Miller Trust funds go to Turner Hall

By Hillary Dickerson, Editor
Courtesy of Galena Gazette

GALENA–The work on Turner Hall continues.

On Thursday, Dec. 1, the Galena Foundation, which is working with the city of Galena to complete projects at the historic structure on Bench Street, received the annual grant payment from the Joseph Miller Charitable Trust.

Attending the check presentation from the Joe Miller Trust to the Galena Foundation for phase two of the Turner Hall project are, from left: Beth Baranski, Charles Fach, Ken Robb, Adam Johnson, Charles Marsden, Libby Miller, Kay Fitzsimons, Mark Moran, Jeremy White, Janelle Keeffer, Craig Albaugh and Gavin Doyle. Hillary Dickerson photo

This year’s grant, for $33,971, will be used to help fund phase two projects, many of which have already been completed.

Phase two projects include lighting control upgrade, interior lighting fixture restoration, rear stage wall reconstruction, exterior balcony painting, exterior cleaning, restroom updates, kitchen rewiring, tuckpointing and sealing, interior painting, new stage floor, complete refinishing and painting of interior and several more.

According to Kay Fitzsimons, wealth advisor for Illinois Bank & Trust, which oversees the Miller Trust, the first grant was issued in 2009, the year after Miller, a lifelong Galena resident, died at age 79.

Since that time, the trust has granted $231,034.81 “for civic improvements, historical preservation, interpretation and enhancements and cultural development in the city of Galena with an emphasis on tangible works and improvement projects.”

Some of the projects for which Miller funds have been used, in addition to the Turner Hall project, include restoration of the Old Train Depot, renovations to the Galena & U.S. Grant Museum, Galena ARC chimney restoration, old high school steps signage, Galena Public Library exterior repair and maintenance, Galena Historic District survey, renovation of the Old Market House State Historic Site and renovation of the Hess farm house on Ferry Landing Road.

City officials point to the work already completed as being a tremendous boon in drawing people and events to the city-owned facility.

Janelle Keeffer, city facilities manager, reported that in 2015, 23 events were held at Turner Hall with the hall booked for 92 days, drawing revenue of $9,265.

In 2016, the numbers climbed to 27 events, 133 days booked and revenue of $24,255.

And in 2017, the numbers go up again with 51 events, 156 days booked and projected revenue of $39,075.

“Turner Hall continues to be a building that represents and celebrates community. Our events are diverse and the rental structure helps provide an affordable option for a variety of different uses–by our school, theater groups, concerts, dances, the Winter Marketplace, health fairs, elections, Boy Scouts and private events such as weddings and receptions,” said Keeffer. “Our building enhancements are focused on improving energy efficiency as well as overall functionality and aesthetics. Our improvements are not only generating more rentals, but also decreasing expenditures on cost of operation.”

Hunter Fuerste concert at Turner Hall for the Galena Foundation in its 10th year

By Hillary Dickerson, Editor
Courtesy of Galena Gazette

GALENA–“There’s something about Galena,” said Dr. Hunter Fuerste, the Dubuque, Iowa-ophthalmologist, who will lead his vintage orchestra in concert Saturday, June 18 at Turner Hall in Galena.

The concert, from 6 to 8 p.m., is hosted by the Galena Foundation and made possible by the generosity of a number of local table sponsors.

Performing in Galena at Turner Hall is one of Fuerste and his band’s favorite events of the year.

“I wouldn’t miss that for anything,” he noted, speaking specifically of the friendly people who attend and really seem to thoroughly enjoy the music as they sit in the historic building on Bench Street.

The band presents an authentic recreation of the big band era, the music of 1935 to 1945. The evening features recreations of the original hits of Glenn Miller, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Count Basie and others. In addition to a 14-piece big band, the program features singers, dancers and a special tight harmony vocal group, The Penthouse Serenaders.

Fuerste is constantly trying new music as he works to recreate the sounds of a bygone era. Pre-show, he worries and frets over what the response will be.

