Natural Enquirer N e w s l e t t e r f o r S p r i n g Va l l e y S u p p o r t e r s a n d Vo l u n t e e r s
vol.5 no.3 • May-June ‘14
In this issue...
Environmentalists are often accused of being doomsayers, the bringers of bad news about the latest environmental catastrophe or report illustrating how bad things are becoming. While there is some truth to this, due in no small part to a general over-reporting of tragedy and grim news by media outlets, good news is out there and needs to be highlighted. In this installment of the Natural Enquirer, we hear about the good news regarding bald eagles, which only forty years ago were on the verge of extinction in the lower 48 states. We also learn about the bragging rights due the Chicago area regarding the number of sustainable and energy-saving green roofs present. Indeed, a recent newspaper article highlighted the fact that Illinois leads the nation in development of LEED certified buildings (LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a certification program overseen by the U.S. Green Building Council). Our other feature this issue details a fascinating story of historical research related to one of the Heritage Farm’s buildings and the family drama that forms the backdrop to this research. Lastly, enjoy the good news that is May and June weather in Illinois—we deserve it after this past winter!
Inside The Bald Eagle......................................................2 Corporate Roofs Grow Roots..............................3 What’s Happenin’.............................................. 4-5 “Who’s Cooking”.............................................. 6-8 Spring Valley General Information....................12
Volunteer News Contents Volunteer Information..........................................9 Volunteer Calendar........................................10-11
Visit www.parkfun.com and take our Spring Valley Program Survey.
S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 4
The Bald Eagle
T
by Matt McBrien
he majestic bald eagle is a symbol of our nation’s pride and strength. This iconic bird of prey was adopted by members of Congress in 1782 as the centerpiece of the National Seal because they felt it symbolized the courage and might of the patriots who fought during the Revolutionary War; however, not all were so impressed. Benjamin Franklin detested the bald eagle and commented that “It is a bird of bad moral character, too lazy to fish for itself and resorts instead to sharping and robbing for its meal. Besides he is a rank coward; the little kingbird, not bigger than a sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the district.” Franklin’s rumored choice instead was that of the wild turkey which he described as a much more courageous and respectable bird. Specific only to North America, bald eagles once inhabited nearly every ecosystem within the continent and can be found nesting in 45 of the lower 48 states, as well as Alaska, Canada, and parts of Mexico. Prior to European settlement, bald eagles were estimated to have numbered nearly half a million individuals with the greatest densities found along major rivers and lakes. Population surveys in the early 20th century began to show a dramatic decline, mostly due to loss of suitable habitat and hunting (both legal and illegal). In 1930, an ornithologist from Alaska documented that over 70,000 bald eagles had been shot and killed in the previous 12 years in that territory alone.
was officially listed on the National Endangered Species list by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. There it would remain for the next 30+ years. Bald eagle populations have made a significant rebound in the last few decades. The number of nesting pairs in the lower 48 states has increased from just 450 in the early 1960s to nearly 10,000 nesting pairs reported in 2007. In Illinois, the once rare sightings of wintering bald eagles have become more common place. In Fulton, Illinois, on the Mississippi River, you would be lucky to see 10 eagles perched along the banks in past years. This year there were reports of over 1,000 eagles in a day.
