Savannah Day 3--City Tour

Day three began with a Trolley Tour of historic Savannah. The weather that morning said it was going to rain lightly for a little while, but it managed to "rain lightly" for most of the day. At least the temperature was reasonably warm.

One of the most impressive places we saw on the Trolley Tour was the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. As you can see, it was a majestic building! It was built by the French in 1876, burned in 1898, opened again in 1900, and underwent an extensive restoration in 2000.



Michael Faughn took many great photos on our trip. This is inside the church with some members of our group looking up in awe! The Cathedral now serves as the seat of the diocese for ninety counties in southern Georgia. Thanks for the photos, Mike!

Mike also got a good picture of the Spanish Moss that was hanging on the trees everywhere. We were told not to pick it up off the ground because it had chiggers and other bugs in it. Some wondered if we were told that so we wouldn't be tempted to bring any home?

Another stop was the Sorrel-Weed House. It is one of the oldest and largest homes in Savannah, and is considered a great example of the early architecture. It was the boyhood home of a civil war confederate general, and is also said to be haunted. However, we were not there for the night-time ghost tour! The scene from the movie "Forest Gump" where the feather floats to the ground was filmed from the roof of this house.

Lunch was on our own that day, and we re-grouped after for a tour of the Mercer-Williams
House. Construction on this home began in 1860, and was finished in 1868 after being interrupted by the Civil War.  It was the scene of a murder that is described in the movie, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." It too, is said to be haunted.

The Davenport House was our last tour of the day. It was built in 1820, and was a stately home for many years. However, it became run-down and was almost demolished in 1955. That is when the Historic Savannah Foundation formed. This group has since saved hundreds of buildings in the city--which we were able to enjoy.

It was interesting to see so many things that were constructed in the early years of the formation of our country. The city of Savannah was established in 1733.

We were also treated to Madeira wine tasting at the Davenport House. Importing of that wine played an important role in the history and development of the city.  (Photo of Davenport House is from the Internet).

Now that we were much better informed about the early history of Savannah, and a little damp from walking in and out of the rain showers all day, we were glad to head back to the hotel to get ready for our fantastic evening meal! More on that next time.




   

Southern Region Christmas Party

Southern Region IEAFCS Members and friends met at Kokopelli Golf Club and Restaurant in Marion for their annual holiday outing. We enjoyed good food, good visiting, and good fun!

Those who attended were Rusti Grogan, Joyce Pyatt, Janet Burnett, Carol Schlitt, Kathy Harrison, Ruby Lingle (yes, she is in the very back) Joy Richey, Milly Kaiser, Martha Speir, Martha Winter, Lois Smith, and Patti Faughn.






We were happy to see some individuals who had not been able to join us for a while. And--Lois Smith was a hit with her fancy boots!                               

The gift exchange was exciting as always. Some lost the gifts they had hoped to keep, and others were very entertaining! I will leave it to each of you to see if you can read the message on the towel Martha Speir is holding up! It gave us a good laugh.

Savannah--Day 2

Before leaving Chattanooga we were able to learn much about the area from an excellent guide who gave us a step-on tour. With Lookout Mountain as the backdrop, he told us some of the history and special importance of the city.

Chattanooga is a transit hub because of its location between the Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau. Everything pretty much has to go through there to move north or south in that part of the US.

During the Civil War, Chattanooga was the sight
of several battles. These included Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, and Missionary Ridge.  Ulysses S. Grant's army eventually defeated the Confederates there and moved on south to Atlanta.

There is a huge national cemetery where over 50,000 who lost their lives in battle are buried. It is over 120 acres, and funerals are still held there often. One sad note about the cemetery is that many of the interments there are unknown soldiers.

The Chattanooga Choo Choo on top of the monument in this photo is representative of the 1941 song that was featured in a movie and was nominated for an Academy Award. The inspiration for it was the large number of steam locomotives that passed through Chattanooga on their way south.

In 1969 Chattanooga had the distinction of having the dirtiest air in the nation. It's economy was also suffering because of the decline in industry and several other reasons. However, major efforts have been made to transform the city, and it is flourishing today.

