Woodstock Children's Home (Grace Hall)

The following letter was received from former resident Woodstock resident, Esther Hall Gordon. Ms. Gordon writes about the building that has been in our news recently and has generally been referred to as "Grace Hall."

Another reason to remember this building, located at 318 Christian Way, is its prominent use as the Woodstock Children's Home. Ms. Gordon may travel from her home in Battle Creek, Michigan, to be present at the October 6th meeting of the Woodstock City Council.

Watch for more information about Ms. Gordon's visit to Woodstock and address to the City Council. Her letter follows.

"Dear Mr. Gus Philpott:

"As a dependent and neglected minor from Chicago, my full legal guardianship was providentially relinquished by my birth parents and accepted by the late Reverend Robert Murfin, Director of the Evangelical Child Welfare Agency (ECWA), previously located at 127 North Dearborn Avenue in Chicago, and currently known as the Evangelical Child & Family Agency. Reverend Murfin then assigned my physical custody to the Woodstock Children's Home, where I found a refuge from my birth parents from 3/28/63 until high school graduation on 6/7/71. Moreover, I am keenly aware of the rich historical background of the place which became my "home" for eight years and three months, and consider myself most fortunate to have been privileged to live, for the greater part of my eight years of residency, in a suitable boarding school type of environment, where, for the most part, I received adequate care from both nonprofessional and professional staff, most of whom projected a genuine sense of concern as to my immediate well-being. Conversely, there were still many incidences of "preferential treatment" given out by both professional and nonprofessional staff alike, to a select few high school-aged residents, whose physical custody and care had also been entrusted to the Woodstock Children's Home, but whose names will not be divulged in this particular forum.

"Additionally, some of us, including myself, endured silently under ongoing emotional abuse, which consisted of demeaning, harsh, and punitive treatment at the hands of a few nonprofessional houseparents or relief workers. Also, we witnessed firsthand very specific incidences of blatant and willful improper care and treatment doled out to a few children's home residents, especially those whose behavior mirrored their underlying emotional pain and grief over the loss of their "homes," "families," and "parent(s)," despite a fairly minimal and, more frequently, an extremely inadequate physical, emotional, and spiritual environment, as provided by their families of origin. Like many others, I had to grow up very quickly, attend school regularly, participate in church activities faithfully, as well as perform my chores at the children's home, and hold down a job in the community, so that I could plan for my future. In short, I become a good parent to myself, which is not at all bad!

"I read, with consuming interest, your letter, of 3/9/09, as posted to the Woodstock Advocate, along with the published Woodstock City Council Meeting minutes, and various letters to the editors of the Northwest Herald and the Woodstock Independent relative to the above concern. I wish to thank you so much for your interest in the preservation of Harrison House, aka Grace Hall, and the most unfortunate, albeit exploitative, agenda which the Woodstock Christian Life Services organization has now set forth, apparently in full cooperation with the City of Woodstock, which, it would appear, is equally complicit in this, as yet, unrealized business venture. Unfortunately, your keen insight with regard to the "waiting games" being played out between WCLS and the City of Woodstock, primarily in connection with the exploitative agenda on behalf of Woodstock Christian Life Services is "right on." Thus, I would strongly emphasize garnering more expansive, state-wide support for this particular matter. If left to Woodstock's small town politics (or perhaps, by now, more aptly described as "pseudo city" politics), the building will fall without so much as a peep from anyone beyond the city limits. Thus, my purpose for writing to you, as well as other concerned Woodstock residents, and municipal government officials, is to raise awareness of the inevitable. To be sure, I will be contacting as many former residents of Harrison House as possible to appeal for their involvement and input.

"I have also read, with even greater interest, today's Woodstock Independent article, "Tensions Force Council to Examine HPC Role," in which reference is again made to the demolition of Harrison House, aka Grace Hall. Have all interested parties "tabled" their previous efforts or negotiations with the city council or WCLS? What is the current level of involvement on the part of the Illinois Historical Preservation Society, if any, or with those whose primary motivation is to preserve Harrison House, aka Grace Hall, not merely out of consideration for those of us who made our home there, but, also, in keeping with their consuming passion for historical preservation of worthwhile sites? In my opinion, the building's historical significance is fairly unknown to the general public. Therefore, many are either unaware of its impending disappearance from the landscape, due to intentional efforts by WCLS to evade questions from concerned parties, specifically as to their projected date of demolition, while they remove their belongings from the building, and hope everyone just forgets about Harrison House. Meanwhile, in the hope of silencing the "troublemakers," has the City of Woodstock also continued to "let the clock run down" on Harrison House's existence, with the hope that most local and distant folk are just plain apathetic about this wonderful old building? It would be good if Nancy L. Baker's excellent book "Images of America: Woodstock" could be promoted through local high school history classes, as Baker documents very well the historical legacy of the community of Woodstock, as well as provides an most informative look at the history of Todd School in chapter four.