According to experts, Illinois has become second in the U.S. only to Alaska Nevertheless, the bald eagle is in wintering bald eagle populations. People began an impressive raptor. Adults stand There is no need to travel very far any to take notice of about three feet tall and weigh longer to get a glimpse of these impresthe decline and 10–14 pounds with a wingspan that sive birds. Eagle sightings have been rein 1940 the fedcan reach up to 7.5 feet across. Its Adult and Immature Bald Eagles ported with greater frequency along the eral government large eyes are comparable in size to that Fox River, the Des Plaines River, and passed the Bald Eagle Act intended to of humans with sharpness four times protect the bird from human hunting and Salt Creek. There was even a day in that of a person with perfect vision. trapping. The expectation was that the early February when a bald eagle briefly The signature white head, neck and bald eagle would begin to recover to visited Spring Valley, skimmed the treetail feathers do not appear until reachsustaintops, and ing sexual maturity at about five years able continued old. Prior to reaching maturity, the bald According to experts, Illinois has become second in the populawest. The eagle’s coloring remains blackish brown, U.S. only to Alaska in wintering bald eagle populations. tions; Audubon signifying to potential mates that it is not howSociety in yet capable of breeding. ever, this Springfield has fielded a number of calls The bald eagle is an apex predator was around the same time period that from people wanting to know where to typically found near open water, feedthe pesticide DDT started to be widely go to see bald eagles. Their advice was ing primarily on fish but also preying on used. DDT, an insecticide commonly simply, “Look up!” water birds and mammals, as well. As used throughout North America, was an opportunistic carnivore, it will take found to cause eggshell thinning in apex For further information about the bald carrion or steal from other eagles if the predators like the bald eagle. The shell eagle, visit the following sites: opportunity presents itself. To increase thinning caused eggs to crack during http://wgntv.com/2014/02/18/eagles-in-illinois/ its likelihood of catching prey, bald nesting, greatly reducing reproductive eagles tend to hunt in pairs and ambush success and adding to the decline in http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-01-10/ news/ct-cold-eagles-met-0111-20140111_1_illitheir distracted prey; however, their suceagle populations. With overwhelmnois-river-illinois-waterway-visitors-center-baldcess rate is still relatively low, just one ing evidence of the effects of DDT and eagles kill in 18 attempts. It has the ability to the popular book Silent Spring written carry prey of up to four pounds in size http://www.baldeagleinfo.com/ by Rachel Carson, the United States and can consume a pound of flesh in government officially banned its use in http://www.nrdc.org/health/pesticides/hcarson.asp less than five minutes. 1972. On July 4, 1976, the bald eagle 2
S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 4
Corporate Roofs Grow Roots After a monumental winter, furnaces around Illinois finally have a chance to catch their breath. With the combination of spring showers and snow meltdown, the torch has been passed to ambitious sump pumps around the Midwest. Each season provides challenges that test the stability of homes and corporate buildings alike. And this year the bar was set high. To combat rising utility bills, an innovative twist to a multiple century old technique is being utilized in surrounding urban areas. Green roofs, buildings that are planted with vegetation over a waterproof membrane, have seen a drastic growth in popularity. Let’s take a look into the unique qualities of green rooftops and show how some buildings in our neck of the woods have been a catalyst for this ecofriendly method.
The advantages are overwhelming when it comes to green roofs. The vegetation will help cut heating and cooling costs, reduce storm water runoff, increase roof longevity, filter pollutants in rainwater and the atmosphere, lower greenhouse gases and surrounding temperatures, and even contribute to a better sound quality inside the structure. In addition, many corporate groups are profiting from green tax breaks while gaining LEED certification (What is LEED? Find out here: http://www.usgbc.org/leed ). Another incentive, especially in an urban setting, is increasing agricultural space. Organic crops grown can be sold commercially or donated to help the surrounding community. Above all, planted rooftops provide a refuge for migrating birds, insects, bees, butterflies, and other animals. As urban sprawl continues to consume natural habitats, these elevated green spaces can be seen as an oasis within the concrete jungle. Sweet home Chicago is rich with tradition and associated with countless things. The Blues, deep dish pizza, street fests and our beloved Bears come to mind…but green infrastructure? Remarkably, Chicago has been the frontrunner for green roof installation across the nation. According to choosechicago. com’s article on ecotourism, “Chicago boasts more than 500 green rooftops, covering more than seven-million square feet of space.” The City Hall Rooftop
by Matt Streitmatter
City Hall Rooftop Garden
Garden leads the charge and battles a reflective based temperature issue known as Urban Heat Island Effect. The article goes on to state that, As part of the Urban Heat Island Initiative, the city of Chicago planted a 20,300-square-foot green roof atop City Hall. In dense urban environments, heat is trapped and given off by pavement, buildings, and asphalt. When compared to the roof tops of other nearby buildings, City Hall’s plant-heavy capstone was nearly 100 degrees cooler.