It was then time to leave Tennessee and stop for lunch at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Marietta, GA. The food was great--and very plentiful! There were lots of naps on the bus as we continued on to Savannah.

And then it was time to eat again--this time at the Pirates House Restaurant that was very near the river in Savannah. After a bountiful buffet, our own personal pirate shared stories about pirates and seamen who came in to the lower levels of the building through a secret tunnel to the river. Part of the building has been there since 1734, which makes it the oldest building in Georgia!

With our city permit safely secured (so that our bus could park in the area) we arrived at our hotel.

Savannah Bus Trip--Day 1

IEAFCS Retirees and Friends were "on the road again" with a trip to Savannah, Georgia the last week of November. Our first stop at Patti's 1880's Settlement near Grand Rivers, KY provided an opportunity for us to begin to get in the Christmas spirit. Beautiful decorations were everywhere!






We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Mr. Bill's.  Some  members of our group had to learn what a "Kentucky Hot Brown" was. (Not necessarily the ones pictured!)

A mid-afternoon stop at a Russell Stover outlet ended with lots of boxes of chocolate making their way on to the bus.

Then it was on to Chattanooga, TN for the evening. We enjoyed a dinner meal at Hennen's Restaurant there.

 
Since it was the last day of Thanksgiving week, our bus ran into considerable traffic, but we make it without incident.  Everyone was glad to arrive at the Best Western Arbor Inn for the night.

We traveled with White Star Tours/B-Jay Travel this year with Carolyn McDonald as our guide. And our own travel expert, Carol Schlitt, provided lots of valuable input as always.

A Good Tour Day in Effingham

Southern Region IEAFCS Retirees joined with some East Central friends for an enjoyable day in Effingham recently.

The day began with a very informative tour of Hodgson Mills Production Plant. Our tour guide, Hope, did a great job of explaining their milling processes and procedures. We learned that they only deal with non GMO grains and make 134 different products.

Here we are with our hair nets and tour appropriate attire. Some members of our group felt a little undressed with no jewelry, open toed shoes, etc.!

Those pictured are Joy Richey, Hope (our guide), Joyce Pyatt, Janet Burnett, Rusti Grogan, Jean Wiyatt, Michelle Pride, Steve Wiyatt, Ruby Lingle, and Martha Speir.

Lunch was at Keller Convention Center, and you may notice that the jewelry was back on! We were happy to have Ann Emken join us for lunch! After lunch we did some shopping at the Hodgson Mills retail store before making a stop at John Boos Woodworking showroom. They make very high quality cutting boards, butcher blocks, and many other items. Several of us did some shopping at both places!

Thanks to Martha Speir for making arrangements for the day!
                                                    

Flashback to '76

Margaret Esposito was McLean County Sr. I Extension Adviser, Home Economics and had been in that position since 1970. Her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees were from Illinois State University in 1961 and 1963 respectively.

She had been a teacher for one year and was very active in  many organizations including AHEA, IHEA, IAEA, and the Illinois Council on Family Relations. She had been recognized as career woman of the year in BPW in 1972; Who's Who in American Women 1974-75; and Featured in Women at Work Series in 1974.

Margaret served as state president of IAEHE in 1973 and had held lots of other offices and committee chairmanships in our organization. Many will likely remember her as a strong leader of our Extension Home Economists group.

Flashback to '76

Deloris Ellis was DeKalb County Extension Adviser, Home Economics in 1976. She had been in that position since 1962--serving two years prior to that in Marshall-Putnam Counties. Her Bachelor's and Master's degrees were from the University of Illinois in 1960 and 1967 respectively.

Deloris was very active in the National Association of Extension Home Economists. She had served on the national nominating committee in 1972. I'm sure we all remember that she served as our National President later on.

She was First Vice President of IAEHE in 1971, President Elect in 1973, and President in 1974. The Distinguished Service Award was presented to her in 1974. She was also active in AHEA and IHEA.