"During recent follow-up telephone and email conversations with Ms. Cindy Smiley, who, incidentally, has been most supportive of my efforts to contact the City of Woodstock, WCLS, and former Woodstock Mayor Bill Anderson, who also happened to reside at Harrison House, aka Grace Hall, during the years I lived at the Main Building, it was conveyed that no further action had been taken by anyone from WCLS, as to submission of specific future building plans or demolition requests. With the obvious caveat that WCLS would eventually submit their expanded building plans, whereupon issuance of a demolition permit would be granted by the City of Woodstock, Ms. Smiley advised me to contact Woodstock Christian Life Services directly to inquire as to their current scheduled date of demolition. Yesterday morning, in response to my telephone query as to scheduled date of demolition, I received an, "I don't know" answer from a female worker with WCLS, which, of course, I don't buy for one minute.

"Also, Ms. Smiley recommended I contact local community residents and activists, Mr.and Mrs. Dan and Carol (Roskie) Lemanski, whose father Coach Anthony Roskie coached at the Todd School for Boys, and with whom I later became acquainted during his tenure as a Woodstock Community High School coach, which I did. Except for a most timely return phone call from Mrs Lemanski this afternoon, during which we discussed at great length the current status of the demolition of Harrison House, aka Grace Hall, in addition to the past impossible requests set forth by the City of Woodstock CounciI, e.g., "raise one million dollars in six months," I remain unenlightened as to the "hidden agenda" with regard to destruction of this historic landmark. Is one million dollars the current "fair market value" of Harrison House, aka Grace Hall? To be sure, there are some things on which we cannot place a price tag. This is definitely one of them.

"From my perspective, the financial exploitation of not only a unique local historical site most worthy of preservation, i.e., Harrison House, aka Grace Hall - the sole remaining building of the Todd School for boys,- needs to be kept at the forefront of Illinois' historical preservation groups by local community activists, such as yourself and the Lemanskis, as well as by those previous residents, such as myself, who actually lived in Harrison House, but who have since moved away from Woodstock and relocated to other states.

"How many of the locals from Springfield would have stood still for one minute at the suggestion of demolishing the site of Lincoln's birthplace and home, incidentally, both of which I have visited, to make way for more "financially profitable and lucrative exploits in real estate? None! From my perspective, Harrison House could be preserved solely on the basis of its noteworthy legacy as the Todd School for Boys, where many students, such as actor and playwright Orson Wells, lived, studied and received a quality education. Harrison House, aka Grace Hall, does not belong just to the Woodstock Christian Life Services enterprise, nor does it belong to the City of Woodstock, or to the state and local historical societies,- and, no - not even to those of us who lived out our minor years as residents of Harrison House, and attended and studied at Woodstock Community Schools, worshiped in Woodstock churches, and worked for Woodstock employers. Harrison House belongs to ALL of us.

"I would be more than happy to travel to Woodstock and meet with the City Council at its next regularly scheduled meeting, as well as Woodstock Christian Life Services representatives. However, I see the City Council's October 9th meeting has been cancelled with no rescheduled date. Please advise as to next meeting, as well as whether I need to contact city offices to be placed on the agenda of the next meeting, when this matter will again be discussed. Has anyone considered purchasing the existing property and renovating it into a bed and breakfast? Or, if not appropriate for commercial zoning, and residents oppose that idea, why not just maintain the site, as it is currently in good repair, based upon my observations during a "walk through" with staff last September 2006 during my Woodstock High School Reunion for the Class of 1971.

"I speak on behalf of the countless disadvantaged and indigent children and adolescents, who, through no fault of our own, lost our families of origin, and left whatever homes we might have known, no matter how inadequate, to become residents of the main building and Harrison House on the campus of the Woodstock Children's Home. Please help me preserve the memories of this building and do not allow its destruction. I am deeply disappointed to hear that this building will also soon be obliterated from the landscape. It was, for so many young people, including myself who, through no fault of our own, needed a haven from an unsuitable home environment.

"In September 2006, I returned to Woodstock during the weekend of my high school reunion (WHS Class of 1971), but instead of going to reunion events, chose to visit Harrison House, where I did a "walk through," and spoke with several workers. It is the only vestige left of my childhood "home," and a place where I actually stayed for eight consecutive years! Really, it is the only place to which I can still return and feel as though my childhood was not totally swept away by unfortunate circumstances, broken relationships, and demolished buildings.