Along with City Hall, hospitals have also utilized rooftop gardens for therapeutic healing purposes with patients. Pioneering schools and YMCAs use green roofs as an educational tool and outdoor classroom. Lessons can range from farming techniques to nature based subjects giving inner city children a handson experience with the outdoors. Progressive restaurants have transformed unused rooftop space into farm fields. This allows herbs and vegetables to be grown directly above the chef’s kitchen providing a sustainable food source. McCormick Place has also started the harvest with one of the largest agricultural roofs in the country. An article from NPR entitled, “Rooftop Farming Is Getting Off the Ground” states that the elevated plot produces 8,000 to 12,000 pounds of food per year. A list of the grown crops include kale, collards, carrots, radishes, peppers, beans, beets, cherry tomatoes, and various herbs. As Chicago’s green roof space grows each year, organizations like hardware stores, financial firms, apartment complexes, business plazas, car dealerships, and even a McDonalds have joined suit. With some architectural creativity the sky is the limit for this urban green approach. Dialing in the scope a bit, we come to Schaumburg. Residents here may not 3
have to deal with condensed populations or wall to wall development, but the need for ecological practices is still present. The fuel for this article actually came during a prescribed burn last year. In the midst of the spring burning season, the wind, and therefore our target plot shifted to the nature center’s prairie roof. The entire process was fascinating; knowing staff and volunteers went about their everyday routines inside the center as the short grasses were ignited overhead. However, besides that burn, the green roof at Spring Valley can go unnoticed. And it is easy to forget about how beneficial it is to the surrounding habitat. Spring Valley’s planted roof not only alleviates expenses but has transformed the building into a living ecosystem partnering with the restored prairie below. In addition to Spring Valley, there are two other known green rooftops in Schaumburg. An apartment condominium located near Algonquin and Meacham Road has a planted parking garage. And a commercial roofing and paving company off National Parkway has a fully functional green roof with vegetation and over 250 solar panels. The main hang-up barring installation is, by far, the initial cost. Although this cost is steep, the money saved from the previously mentioned benefits will pay for the investment over time. Structural stability may also be an issue and buildings must be inspected to guarantee that the weight of the soil and vegetation can be supported. Besides these two hitches, the living roof plan should continue to flourish. It is exciting to see that our local city has supported and promoted green rooftops. And while some may say, “They paved paradise to put up a parking lot”, at least on many parking garages there is a garden on the top floor.
Prairie Burn on Spring Valley Nature Center Rooftop
S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 4
Click on program/icon for information and to register online.*
*To create a new account, visit the registration desk at the CRC or download an internet registration form from www.parkfun.com. The form can be found under the registration tab. Programs will be cancelled three days in advance if minimum is not reached, so register early!
Project Learning Tree: Educators’ Workshop
Saturday, May 17 • 9AM-3PM Enjoy a fun filled day in which you’ll learn how to use the activities and receive a copy of the PLT K-8 curriculum guide.
ADULT or TEEN
Additional workshops are being developed. For up-to-date information, visit www. parkfun.com/Spring-Valley/programs.
Free - Neighborhood Nature Areas Fri., June 13 • 7:00-8:30P Ruth Macintyre Conservation Area
Harper College & Spring Valley
Register through Harper College or call 847/925-6707. Class held at Spring Valley.
Fri., June 27 • 7:00-8:30P Kay Wojcik/Oak Hollow Conservation Area Discover these hidden jewels and find out what lives there and how these areas are managed.
Creating a Backyard Wildlife Oasis
Saturday, June 7 • 9-11:30AM Learn how to transform a plain landscape into a space teeming with butterflies, birds and other backyard visitors. Course: LLG0061
Free - Spring Bird Count
Saturday, May 10 • 7:00A-5:00PM Help count birds during the Audubon Society spring bird count.
Creating with Concrete: Birdbaths
Sundown Supper on the Farm
Saturday, May 31 • 10:00AM-Noon Learn the basics of working with this hardy, versatile material while making a birdbath.
Friday, May 9 • 5:30-8:30PM After helping with evening chores and making supper, participants will watch the sunset while tasting the farm’s historic recipes.
Weekly Yoga at the Cabin
Tuesday, June 3 - Aug. 5 • 6:00-7:00PM Tuesday, June 3 - Aug. 5 • 7:30-8:30PM Thursday, June 5 - Aug. 7 • 6:30-7:30PM Thursday, June 5 - Aug. 7 • 8:00-9:00PM Enjoy a weekly yoga class in the woods at the Merkle Cabin.
&
Native Plant Sale Backyards for
ALL AGES
Nature Fair
Breakfast with the Birds
Saturday, May 10 • 7:00-9:00AM Enjoy breakfast and an early morning walk looking for Spring Valley’s colorful migratory birds.
Sunday, May 4 10AM-2PM
Cooking Over a Campfire
Saturday, May 3 • 4:00-5:30PM Spice up your next camping trip or cookout with simple and tasty outdoor cooking techniques.
