Homestead Happenings Newsletter of the Stahl-Conrad Homestead www.HistoricHalesCorners.org _____________________________________________________________________________ 9724 W. Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners, WI 53130 January 2008 Roads can function as fences, and those proposed for Hales Corners spell trouble for the village The traveling Smithsonian exhibition, Between Fences, has moved on to La Farge, but we have a residue of knowledge about fences and appreciation for all the volunteer labor that enabled us to host the exhibit. The guest register was signed by 427, but we know there were some visitors who did not sign. One particularly significant and timely feature of the exhibit was the panel devoted to Hales Corners and the impact of wide roads on our community. This panel was also highlighted in the Winter 2007-2008 edition of the Wisconsin Magazine of History. The accompanying text points out that “…as new and extended highways serve as conduits for greater connection to people, resources, and economic opportunities, they also erect physical barriers…. Now former neighbors may literally be divided on either side of a concrete thoroughfare.” This story serves as preface to a scenario now unfolding in Hales Corners. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is seeking comment on a plan to widen Highway 100 through the village. If you think it’s hard to cross that road now, just imagine trying to cross 8 lanes instead of only 6. If you think your taxes are high now, just imagine your tax burden if all the homes and businesses along the west side of Highway 100 are removed. If the prospect of resembling the Blue Mound corridor in Brookfield makes you shudder, now is the time to speak up. Enclosed with this newsletter is a form on which you can express your thoughts. Use your own words to comment on issues such as the following: Impact of a wider road on village aesthetics Impact on the health of the village business community Impact on the village tax base Impact on the historic character of the village Impact on air quality as traffic volume increases Alternatives such as improved bus service and/or light rail Don’t delay. Be sure to submit your comments by February 15. The form gives the address for submitting your comments. It’s that time: membership renewal We encourage you to use the enclosed envelope to renew your membership in the Homestead as generously as you can. Thanks to those who have already done so, even without being asked. We also invite your to consider a gift of appreciated securities. If you sell those securities, you will incur a short- or long-term capital gain obligation. If you donate them, you will have no tax liability on the gain, and you will also obtain a charitable donation to offset other taxes for which you will be liable next year. You will be able to specify the purpose for which the gift is to be used. We offer many options, such as re-roofing the house, constructing an ADAcompliant bathroom, rebuilding the barn door, mortgage reduction, or creating an endowment. __________ Tree will be planted in memory of Jim Ryan Your board voted in December to honor the memory of Jim Ryan, who passed away November 6. The decision was to select a native species and identify it with a commemorative plaque. Jim was a friend and staunch supporter of the Homestead. His counsel will be missed. __________ Christmas tree sale nets profit Our freshly cut trees sold out quickly —all were snapped up by December 15. Thanks to our supplier, as well as our customers and the volunteers who staffed the sale. The sale added $2,650 to our treasury. Gifts of goods and services Dora and Orville Jahnke and Judy Strampke—creation of scarecrow for the Homestead’s vegetable garden Jim Bruening—plowing the Homestead’s driveway and ramp Joel Hughes—snow removal and heavy lifting Fred Walecki—gift of 21-inch reconditioned lawn mower Michael Jedrzejewski, Ron Noeske, Tom Ueberroth, Chris Lese, Jim Bruening, Dave Zepecki, Kurt Noeske, and Kyle Noeske— staffing the Christmas tree sale Hales Corners Chamber of Commerce—financial support for the Between Fences opening reception Steve Cannistra—plates, mugs, and food for the opening reception Clay Moore—discounted refreshments for the opening reception Sherman Stock—design of invitation to opening reception Starbucks—coffee and pumpkin cake for opening reception Richard Barloga—creation of Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy photographic display for the Between Fences project George Berger, Tom Brown, Anita Hantzsch, Dottie King, and Mary Ann Kniep—Between Fences docents who volunteered for four or more time slots Betty Braun—creation of flower arrangements for the Between Fences project Eva Fronk—organizing the display of artwork from Hales Corners Lutheran School and transportation for students to view Between Fences Hales Corners Historical Society—creation of photographic display of fences for the Between Fences project Fran Jablonski—storage of crates for the Between Fences project __________ 2008 farmers market is coming soon Are you dreaming now of vine-ripened tomatoes and locally grown sweet corn? In only five months Harvest at the Homestead will reopen at the Homestead. Here’s the schedule: July 5 and 19; August 9 and 30; September 13 and 27; October 11 and 25. Robert Stockinger will continue to coordinate the market, but he is seeking a volunteer to co-manage the market. Shared duties will include placement and removal of flags and signs announcing the market and on-site availability to answer questions on market day. Call Robert at 414-708-0584 to discuss this opportunity. __________ The mission of the Stahl-Conrad Homestead is to create a museum focused on transitions in the land in Hales Corners and its environs from presettlement into the future and to preserve the Stahl-Conrad Homestead as a remnant of a bygone lifestyle. The Homestead’s vision: The land is restored and the buildings are renovated to accommodate changing exhibits and public events. The Homestead is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization. Your donations and inkind gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law. Officers and directors are: president, Chris Lese; vice president, Ruth Johnston; secretary, Sybil Grandeck; treasurer, Michael Jedrzejewski; directors: Bette Arey, Jason Bartel, Jim Bruening, Kathy Kilps, Ron Noeske, and Dave Zepecki. New Members As of January 10 Jean Hancock Jerry and Marjorie Pagel Diane Petrie __________ Photography of Lyle Oberwise to be featured February13 Bob Teske, executive director of the Milwaukee County Historical Society, will discuss the society’s recently acquired collection of Oberwise photographs at the February meeting of the Hales Corners Historical Society. Remaining copies of Milwaukee at Mid-Century: The photographs of Lyle Oberwise will be available for purchase. The program is scheduled in the Hunt Room of the Hales Corners Library, 5885 S. 116th St. __________ HCHS annual meeting will examine county parks Laurie Albano, author of A Century of Milwaukee County Parks, will present the April 2 annual meeting program of the Hales Corners Historical Society at 7:00 p.m. in the Hunt Room of the Hales Corners Library. Copies of her book will be available for purchase. A 6:00 p.m. potluck supper will precede the event. __________ Homestead collaborates with Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy The Homestead is happy to welcome the Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy (MALC) to its new office space in the upper level of the house. Since the steep stairway prevents our using this area for exhibits, having a preservation-oriented organization in the space provides a good alternative use. MALC’s mission is to preserve and protect land and water resources with significant conservation or open-space value for the benefit of the public and for the wildlife that depend upon them in order to maintain quality of life, biodiversity, and natural scenic beauty for future generations.