Deloris earned her PhD along the way and ended her Extension Career in administrative positions in the Eastern part of the United States. She had a long career of service to Extension in numerous ways!

A Birthday to Remember!

Rusti Grogan, who spent most of her Extension career in Wayne and surrounding counties, recently celebrated her 80th birthday.

However, she didn't just have an ordinary party! She celebrated in Phelps, Wisconsin at the Big Sand Lake Club. Her family has enjoyed club membership and had a home there for six generations!

Family members and friends came from several  states to help mark the occasion. Even the wine was made in her honor with her picture on the label.

Rusti is pictured in the top photo with her son, Bill, and her grandson, Mark. Daughter, Patti, headed up most of the festivities. There was a delicious meal featuring prime rib, chicken and many side dishes. Dessert included cake as well as Mary Jane's--a treat the club is famous for. It was made up of a chocolate brownie, mint ice cream, and whipped topping. No-one left hungry for sure!

Former Extension co-workers who made the trip to help Rusti celebrate were Lois Smith, Joy Richey, Carol Schlitt, and Martha Speir. If you see Carol or Lois, ask them about the high-end clothing store they found in the middle of nowhere in the North Woods of Wisconsin.

Rusti's birthday is actually Sept. 12th. Hope you have another great day, Rusti!

It Was A Good Day!

Nineteen IEAFCS Life Members and friends enjoyed the 2017 Summer Reunion in Springfield this week. It was a fun day of visiting and catching up on our latest adventures. Save the date now for 2018. It is set for August 3rd.

Those who attended were Sherry Fulton, Janet Burnett, Patti Faughn, Deb McClellan, Nann Armstrong, Barb Farner, Mary Jo Stewart, Karen Gibbs, Pat Hildebrand, Kathy Wolters, Carrollyn Hunt, Mary Ann Fugate, Cammy Seguin, Lois Smith, Sharon Kuhns, Carol Schlitt, Ruby Lingle, Joy Richey and Diane Ryals.

Thanks to our planning committee--Janet Burnett, Carrollyn Hunt, Sheryl Hodges, Carol Schlitt, and Joy Richey.

Condolences

VANDALIA — Noma Moore, 82, of St. Elmo, passed away at 5:02 p.m. Sunday, July 2, 2017, at the Fayette County Hospital Long Term Care in Vandalia.

Noma was born Aug. 26, 1934, in Marion, the daughter of Vernon and Noma (Cocke) Hill. She married Charles Moore on Sept. 19, 1982. Noma was a member of the St. Elmo Extension Club, St. Elmo Quilt Club and the St. Elmo Women’s Club.

A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 8, at the Liberty Christian Church in Sefton. Keith Fletcher  officiated. In lieu of flowers, memorials could be made to Liberty Cemetery Fund or the Johnston City Summer Lunch Program. Online condolences may be expressed at www.pagelfuneralhome.com

Noma is survived by one son, Tony Bearden (wife Vicki) of Brownstown; two stepsons, James Moore and David Moore (wife Sue) both of Ohio; one daughter, Marta Phillips (husband Don) of Johnston City; one stepdaughter, Pamela Swoop (husband Andrew) of Ohio; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Noma was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Noma Hill; her husband, Charles Moore; and four brothers, Frank Hill, Robert Hill, Bud Hill and Wayne Hill.

For those who remember, Noma served as Effingham County Extension Adviser Home Economics beginning in 1974.

Flashback to '76

Helen Harshman Edwards was Peoria County Extension Adviser, Home Economics. She earned her bachelors degree in Home Economics Education from the U of I in 1974 and had been in Peoria County since 1974. She was a member of NAEHE, IAEHE, AHEA, and IHEA.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far. Have a great 4th of July!

Flashback to '76

Marilyn Dry was Johnson County Extension Adviser, Home Economics. She had earned her B. S. in Home Economics Education from Southern Illinois University in 1972, and she began work in Johnson County that same year.

Marilyn was a member of NAEHE, IAEHE, AHEA, and IHEA.