Spring Valley Nature Center
This celebration of environmental stewardship features information on landscaping with native plants, composting, attracting birds, rain gardens, natural pest control, children’s activities and plant sale. Call 847-985-2100 for information.
Peonies Aplenty
Sunday, June 8 • Noon-4PM
Learn the story of the Redeker peony farm and view the descendents of the original peonies that grow there today.
Co-sponsored by the Schaumburg Park District and Schaumburg Community Garden Club
HERITAGE FARM PROGRAMS Daily Activities at the Farm Deutsch-heim Day Tuesdays-Fridays............. 9AM-2PM Saturdays & Sundays....... 10AM-4PM
Experience a typical day on a working 1880s Schaumburg farm. Farm and domestic activities take place Tuesday through Sunday. Come early to see the cow being milked and stay all day for a unique experience.
German-American Funeral Customs May 3 • Noon-3PM
German emigrants brought much of their culture and traditions with them to Schaumburg and the Heritage Farm would like to share them with you. • Help celebrate the life of Johann Heinrich Boeger, the first settler of Spring Valley, as funeral customs of the 1880s are re-enacted. • Bring a picnic lunch or purchase beverages and food at the Farm. 4
S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 4
Up and At’em Animal Chores
Enjoy an evening of Illinois wines & brews on the prairie.
Saturday, May 24 • 7:30-9:30AM Wake up and get outside! Help with animal chores and then have a light breakfast.
EARLY CHILDHOOD Budding Naturalists
Saturday, May 3 • 9:00-11:00AM Children will explore, listen to a story and plant a seed to take home.
Saturday, June 21 • 6-9p.m.
Flower Power
Saturday, May 17 • 9:30AM-12:30PM Become a flower detective looking for blossoms in the woods and prairies.
Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E, Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg • Program Code: 60349
21 years or older to attend • Indoor/outdoor event The evening includes ‘tasting plate’ snacks, commemorative wine glass and musical entertainment. Sampled wines are available for purchase.
Nature Music
Sunday, June 1 • 10:00-11:00AM Use the gifts of nature to create beautiful music and enjoy the sounds discovered along the way.
Tickets: $30 through PayPal at schaumburgparkfoundation.org. Includes 10 tastings. Additional tastings available for purchase. For more information, call 847/985-2115 or visit schaumburgparkfoundation.org.
FAMILY
Benefiting the Schaumburg Park Foundation’s scholarship program.
The following programs have a special family rate. By registering ONE child, it is assumed that a minimum of two people (one adult and child) or a maximum of four people are attending. Do NOT register additional people, they may pay on the day of the program.
YOUTH
Campfire at the Cabin
Cabin Cooking, Pioneer Style
Friday, June 27 • 7:30-9:00PM Walk down to the cabin for a campfire with stories, songs and toasted marshmallows.
Saturday, June 14 • 10:00AM-Noon Step back in time and cook like a pioneer in Spring Valley’s own log cabin.
Farm, Family, Food
Fantastic Flyers
Saturday, June 14 • 4:30-6:00PM Let the family get down and dirty while experiencing farm life firsthand!
Saturday, June 7 • 9:30-11:00AM If you like birds, then you’ll want to discover who is flying around Spring Valley.
Metamorphosis Madness
Firefly Fandango
Sunday, June 22 • 9:00-10:30AM Explore the life cycles of insects and the major changes they go through.
Saturday, June 28 • 8:45-9:45PM Witness one of nature’s marvels as the summer sun sets on Spring Valley’s prairies and woods.
Pollination Exploration
Nature Stories
Saturday, June 14 • 10:00-11:00AM See the world through the eyes of pollinators as we hike, play games and enjoy a sweet treat.
Saturday, June 7 • Noon-1:00PM Nature and stories go hand in hand. There are many stories to tell and books to read.
Spring Discoveries
Night of the Frogs
Saturday, May 3 • 9:00-11:00AM Children will explore spring’s bounty and discover what may be hiding in unusual places.
Saturday, May 17 • 6:30-8:00PM As the sun sets, participants will hike around the wetlands in search of these hoppy amphibians.
Spring into Gardening
Saturday, May 17 • 10:00-11:30AM Children will spend time getting the garden ready for summer.
DROP-IN DAYS The Heritage Farm at Spring Valley offers six drop-in program days this summer on the second Tuesday and third Thursday of each month.
