Allamakee County Historical Preservation Committee holds meeting

The Allamakee County Historical Preservation Committee met in an open meeting Saturday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. at the Kerndt Brothers Community Center in Lansing.
Present were Karen Galema, Jean Huffey, Kurt Rathbun, Marlys Leiran and co-chairpersons Gloria Jackson and Lois Wiedenmann, representing Lansing, Waterville, Harpers Ferry, and Waukon. Absent were Betty Zarwell of Lansing and Betty Helgerson of Postville.
The meeting opened with coffeetime and introductions. Information about this group and its purposes was read by the chairman. A resolution by the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors had established an Historic Preservation Commission providing for the recognition and promotion of historical sites and defining the duties of the commission.
Much important work has been accomplished by the dedicated members through the year. A total of 272 historical sites have been identified, and during the sesquicentennial year, 142 historical sites were marked with signs. A study of bridges of the county was done in depth, much other study was completed, and grants were applied for.
The committee's purpose was read as follows: to promote educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare of the public through recognition, enhancement, and perpetuation of sites and districts of historical and cultural significance; to foster pride in the legacy of beauty and enhancement of the past; to promote use of sites and districts of historical and cultural significance for the education, pleasure, and welfare of the people of the county.
Members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors, and presently there are openings available. Members should demonstrate a positive interest in historic preservation. Articles and pictures of historic sites from local residents would be welcome. Contact numbers to call are 563-568-3601 or 563-568-2788.
Kurt Rathbun showed his books on historic Waterville pictures and on old postcards.
Jean Huffey discussed her family's restoration project. A house on their property was discovered to be two log homes that had been enclosed as one, with a seven foot hallway between them. She plans to apply for recognition to the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance in Washington. She shared the pictures of before and after, and the progress of the work.
The yearly report was discussed and will be completed, and sent to the county and state entities. The goals of the certified local government were reviewed and discussion followed about possible projects for the commission in 2005. Grant applications for historic ventures are to be submitted through this CLG.
Cassette tape recordings of senior citizens has been started. Some ideas were tours to historical sites, hosting a History Fair at local schools, and newspaper articles about places of significance.
The next meeting of this group is scheduled for Tuesday, March 29 at 7 p.m. at 408 Third Ave. NE in Waukon. Interested persons are invited to attend. Notices of the open meetings will be published in the newspaper.

Submitted by
Lois Wiedenmann
Acting Secretary