In Galena, his worry is always for not as the audience always responds positively, some even rising from their seats to dance and enjoy an evening out. He appreciates the enthusiasm, as do members of his band.

“Is there any better way to spend a Saturday night,” said Fuerste, noting in the age of electronics, a live concert really can’t be beat for the interaction and warmth a concert elicits. “There’s something fun about it.”

Fuerste and his orchestra members are grateful for the opportunity to perform in Galena and look forward each year to working with Galena Foundation officials and volunteers to pull off a successful concert. Many of those individuals, including Scott Lawlor and Tracy Furlong, have become friends through the years.

“I’m really thankful for that,” Fuerste continued.

Looking back over the past decade of concerts, Lawlor is also pleased with the response from the community to the concerts.

Lawlor remembers that first year, 2007, the 25th anniversary of the foundation, when the board–David Eaton, Lawlor, Libby Miller, Donna Wilmarth, Terry Cole, John Cox, Duane Grenier, Joel Holland and Pat Smith–wanted to host an event to raise community awareness about the work of the foundation.

The first concert, held in June 2007 at Grant Park, near the newly renovated fountain, was just what the foundation wanted it to be, a perfect way to make people in the community aware of the work of the foundation as they enjoyed a world class concert.

“It was a group effort,” said Lawlor, who is no longer on the foundation board but offers his time to help at the concert. He believes the foundation is one of the greatest community groups the city has as it leads and supports restoration and preservation efforts and offers grants to organizations whose efforts align with the foundation’s mission. “We all worked hard to put that first concert on.”

The first year was such a success that the board agreed to make the concert an annual event. Eventually, though, because of weather concerns, the venue became Turner Hall.

And now that the foundation is working in partnership with the city to restore Turner Hall, Lawlor said, it really is a perfect location. The concert draws the community into the building and allows them to see the work that has been done and the plans for the future.

The 250 to 300 people who typically attend the concert can give to the cause and help with the foundation’s mission. Table sponsors pay for the concert and have since the very beginning, Lawlor explained. The event really helps get the entire community behind the work of the foundation.

It’s a concert for all ages, Lawlor noted.

While those in the older generations remember the music of the big band era, the bands they listened to at local dance halls, younger people are just as interested.

Fuerste and his orchestra are fun and engaging and make sure the evening is entertaining.

Foundation ends year on positive note with assets of $933,875

Courtesy of Galena Gazette.

The Galena Foundation ended its fiscal year on Dec. 31 on solid financial footings. The organization listed assets of $933,875.

The foundation ended the year with $161,026 in its general fund and $564,167 in its permanent endowment. Other special funds include the train depot fund, $2,223; fountain project, $7,588; Grant Park cannon, $3,100; public stairs fund, $3,122; David J. Dodds Fund, $472,596; Margaret Gardner Award, $28,257; JJ O’Bel Trust, $55,164.

Marsden also noted that the Joe Miller Trust, which is not part of the foundation’s asset base, but which is used to fund projects has been a great success. He noted that the trust’s value in 2008 was $450,146 and today has a value of $550,000. Since 2009, $197,000 has been spent from the trust to support projects.

In 2016, $30,000 from the trust will be used as part of a $200,000 long-term commitment to Turner Hall.

Maintenance and Improvements at Grant Park

By Hillary Dickerson, Editor
Courtesy of Galena Gazette

GALENA–The plan is for Grant Park to get a bit of an update, and members of the Galena City Council appear ready to work with the Galena Foundation to make that happen.

During the Monday, April 11 city council meeting, the council unanimously initiated a project as part of the Grant Park Maintenance and Improvement Plan with the Galena Foundation.

As part of the discussion on the matter, council member Robert Hahn praised the foundation for all the work it does for the city. He felt assured that any project the foundation was involved in would be successful.