We also want  to extend condolences to Martha Winter on the recent loss of her Father-in-Law and her brother. Thinking of  you, Martha.

Southern Region Visits Cobden

The Yellow Moon Cafe in Cobden was the site of the most recent get together for Southern Region IEAFCS. We enjoyed an interesting presentation by Sandy and and Josh Buchheit about how their southern Illinois farm and the restaurant came to be.

The Buchheit's were originally from Missouri, but spent most of their teaching careers in Elgin, IL. A few years before they were ready to retire, they purchased some land in southern Illinois.

The farm grew. Son Josh attended SIU and earned degrees in Ag. Economics. Then he decided to operate the farm which features grass fed beef and hogs. The meat is used in part to supply the Yellow Moon. It is also sold at local Farmer's Markets and to private individuals.

 

Daughter Jennifer joined the family in southern Illinois a few years after the parents retired there. She is the one who decided to open the restaurant. It is near the heart of the Southern Illinois Wine Trail, and is a destination type setting. The menu features locally grown meat and produce with different specials daily.

Those who enjoyed the day were Joyce Pyatt, Ruby Lingle, Joy Richey, Patti Faughn, Carol Schlitt, Janet Burnett, Lois Smith, and Donna Rumsey.

Flashback to '76

Darlene Demaree was Moultrie County Extension Adviser, Home Economics, Senior I, and had been in that position since 1962. Her Bachelor's degree in Home Economics Education was from Iowa State University in 1952, and her Master's in the same field of study was from the University of Illinois in 1971. Darlene was a member of NAEHE, IAEHE, AHEA, IHEA, and Epsilon Sigma Phi. She has received the Distinguished Service Award in 1975.

Hope everyone had an enjoyable day today on Mother's Day! Seems like time is just flying by. Mark the date of August 4th on your calendar for our annual IEAFCS Summer Reunion in Springfield. More details later.

Southern Region Gets a Glimpse of History

Southern Region Extension retirees recently visited the Heritage House Museum in Okawville. The house, laundry shed, and harness shop were left as they had originally been in the early 1900's by two sisters (Elsie and Stella Schlosser) who lived there until their death in 1982. 

The eight-room home was built in 1908 and is complete with its original furnishings--very few date later than 1930, from the blue Quick Meal range in the kitchen to the upright piano on which Stella gave lessons in the parlor. Other rooms contain interesting quilts, antique toys, new dishes and kitchen items still in original boxes, Stella's amateur photographic equipment, and much more.

Perhaps the most interesting feature of the museum is the intact harness shop operated by Elsie and Stella's father, Frank Schlosser, from 1890 until his sudden death at age 74 in 1941. The shop was then locked, with the dark green shades pulled, concealing and protecting from damaging ultra-violet light the tools and new old stock harness and related agricultural items in place, many with price tags of the day affixed. The family had also lived on the second floor of the harness shop from 1890 until 1908.

 The Heritage House Museum property, listed as the Frank Schlosser Complex, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, joining the already-listed Original Mineral Springs Hotel and Bathhouse that is also in Okawville. The hotel is located just three blocks east on the same street and is believed to be the last operating mineral water spa in the state.

Our group then enjoyed lunch and lots of conversation at the Eats and Treats Bakery. That followed with a bit of shopping at an antique and gift store next door. Those who joined us for the day were: Connie Frederking (who lives close by), Rusti Grogan, Joy Richey, Carol Schlitt, Ruby Lingle, Martha Speir, Joyce Pyatt, Donna Rumsey, Patti Faughn, and Lois Smith.

Plans are progressing for our next bus trip to Savannah, Georgia at the end of November! More details later on that.

Flashback to '76

Paula Diers was Macoupin County Assistant Adviser, Home Economics. She earned a B.S. from Southern Illinois University in 1974 and began work in Macoupin in 1975. She was a member of NAEHE, IAEHE, NAEAY, and IAEAY.

