HISTORIC BLOOMING GROVE HISTORICAL SOCIETY http://www.bloominggrovehistory.org Board of Directors: Gloria Simley, President, 222-3859; Jim Stickels, Vice-President; Judith Bodden, Secretary; Don Taylor, Treasurer; House Manager (vacant); Curator: Ann Waidelich, 249-7920; Judy Taylor, Bill Brendler, Dick Lichtfeld, Mari Ann Lichtfeld, Gary Hess. Membership Dues, per year $15 individuals; $25 Households; $50 Contributor; $75 Sustainer; $100 Patron;$1,000+ Life. Applications and renewals should be addressed to: Treasurer, HBGHS, PO Box 6704, Monona, WI 53716-0704 Mission Statement: The Historic Blooming Grove Historical Society preserves and advances the culture and history of Blooming Grove, Monona and Southeastern Madison--all of which was, historically, in the Township of Blooming Grove. The Victorian furnished Dean House is a living testimony to the pioneer spirit fostering our American heritage and contributing to our growth as a community and serves as a center for events and local history study. For general inquiries and donations to the Society's collections contact Ann Waidelich at 608 249-7920 or email hbghs@tds.net The Historic Blooming Grove Historical Society is funded by memberships, contributions and grants. There is no fee for any of the society's public events, but donations are always welcome.

 

Dean House Landscaping

The landscaping in front of the Dean House, that was done in September 2010, has survived its second winter. Have you noticed the yellow daffodils blooming between the hydrangea bushes this Spring? They were planted last Fall.

 

Govier Eagle Scout

Sam Govier, who organized his Scout troop to help with the landscaping for his Eagle Scout project, received his Eagle Scout award on March 18th. Bob Bean represented HBGHS at the ceremony.

 

Green Thumb?

If you have a green thumb, we would love to have you volunteer to water the plants, pull weeds, prune and generally help keep the garden looking nice. Call Gloria Simley if you can help out 222-3859

Greetings from our President

By Gloria Simley

Membership in the HBGHS, whether it be new or renewing, is extremely important. Your loyal support is appreciated and I personally thank you. Although the City of Madison owns the Dean House, we lease the building and have to pay ALL the bills, including electricity, maintenance, heating and cooling, and computer expenses. We have two major fundraisers, the Back Porch Concerts and the Annual Garage Sale. Otherwise, we depend on YOU for memberships and donations. So, please return the enclosed membership form as soon as you can. And, if you can and are able, we always welcome volunteers. With Bob Bean retiring as House Manager, we need all the help we can get. So, if you want to see the Dean House continue as it has for the past several decades, please consider both your membership and your volunteering.

I will see you at the Back Porch Concerts and the Open Houses. Sincere Good Wishes for the Spring and Summer.

Walter Simon, Mr. Apprenticeship

 

The people now living at 4910 Tonyawatha Trail came to Second Sunday Open House on April 8th and wanted to know about their house and who built it. We have a file on Walter Simon and were able to share the following from an article published in the Wis. State Journal in Nov. 1955. "In 1935 Walter Simon built a brick veneer home high on a wooded lot overlooking the lake. He designed it himself and he put his pattern maker's training to work to build it." Simon was a charter member of the Monona village board and served as a supervisor from the village on the county board. He was in charge of the state's apprenticeship program for 40 years and died in 1964 at age 70.

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