Council member Jerry Westemeier, while in agreement with Hahn on the foundation’s track record, was uncertain about funding the work since nothing was included in the 2016-17 budget for a match.

City Administrator Mark Moran explained the plan for this coming year is to get a plan in place and estimates on the work to see how much the city’s match will be.

Mayor Terry Renner pointed out that while funding is a concern, there were no costs associated with initiating the work. Projects would come back before the council as the process moves forward. Renner suggested it might be a good idea to move forward in phases, much like the work at Turner Hall, another city and foundation project, is being handled.

Charles Marsden and Ken Robb, representing the Galena Foundation, were in the audience.

During public comments, Marsden spoke about the recent tree survey the foundation funded which indicated there are 90 trees at the park, 35 of those in need of trim work, 15 removal and 15 more in need of other work.

Later in the meeting Marsden clarified that the foundation paid for the survey done by Mississippi Valley Tree Service on the trees in the fall of 2015.

Renner reminded everyone that when the city is involved and tax dollars used to fund work, the projects will need to be bid out. Marsden assured Renner that was the intention.

Marsden also emphasized the foundation has a number of funds applicable to Grant Park–the foundation and cannon funds, for example–that it plans to use for future maintenance and improvements. He is interested in working with Moran to develop a plan so that can happen.

“I think it’s a good plan working ahead,” said Renner.

Moran has broken the Grant Park projects into short term and long term efforts.

 “Like Turner Hall we have to start out with the rough work and the work needed to stabilize the park before we can get into the really substantial improvements,” the outline in the council packet explained.

Galena Foundation elects officers

The Galena Foundation honored retiring director Joe Nack, elected Dan Kelly to the board and approved these officers: Charlie Marsden, president; Beth Baranski, vice president; Jamie Loso, secretary; and David Wilmarth, treasurer.

Galena Foundation honors Daryl Watson

Courtesy of Galena Gazette.

GALENA–In July 1978, fresh out of graduate school at the University of Illinois, Daryl Watson enrolled at the University of Galena. The rest is history, as the saying goes.

This past week, The Galena Foundation honored Watson for his community historic preservation work, presenting him with the Frank Einsweiler Award for historic preservation at its annual meeting on Wednesday, March 23 at Fried Green Tomatoes.

With typical Daryl Watson modesty, he quickly deflected the attention, “I wasn’t expecting it. I think there are a number of others more deserving. . .I am very appreciative,” he says.

Watson says he “loves” the idea of the award to honor citizens for their historic preservation efforts. And, it was especially important to him that there were so many people he’s known through the years in attendance.

“It was a great evening,” he said.

It seems especially fitting for Watson to receive an award named after a man who was elected Galena mayor four times and who made an indelible mark on the community. Einsweiler made an indelible mark upon Watson. He hired Watson, fresh out of graduate school, to serve as the city’s administrative assistant.

Since the late 1950s–when Einsweiler convinced community leaders to invite a University of Illinois team to Galena to study the city’s economic development potential–Einsweiler kept in touch with one of the professors, Fred Foster.

Through Foster, Einsweiler learned that Watson, who was thinking of a career in teaching, was finishing his doctorate. Watson says he graduated from UI and enrolled in the University of Galena. “Frank Einsweiler was the chancellor,” Watson chuckles.

Watson admits he did receive quite an education from Einsweiler. The mayor, born into a long-time Galena family in 1905, attended school here and then business school in Rockford before working at and managing a lumber yard in Freeport.

He came back in 1941 to purchase a lumber yard and threw his efforts behind flood control in the community. Later he started a construction company which built a number of area schools and dormitories at the University of Illinois.

“Frank had a tremendous knowledge of buildings from the bottom up. He knew what he was talking about. Sometimes he would sit down with a person and draw up plans. That was unique. And, he was really good at crunching numbers and knowing what would work.”

The course work at the University of Galena required Watson to wear a number of hats. “We were constantly working on something different,” he recalls. “I jumped right in. Frank was a strong mayor in every sense of the word. He delegated responsibility to me in ways he saw fit.