"Hopefully, I'll be able to visit one more time, and take my own pictures before the demolition, so that I can show my adult sons and my grandchildren where I lived as a girl

"Sincerely,

"Esther Hall Gordon
207 Embury Drive.
Battle Creek, MI 49014
(269) 274-0793
hadassah61953@comcast.net

"cc: Terry Egan, Executive Director, Woodstock Christian Life Services; 350 Christian Life Way; Woodstock, IL 60098"

Diversity Day - this Sunday

Diversity Day 2009: We’re In This Together!

Press Contact: Patrick Murfin Ph. 815/814-5645

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 23, 2009

DIVERSITY DAY FESTIVAL SET FOR THIS SUNDAY IN WOODSTOCK

WOODSTOCK--Diversity Day 2009: We’re In This Together! will be held this Sunday, September 27 from 1 to 4 PM on the Square in Woodstock.

For the 13th annual festival will take note of “The tough economic times that have taken a devastating toll on our community and nation while the world remains in turmoil,” festival Executive Director Patrick Murfin explained. “Sometimes fear and anxiety cause groups to turn on each other and bigots seek to exploit those fears. But in times like these we need each other more than ever. Our festival is meant to rally the whole community regardless of race, religion, national origin, language, gender, sexual orientation, age or ability in mutual respect and celebration.”

The festival program will feature live entertainment and inspiring messages from individuals and organizations working together in the face of adversity.

Musical and performance acts include The Frothy Boys, a ebullient men’s doo-wop a cappella ensemble; legendary McHenry County story teller Jim May; blind singer/guitarist Pierre Berube; pianist Matt Chopin; the Bolivian folk dancing of Corazon Boliviano Grupo de Danza Folkloria director by Julieta L. Bolivar; and folk music by Keith Johnson and Judy Matzen.

Murfin will be joined by his long time festival co-host Gloria Urch in introducing featured speakers. Joe Blanco, coordinator of the Woodstock PADS site will talk about homelessness. Suzanne Hoban of the Family Health Partnership Clinic will speak on healthcare and Julie Biel-Claussen of the McHenry County Housing Authority will discuss the challenges of finding affordable housing.

An annual highlight of Diversity Day is the Peace and Justice Award presented to an individual or individuals who have advanced the causes of justice, equity and compassion in our community and the world. This year the recipient is Thomas Dincecco who has dedicated his retirement years to service to those in need. Among other activities, Dincecco is the coordinator of the Direct Assistance Program (DAP) of the Woodstock Community Ministry which provides emergency grants to those who fall between the cracks of the safety net. The award will be presented by last year’s recipient, Sue Rose of the Housing Authority.

Carlos Acosta of the McHenry County Latino Coalition will present this year’s recipients of the organization’s Scholarship Awards, sponsored by State Farm Insurance.

The festival also includes table displays with information from non-profit organizations, social service providers, government agencies, issue advocacy organizations, religious groups, political parties, and businesses.

Diversity Day 2009: We’re In This Together! Is organized by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Woodstock. Admission is free and open to the public.

For information contact Murfin at 815 814-5645, e-mail divday@sbcglobal.net or visit http://diversityday.blogspot.com/

IL 47 - why in Lakewood?

I got to thinking this afternoon, how did the Village of Lakewood end up with property on both sides of Illinois Route 47 north of Route 176? Or did it? This property may become the site of a huge development of ball fields and hotels (or motels).

The website for the Village of Lakewood announces that it covers just under four square miles. Now, a four-square-mile village is pretty easy to size up. That's two miles in each direction, roughly. Does it really include both sides of Route 47 and, yet, still include half of Crystal Lake? How could that be?

As Crystal Lake marched westward, why wasn't Woodstock gobbling up land south to and past Route 176? It got to Lucas Road. Which city was closer to that area? But Woodstock and Crystal Lake missed it, and Lakewood got it.

Of course, it's all too late now, except for the crying, gnashing of teeth and wringing of hands.

And a little farther south? Where you would think you are in Huntley? But, when you see those flashing red and blue lights in your mirror, you find out that you are Lake in the Hills?

Should there be a law that, when a state highway runs through a village, town or city, there must be "City Limit" signs on the highway to warn motorists where they are? And actually at the city limits? I use the word "warn" for good reason.

Most people around here know that the speed limit is enforced in Bull Valley. As a result, drivers generally slow down in Bull Valley and don't exceed the posted speed limit.

On Highway 47 south of Woodstock and on Highway 14 between Woodstock and Crystal Lake, it's a whole different story. Basically, there is no enforcement on Highway 47, unless Lake in the Hills PD can spare a radar car every once in a while.

And on Highway 14? Well, NASCAR friends, you own that road. And don't worry about passing on the shoulder. No one is watching.