Wetland Surprises
Saturday, June 7 • 10:30AM-Noon Put on wet gear and plunge through water as you swipe nets in the water to collect critters.
$2 per person
“Heritage Breeds”
Tuesday, June 10 • 11AM • 12 Yrs and Older
Summer Camps at Spring Valley
Meet the animals on the farm by visiting the horses and pigs, grooming the cows, and feeding the chickens. Learn about heritage breeds and why staff chose these particular animals for the 1880s farm.
“Garden Helpers”
Spring Valley offers a variety of summer camps (full and half-day) for children 5-15 years old.
Thursday, June 19 • 10AM-Noon • 3 Yrs and Older
See the heirloom vegetables in the farm kitchen garden, help the house frau with garden maintenance, and plant a seed to take home and help grow throughout the summer.
For more information, call 847/985-2100 or click here.
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S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 4
“Who’s Cooking” The Story of a Most Mysterious Building
by Jon Kuester
Sitting next to the Boeger farm house at ers by more than 30 years and inheriting In early 1945, my grandfather Edwin Spring Valley’s Volkening Heritage farm the farm herself, where she still resides (Case) Kuester was a forty-four year old is a most peculiar structure. The building, at the age of 101. Why am I telling you bachelor living in rural Gibson County, built in the traditional German pfostenthis? It shows one family’s solution to the Indiana. The youngest son of Friedrich wohnhaus style (usually one large central problem of “Who’s cooking?” and that (Fred) Kuester, he had been left to take room with smaller adjoining rooms on would turn out to be a key question in the over his father’s farm along with his older one or both sides), resembles a little farm history of our little building. brother John. With the death of their house in one quarter scale, with a large mother, When looking at the history of a structure central John and it is important to start with what is known, kitchen Case were the unchangeable facts, and these are and two left with often within the structure itself. This buildsmall a conuning originated on land owned by Conrad side drum, Hattendorf, northwest of the intersection rooms. “Who’s of Schaumburg Road. and Salem Drive. It poscooking?” It is a balloon-framed building made of sesses A situarough sawn pine fastened with wire nails. a mintion like It has a tongue and groove fir wood floor. iature this only The walls and ceiling of the main floor sleephad one were covered with lath and plaster, the ing loft solution. common technique prior to the use of above Someone drywall. The south wall was connected to and a had to another structure and the south window root cellar was once a door. below. The doorThis is way on the not, hownorth face ever, an was once elaborate a window. play house There is no (view from north) en or model. ch Kit er mm Su structural For the get married evidence the last two decades, the building has been and John building had known as the farm’s summer kitchen and thought that a chimney; has had many amazing and conflicting he was far however, there stories told about its past. too old for is evidence that Not much is known about the building, such an the building despite multiple interviews with famenterprise. suffered a fire ily descendants. What is known comes This left near the current from three sources, often in conflict with Case to north side. Lastly, each other. The first is the structure of the go to town the building was building itself which doesn’t tell much, but and find moved by the does hold some intriguing clues about a wife Park District and its origins. The second source relies on which he set over a cellar. statements from family members which did in The implications of have come in the form of oral histories the form the structural detail told by Elroy Hattendorf, the grandson of point to a strucof my the man who presumably built the buildture that was built granding. The last, and until now untapped, around the turn of mother source comes in the form of records and Summer K itchen and the century. This is Chardocuments about the family. How could Cellar Entr ance (view not new information. lotte Bates Kuefrom east) family records detailing births, deaths, Staff has long known ster. Charlotte was horrified to find that and weddings help discover the history of that the building probably dated to about she was to take care of not only her new this building? The answer has to do with 1900, but this does not help us underhusband but also his older brother John, how a family lives and why they build stand the use of the structure. who had no intention of moving out of the structures in the first place. In layman’s house or off the farm. Charlotte eventualterms it has to do with answering the For an idea of how the structure was question, “Who’s cooking”. ly had the last laugh outliving both brothused we must go to the oral histo6
S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 4 ries provided by Elroy Hattendorf. His thoughts on the matter are short and to the point and for good reason. For his entire life, until the property was sold to the Hogan Family, the building sat east of their house and was used as an out building. In 2010, Elroy and his nephew Warren visited VHF and left the following comments with volunteer Sandy Meo in A walk with Elroy Hattendorf , Oct 2, 2010.