“That’s life outside the academic environment and I learned a lot of stuff. Being able to work with historic buildings, planning and preservation. . .was a huge plus.”

One of Watson’s big projects involved helping Einsweiler obtain grants for the restoration of the Coatsworth Building. “It took four grant applications before we had a successful one. Frank was the chief author.”

The pair also teamed up to write a grant for the pedestrian bridge connecting downtown to Grant Park. “Frank always had to look through the federal registry,” he said. One of those perusals came up with a gem: highway grant funding was available for amenities.

“We stayed up until 11:30 p.m., one night to get the grant done,” Watson notes. They submitted the grant application to the Illinois Department of Transportation office in Dixon. They didn’t know anything about such a grant so they called the Springfield headquarters. Springfield staff in turn called the United States Department of Transportation n Washington, D.C.

“We were the first in the area to get that type of money,” he noted. “Ultimately that has led to walking paths and better maintenance to the dike.”

Watson is especially appreciative of Einsweiler’s vision, which is part of his legacy. “Frank saw historic preservation as a way to improve economic prosperity in Galena. What does Galena have that no one else has? It was our tourism and architecture.”

Watson’s tenure with the city lasted six years. But, he didn’t stay away for long. In April 1987, Einsweiler asked him to work in Galena again, this time for a badly divided Galena Historical Society. Watson took over the reins with a new board and by the end of the year had nearly wiped out the museum’s $30,000 indebtedness. He also fondly recalls his “best achievement” during the 18 years he spent with the museum: writing a grant and working with city hall to move the blacksmith shop to its current location and then operate the facility as part of the museum’s programming.

“That worked out well and is now self-supporting. It’s a great visitor attraction,” he said.

Since then, Watson has taught part-time at Highland Community College and speaks to the Jo Daviess County Leadership Forum participants.

Through the years, Watson has worked with many organizations and activities including The Galena Foundation, city, Turner Hall. He helped with the interpretive signs on the levee, restoration of the cannons at Grant Park as well as attending numerous meeting about parking and wayfinding.

Charlie Marsden, Foundation president, notes that Watson is a very deserving recipient of the award. He noted, “Daryl is one of those gems of our community. A humble person who has excelled at whatever he set out to do. When asked to lead Galena through some difficult times, when preservation was virtually impossible, but so important, he rose to the occasion, leaving his mark on Galena forever.

“And he is still excelling. His recent work on the Historic Structures Report for Turner Hall is the best there is. And knowing Daryl, he will be making his contributions, whenever asked, for many years to come. It is so fitting that Daryl receives the award named after his good friend Frank Einsweiler.

Positive review for Galena Foundation book

Courtesy of Galena Gazette

GALENA–The recently published book “Galena, Illinois A Timeless Treasure” from The Galena Foundation has been cited as highly recommended by the Midwest Book Review (midwestbookreview.com) in its March 2016 issue.

James A. Cox, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, writes that the book is “a must have for any Galena enthusiast. . .a model of regional history and highly recommended. . .would well serve as a template for similar histories of other American communities.”

Written by Philip A. Aleo, historian and author, the book is filled with archival photographs from the Alfred Mueller Historical Collection, recounts of personal stories and newspaper articles dating back to the 1820s and then and now photos of commercial and public buildings, residences, and churches.

The book is available now and may be purchased at many locations throughout Galena including Book World, Tammy’s Piggly Wiggly, La Vie en Rose, Galena & U.S. Grant Museum and Gateway to History Museum Store, U.S. Grant Home State Historic Site, Ink & Stamp with Sue, Galena Cellars Tasting Room, Galena Welcome Center at the Old Market Place, Amelia’s Galena Ghost Tours, Galena Gazette, Whispering Willow Gift Shop at Midwest Medical Center, the Apple River Fort in Elizabeth, the River Lights Bookstore and the National Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque.

