Tour Of Homes
Jack and Mary Jane Teeters- Eichacker have volunteered to chair this year’s Irvington’s Benton House Tour of Homes. This activity which is said to be the oldest of its kind is the biggest fund-raiser of the year for the Benton House and as such it is also the most complicated. From the selection of homes (going on now) to the publicity to the search for donations to the writing of brochures to the printing of tickets to the arrangement for the pre –tour reception – it’s a big job. Many thanks to Jack and Mary Jane for their agreeing to take on this task. Check out our website for information and updates. If you are interested in helping out or you have a house that you think might qualify or you have a neighbor who you think might be interested call Jack or Mary Jane at 351-8072.
Wayne Kimmell Art
Word reached us recently that the Benton House was the recipient of $600 from the Irvington Community Council from its auction of Wayne Kimmell’s original art for the 2009 Halloween poster. Many thanks to all involved. The money is welcome and needed and will be well spent!
Is It Serious?
Landmarks President, Ann Shaver, appointed a committee in January to look into a potentially serious problem. In a recent Security Home Inspection visit it was noted that there was a separation in the founda-tion below the front (east room) fireplace. He felt it might be a tilting of the chimney. He was not aware that some time ago an explosion on Ritter Avenue affected other buildings in the area and it might have been that. An inspection some time ago did not note this separation. The committee headed by Joe Hammond will get experts to investi-gate to see the cause and seriousness of the problem. Hopefully it will just need some tuck pointing. More news on this as we get it.
Changing of the Guard
Steve Nicewanger, Association President, notified the Board in De-cember that he could not continue in the position after the first of the year. We are sorry that Steve could not and hope he will stay with us on the Board. Thanks, Steve, for all your effort in 2009. William Clarke was selected to serve as President to replace Steve. Bill is immediate past President of Irvington Historic Landmarks Foundation and as such has a sound understanding of the needs of the organization. We also got word that Judy Flowers had resigned from the Board due to other commitments. She has been a valuable volunteer and her counsel will be missed.
Thanks for The Help!
The Garfield Park Master Gardener Association recently contributed $300 to Irvington Historic Landmarks Foundation to be used to repair the fence at the Kile Oak property, at 5839 Beechwood Ave. which was damaged this fall. In accept-ing the donation Ann Shaver, President of the Foundation said, “We wish to thank the GPMG for this grant. The Kile Oak is one of nature’s gifts to us, reminding us that some living things endure through many generations. “ The Kile Oak which has been estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old is the property of the Foundation. Those wishing to help care for the property should contact Ed Myers at 503-6139. Ed is past President of the Garden Club in Irvington which has partnered with the Foundation for the last ten years. Ed was responsible for getting the property registered as a “Wildlife Habitat.”
Start Saving Books for The Book Sale
According to Rose Mary Clarke, Chairman of the 2010 Book Sale to be held in August, we’ll start collecting books in April. Details will be pro-vided later. We shall not accept encyclopedias! If you have questions or can help with the huge-but-fun job of sorting, call Rose Mary at 356-8692
Members, Friends and Potential Volunteers
March is the month that the Benton House Association is inviting the public as well as volunteers and friends of the Benton House to breakfast as a thank you to those who have helped in the past and to those who have never been there. Come see us on Saturday, April 24 from 10:00 to noon. No charge! Casual. The Benton House at 312 S. Downey is available to be used by the public at a competitive price. Brides take note; Come take a look on the 24th. Benton House is a lovely setting for weddings or wedding events. Come see! |
|
|