Shred it on Oct. 17

Have you been looking for a place to get rid of all those boxes of files, receipts, letters, documents, bills (the paid ones!), customer and client records, statements? You know, all that "stuff" that you'd hate to blow out of the landfill and end up on the front page of the Chicago Tribune?

On-site shredding will be provided by Shred-It, a Chicago shredding company. This service provides document destruction right where you drop off your boxes, so that you know the documents are safely and secured destroyed, not carted off somewhere to be raided by prying eyes.

Gather up all those (standard-size) boxes and some $5 bills and haul them to the Family Health Partnership Clinic (FHPC) parking lot on Saturday, October 17, between 10:00AM and 1:00PM.

For a $5.00 donation per box, you can see all those documents disappear into a massive shredding machine, right before your very eyes!

No appointment is necessary; just come out with your documents! For more information, call 815.334.8987 Ext. 24, or check it out on www.hpclinic.org

New ballgame in town?

Is there going to be a new ballgame in town? And I don't mean on U.S. 14 by the hospital.

How about on Route 47 between IL 176 to the west and 176 to the east? You know, all those cornfields down there in beautiful rural McHenry County?

Only it's not beautiful "rural" McHenry County; it's Lakewood! Rumor has it that there are plans for 27 ball diamonds and three hotels (motels?). $$$, going into sleepy ol' Lakewood.

And traffic? Whew! If you think it's bad on 47 now, just wait. Will Route 47 be widened for 3-4 lanes in each direction? ala Huntley? Racetrack City - on the way. But Lakewood will surely beef up its police department and attempt to control speeding and other traffic violations. Maybe it will even figure out how to put those violations in its own adjudication court and keep all the money at home.

The McHenry County Regional Planning Commission September 24 Meeting Agenda doesn't show this item. Could it come up there? Heck, when you look at that agenda, nothing will come up, because there are only general titles and no specific business.

October 1, 8:30AM Planning & Development Committee. There?

October 6, 9:00AM, is the next County Board meeting. Will it come up there?

And what does this mean for the baseball stadium plans over by the new gravel pit?

Chamber Mixer a success

Yesterday's joint mixer of the Woodstock and the Crystal Lake Chambers of Commerce was a great success. Family Health Partnership Clinic sponsored it, and business members from both chambers attended.

Pictured is the interim Executive Director of the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce, Tom Sagendorf.

Co-emcee for the mixer was Rick Schildgen (CL Graphics), an Ambassador of the Crystal Lake Chamber, who was sporting his "Ambassador-green" jacket. Rick told me that his chamber has approximately 25 Ambassadors, who act as liaison between members and the Chamber office.

If you weren't there, you missed the tastiest treats that I've had at a chamber mixer - ever. Josh Humphrey (Sam & Harry's, Schaumburg) and Scott McClain (Midwest Outdoor Kitchens, Inc., Lake Barrington) wowed guests with hot culinary delights, and Carrie Curie (SweetPea Cakes) brought awesome treats for dessert.

Folks did a pretty good job of staying on their feet, mixing around and swapping business cards. That's what a mixer is for - meet business people you don't know yet and trade cards, and renew past acquaintances and trade business cards.

Watch for a new promotion by Apple Creek Flowers. Elizabeth Crisp, owner, is developing new ideas to help you dazzle your business clients, friends and family. Call her for information at 815.338.2255. If you have friends/clients out of town who want to order flowers for local delivery, just have them call Elizabeth at 800.2APPLE4

What's coming up for the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce? On October 6 at 7:30AM there will be a general membership meeting. Details will be posted soon on the Chamber's website at http://www.woodstockilchamber.com/ For the time being, save the date.

NWH reports Nygren complaint

The Northwest Herald reported this morning on last Thursday's little escapade in the Jewel-Osco parking lot. The reporter called yesterday after he heard about the police report and after he talked to Sheriff Nygren.

I appreciated Brian Slupski's call, and he reported my side of the story pretty accurately. And I'll venture a guess that he reported Nygren's side pretty accurately, too. Too bad that he didn't "get" that side of the story accurately.

The "restaurant" mentioned in the article. Not really a restaurant at all. It's a bar. Try the Red Mill on Lake Avenue in Woodstock. As I told Brian, my car has never, in the 11 years that I've owned it, been in the parking lot at the Red Mill.

Two copies of the same article appear on www.nwherald.com The first was published yesterday, shortly after the reporter and I spoke. The second, with a different headline, was published today. Re-publishing the article means that the many Comments are divided between the two articles.

To find both, search for "Philpott" or for "blogger" on the Northwest Herald's website. Nineteen comments appear for yesterday's article, and the count at this time for today's article stands at 35.