Founded in 1982, The Galena Foundation is a non-profit organization of volunteers that funds the preservation and restoration of historic Galena buildings and cultural institutions. Recent foundation projects have included work at the Galena Train Depot, the Old Market House, and Turner Hall, with plans for work to begin in Grant Park this coming year.

Where to Purchase "Galena, Illinois - A Timeless Treasure" Book

The book, “Galena, Illinois–A Timeless Treasure” is filled with old and new pictures and narrative about Galena. The 9" x 11" coffee-table sized hard cover book details the history of Galena from its earliest beginnings.  

Bringing a fresh perspective on Galena’s history through the written page, numerous newspaper articles from the 1800's, and hundreds of restored vintage photographs, this premium edition book presents the reader with a comprehensive view of what life was like in Galena in the early 1800’s.

320 Pages in Length, 4-Color

Printed on Premium 100 lb. Gloss Text Weight Paper

Embossed Hard Cover with a 4-Color Laminated Dust Jacket

Available for purchase at the following locations:

     Galena & US Grant Museum on Bench St.

     Gateway to History Museum Store on Main St.

     Apple River Fort in Elizabeth

     The Galena Gazette

     Old Market House - VisitGalena.org Welcome Center

     Book World on Main St.

     Midwest Medical Center - Whispering Willow Gift Shop

     La Vie en Rose on Main St.

     Tammy's Piggly Wiggly

     US Grant Home

     Amelia's Ghost Tours on Main St.

     Galena Cellars Tasting Room on Main St.

     Ink & Stamp with Sue on Main St.

     River Lights Bookstore in Dubuque

     Mississippi River Museum Store in Dubuque

For more information about the work of the Foundation, to purchase a book or to donate to the Foundation, email galenafoundation@gmail.com.

Trust helps preserve city’s treasures

By Hillary Dickerson

Courtesy of Galena Gazette

GALENA–Most people who knew Joe Miller, an unassuming Gear Street resident who worked for decades at Galena’s Kraft plant and later the Dubuque Packing Company, never would have guessed that upon his death, Miller would leave a substantial gift, a trust with the sole purpose of funding historic preservation in the city he loved. 

But that’s exactly what he did. And his money continues to help with the preservation of some of Galena’s treasures. 

Upon his death at age 79 in March 2008, Miller’s trust was established and funds have been distributed for various projects each year through the Galena Foundation. 

The current project is the restoration and renovation of historic Turner Hall on Bench Street. 

In December, Kim Keuter of Illinois Bank & Trust, presented members of the city of Galena’s Turner Hall Committee, city officials and representatives of the Galena Foundation with the $34,368.94 distribution of the Joe Miller Trust funds for 2015. 

Members of the city of Galena’s Turner Hall Committee, city officials and representatives of the Galena Foundation gathered recently at Turner Hall for the distribution of the Joe Miller Trust funds for 2015. Presenting the check for $34,368.94 was Kim Keuter of Illinois Bank & Trust. From left: Pat Smith, Ken Robb, Janelle Keeffer, Mark Moran, Charles Marsden, Keuter, Adam Johnson and Paul Jackson.Hillary Dickerson photo

According to Charles Marsden, president of the Galena Foundation and chair of the city’s Turner Hall committee, the first Turner Hall phase of work benefited from $29,257.86 from the Joe Miller Trust, which is now paid in full. 

The first phase included window repair, re-glazing, and painting; repair and tuckpoint stone around all windows; storm windows on all windows; new exterior doors to match original, insulated and weather stripped; new fire escapes and sidewalks on north side of building; exterior balcony repair; temporary waterproofing at rear of stage. 

Additionally, funds from The Save Turner Hall Fund–$81,000–and city of Galena–$44,000–were also used for the first phase.

The second project received $5,111.08 as first payment of a four to five year program to do about $180,000 of work at Turner Hall, all with Joe Miller Trust funds, Marsden continued. 