Flashback to '76

Sandra Davis was LaSalle County Associate Extension Adviser, Home Economics. She had earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Northern Illinois University in 1971. She also had a Master's Degree in Clothing and Textiles from Northern Illinois in 1974.  Sandy had been in LaSalle since 1971. She is also still employed by University of Illinois Extension!

Sandra continued serving as an Extension home economist for 21 years in LaSalle County. In 1992, Davis became an Extension Educator, Community Leadership and Volunteerism, with the Peru Extension Center and later with the Rockford Extension Center. In 2000, she returned to LaSalle County as the Unit Leader. In 2003 she joined the staff in Kendall County, where she served as County Director prior to her current appointment which is County Director in DuPage, Kane, & Kendall Unit.

If my math is correct that is about 46 years of service! Congratulations, Sandy, on a long and productive career with Cooperative Extension.


                                                 

Flashback to '76

Cathy Daily is our flashback today. She was Warren County Extension Adviser-Youth in 1976. She had a B.S. in Home Economics Education from Iowa Wesleyan College that was earned in 1973. And she had been in Warren County since 1973. She obviously worked with Mary Turner while she was there. Cathy was a member of IAEHE, NAEHE, and IAEAY.

Flashback to '76

In 1976 Joan Cummings was Williamson County Extension Adviser/Home Economics. She had also worked for two years in Union County and had been in Williamson since 1970.  She earned a Masters Degree in Family Economics and Management from Southern Illinois University in 1974. 

It is interesting to note that Joan's daughter, Linda, was the baby in the Home Management House at SIU for a time while she was finishing her Master's. Some of us who were there during those semesters remember her well!

Joan left southern Illinois and worked in the northern part of the state for several years. She also became Joan Todd during that time. She ended a long career in Extension by working as a Nutrition and Wellness Educator at the Rockford Center. Joan also held several leadership positions in IAEHE and IEAFCS during her tenure.

Flashback to '76

The next photo in our 1976 IEAFCS Directory was Rachel Crabb. She was DuPage County Extension Adviser, Home Economics. Her B.S. degree was from University of Oklahoma in 1933. She had taught for 7 years and been a YWCA Director for 3 years. Before becoming the Adviser, she had been an Assistant Extension Adviser for 7 years. And--she had been in the full adviser roll since 1958. Rachel was also a member of AHEA, IHEA, Epsilon Sigma Phi, and Gamma Sigma Delta.

There is another name in the book before Rachel and after Bev. It was Elizabeth Commean. There is no photo of her. She was Lake County Extension Adviser, Home Economics and had received her B.S. degree from Bradley University in 1969. Anyone remember her?

Flashback to '76

In 1976, Beverly Combs was Clark County Extension Adviser/Home Economics. She had earned her B. S. Degree from Illinois State University in 1967, and began work in Clark County that same year.

Bev worked in Clark County until she became a Nutrition and Wellness Educator at the Effingham Extension Center in 1992.

When she retired in 2010, Bev had one of the longest tenures with University of Illinois Extension of any staff member. She also held many leadership positions in IEAFCS, including state president.

At the 2016 Summer Reunion, she told us that she had been serving as state treasurer of the Illinois Association of Home and Community Education. They were getting ready to host a large meeting that meant lots of  bookkeeping for her!

Bev has continued her lifelong interests in gardening--as well as canning and freezing. She still does some 4-H foods show judging. And I believe she became a great grandmother last September!

 

Flashback to '76

Charlotte Coffer Crawford was Perry County Extension Adviser, Home Economics in 1976. She received her B. S. from Southern Illinois University in 1966 and her M. S. in 1968. She had been in Perry County since 1968.

As most everyone knows, Charlotte enjoyed a long career with University of Illinois Extension. She left Perry County to become Extension Adviser, Home Economics in Jefferson County. From there she became a Consumer and  Family Economics Educator at the Mt. Vernon Extension Center. She also earned her Certification as a Financial Planner along the way.

Since her retirement from Extension, Charlotte and her husband, Al, have moved to Arizona and become world travelers. They have been in almost every state in the United States, and have visited many foreign countries. It was good to see you at the 2016 Summer Reunion, Charlotte!