on before he was grown, August took over his father’s farm through an altenteil arrangement (traditionally, when one generation retired, a contract was drawn up with the younger generation which specified which part of
This is the true secret of this structure. It was not built as an apartment for the grandparents, but as their kitchen attached to their bedroom. With the announcement of August and Emma’s wedding a chain of events was started that would have tragic
Elroy Hattendorf arrived at the Heritage Farm with his Nephew Warren Hattendorf to revisit the Hattendorf buildings which had been moved here. Our first stop was the summer kitchen which he said never had a root cellar under it. There were no stairs to the attic. No one ever lived in this building. Water had to be carried and there was no electricity. The summer kitchen was attached to the Hattendorf house and was moved to the east side of the house after his grandmother died. Dorothea Seehausen Hattendorf (1840-1905) poured kerosene on the fire which flared up and burned her. She died in May of 1905 from the burns. There was a kerosene stove on the south side of the summer kitchen near the door. Elroy’s parents were to be married in the late summer of 1905. Since “the cook” died, they moved the wedding up to June. While we visited the farmhouse, memories of the Hattendorf house were recalled. It was a two story house with a large kitchen, living room, parlor, and five bedrooms. The back bedroom on the first floor was for his grandfather. The basement had a coal furnace. Laundry and canning took place in the basement.
The tragic story of Elroy’s grandmother has long been known but the connection of the wedding to the structure and why Elroy linked these two stories was less understood. Elroy was clear that no one ever lived in the building, a problem when trying to link the building’s history with Elroy’s grandparents. In order to obtain a deeper understanding of why this building was built more information was needed. Unfortunately, there are no records pertaining to this building specifically, but there are records on the family. Conrad Hattendorf emigrated from Germany with his father Heinrich and mother Engel in 1848. In about 1860, he married Dorothea Seehausen and, between 1860 and 1883, they had eight children. It is their last son August, born in 1883, who is the key to this story. With the older children married and moved
Summer K
itchen on
its origina
the house would serve as a residence for the retirees and how they would be fed and cared for). At ages 65 and 60, Conrad and Dorothea must have been elated when their 22 year old son August announced in early 1905 that he would marry Emma Clausing in late summer. This was the chance for the aging farmer, still listed in the census as the head of household, to retire. With August taking over the farm and Emma moving into the house, the elder Hattendorfs needed a place to stay. It is likely that at this point they prepared to move to the first floor back bedroom mentioned by Elroy, but two people would need more space than just a small first floor bedroom. Recent research into the architecture of rural German farm families, as well as Fred Peterson’s work on German Catholic vernacular architecture in rural Minnesota, suggests that above all what the Alten generations wanted was a kitchen. Simply put, German emigrants in the 19th century lived and were most comfortable in their kitchens. With Dorothea giving up her kitchen to her daughter-in-law she would want her own new kitchen as a replacement. 7
l site.
consequences. Excitement must have filled the air in early spring 1905 as a new kitchen took shape on the side of the Hattendorf’s forty year old farm house. The construction would effectively make the house a duplex leaving the old kitchen, living room, parlor and four upstairs bedrooms for August and Anna. Conrad and Dorothea would then have their bedroom with a newly constructed kitchen and two adjoining pantries for storage and their own entrance. Tragedy would strike quickly, however. Apparently one of the additions to the kitchen was a new kerosene or gasoline stove. Relatively new in 1905, gasoline stoves offered a cheap alternative to traditional wood or coal stoves. They took up little space, didn’t need a chimney to vent smoke, and fuel was relatively light and easy to handle. All of these advantages came with a tradeoff though. The liquid fuel was volatile and if spilled could cause an intense fire or even explosion. Dorothea, unfamiliar with the new technology was to run into just this problem in early May
S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 4 when she accidently spilled fuel on the stove lighting herself and the building on fire. The building suffered damage to the attic and roof but was not destroyed. Dorothea, however, succumbed to her injuries after languishing for some time. She died on May 29th, 1905. Dorothea was Elroy Hattendorf’s grandmother and she did die from a fire, but what about the comment that they move the wedding up because the “cook died”? Wouldn’t that cause you to postpone the wedding? If the intent was to get married before his mother passed away August missed it by several days. But that is not what Elroy said. He said they moved the wedding up because the “cook died”. What cook and for whom? Not for the wedding. The cook he was referring to was for the family. Even in the midst of all the preparations and construction, Dorothea remained the only woman in the household. She cooked for herself, her husband, and her yet unmarried son. With her death, Conrad and August were left with no one to look after them leaving them with the question, “Who cooks”? The answer was that the wedding was moved up so that 18 year old Emma Clausing, August’s new bride, could move in and keep house.