The second phase work includes many items. 

Two of the projects benefited from grants funds. The interior lighting controls upgrade was made possible by funding from the city of Galena and Galena Foundation Hunter Fuerste Concert funds. The Historic Structures Report was completed, thanks in part to a grant from Landmarks Illinois, to justify renovation of facility according to national preservation guidelines and research original interior finishes. 

Additionally, other work done in 2015 included the rear stage wall reconstruction, waterproofing and tuckpointing. 

Other future projects in the second phase include exterior balcony painting, complete exterior cleaning, tuckpointing and sealing, small roof over south side door, main hall floor wood repair and total refinishing, new stage floor, minor restroom updates, kitchen wiring upgrade, new roof and insulation on kitchen, patch and paint exterior kitchen wall, exterior flyloft insulation and finish, complete refinishing and painting of building interior using historic colors determined from paint samples. 

The work yet to be completed will be bid in February 2016 and completed in 2016 and 2017.

Remembering Galena’s Joe Miller

By Hillary Dickerson
Courtesy of Galena Gazette

GALENA–Born in February 1929 in Galena, the son of Joseph H. and Lidwina T. (Fleege), Miller spent many years of his life at the family’s home just off Gear Street on South High Street.

Miller graduated from St. Michael’s Catholic Grade School in 1943 and then attended Galena High School. He graduated in 1947.

It was during high school that Huck Muehleip knew Miller, who was a year ahead of Muehleip in school.

Muehleip fondly remembers Miller driving his friends around in a Model T during those teenage years.

“We had a lot of fun with that in high school,” said Muehleip.

Besides the time they spent on the road in the Model T, there were hours spent at the Millers’ home playing pool.

The Millers had a nice shed area near their house that was fixed up with a great full size historic pool table in it.

Ron Smith, although younger than Miller, grew up just a couple houses up from Miller and his parents on Gear Street. It was around the Millers’ pool table that Smith and his siblings and friends–known as the Gear Street Rangers–spent a lot of time.

After high school Miller served in the U.S. Army at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., as a mess sergeant and cook during the Korean War from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1953.

Upon his return to Galena, Miller worked at Kraft Foods for 44 years.

Courtesy of Galena Foundation

It was at Kraft that Smith again knew Miller. Smith worked at Kraft from 1961 to 1965, during the same years Miller was there in the cheese room, wrapping shipments of the Swiss cheese that was made there.

“He was an excellent worker at Kraft,” recalled Smith, noting Miller always wanted to make sure everything was done right.

Smith thought of Miller as leading a fairly reserved, conservative life.

Although Miller always had a nice car, he lived with his parents for years–55 years total–before moving into his own home, after their death, further up on Gear Street in 1984. Just the same, Smith said, no one ever had the idea that Miller was saving money for a substantial donation at the end of his life.

For 15 years, while working day shift at Kraft, Miller drove to Dubuque to work the night shift at the Dubuque Packing Company.

Smith said Miller most likely didn’t need to continue working but he did because he could.

“That’s the kind of guy he was,” said Smith.

Miller had a special relationship with the river that carried him throughout life. Miller loved to hunt, fish and also water ski. He was a member of the Galena Hydros Ski Club.

Muehleip and Miller were both members of the Galena Hydros water ski team. They spent a lot of time together on the river even though Miller typically kept to himself and was quite reserved, Muehleip recalled.

In addition to the Hydros, Miller was a 50-plus year member of the American Legion, Galena Elks Lodge and St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

Miller would often share with people his Galena memories.

He loved to walk around town and see how things had changed over the years.

Dubuque attorney Jeff Trannel first met Miller when working years ago at the Dubuque Packing Company.

Years later, it was Trannel who worked with Miller before his death to set up the trust.

After Miller died, Trannel helped establish the trust and get it up and running.

“He was one heck of a hard worker,” said Trannel, emphasizing Miller was interested in doing good for the community he loved.