After the wedding, Emma took over the household and Conrad continued to live in the back bedroom until his death in 1915. The 1910 census finishes the story listing August as the head of household, Emma as his wife, sons Alvin and Alfred, hired man Albert Einicke, and father Conrad all living in the house. The second kitchen however did not stay. With no other women in the house besides Emma there was no need for two kitchens and as stated by Elroy the building was pulled off the house and moved to the east side. Elroy was correct in stating that no one ever lived in the building. It was built as a kitchen but never used and was soon after torn off, likely to remove the memory of the tragedy that occurred there. What does all this mean? It means that the Heritage Farm does not have a summer kitchen. This building, constructed in 1905, was not built as a summer kitchen and was likely never used as one. First of all, there are no summer kitchens in Germany. It is not an architectural style with which they are familiar. Conrad Hattendorf’s farm did not have a summer kitchen, nor did Johan Boeger’s 1850 or 1860 farm. There is no evidence of any summer kitchens in Schaumburg in the
19th century. The reason for this may be found in Pete Noll’s statements about architecture and domesticity in 19th century German communities. Dr. Noll suggests that there isn’t any historic rationale for a summer kitchen. This type of specialization of domestic space is contrary to the broader philosophy of the Germans’ architecture. Simply put, they wanted to do their cooking with the family and not segregated to another building. Since the structure is not a summer kitchen, what do we call it and what do we do with it? Two things are certain, we will not be moving the building and we will not be altering it to any great extent. It is still an original Schaumburg building dating back more than a hundred years. What the building needs is a purpose. Farmers needed woodsheds, smokehouses, chicken coups, and dairies, but VHF already has all of those things. Could it be interpreted as a commercial enterprise instead of a domestic space? A buttery, brewery or carpentry shop could all be justified close to the house. Could it be one of those things? Clearly more thought needs to be put into this and a plan developed that suits the needs of the site. Stay tuned!
New Staff at the Nature Center!
Hello everyone! I’m Amanda Anderson, a new comer to Chicago and Spring Valley. I recently moved to Illinois from Woodstock, Vermont, where I lived for the past year, but I was born and raised in Clearwater, Florida. I studied history and sociology in college but have always had an interest in environmental studies. After graduation, I had the opportunity to work with the National Park Service in Vermont as an interpreter and educator and found a passion for teaching others about the important places and resources around them. I was also able to explore new hobbies including gardening and canning, which I’m excited to do again this year, in addition to hiking and swimming. So far my time at Spring Valley has been a ton of fun, and I’m looking forward to the spring and summer to come. Hi, I’m Lauren Podgorski, one of the new environmental educators here at Spring Valley. I recently graduated from Illinois Wesleyan with a biology degree, and am enjoying putting it to good use while working with kids! I also enjoy rock climbing, running, and volunteering at Fermilab to clear invasive species. I’m looking forward to summer camps, warmer weather, and working with all the wonderful people here at Spring Valley!
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Volunteer News S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 4
Dates to Remember
Volunteer Want Ads
If you are interested in helping with any of the following activities, please call Judy at 847/985-2100 or e-mail her at juvito@parkfun.com.
Spring Bird Count
Saturday, May 10 • 7am-5pm Help count birds during the Audubon Society’s spring bird count. This is an excellent opportunity to sharpen bird identification skills. Come for all or part of the day.
Conservation Workdays
May 17 & June 14 • 9am-1pm Come one! Come all! We’re looking for volunteers to spend the morning with us for our upcoming workdays. Any amount of time you can share with us on these conservation projects would be appreciated.
Spring Valley Country Fair
Sunday, June 1 • Noon-4pm Farm interpreters are needed to help recreate the charm of a late 19th century community farm fair. Additional support positions are available for registered volunteers.
Pats on the back to the following volunteers... • John Curin, Kathy DeGeus, Daryle Drew, Bruce Kuhnhofer, Jan Neally, Patty Ochs, Sue and Rich Ringfelt, and Leo Salais for being this year’s sap collectors.
May
June
• All the volunteers who weathered the cold and dampness to help make this year’s Sugar Bush a success. • Carol Anagnostopoulos, Sandy Meo, Donna Turner, and Angela Waidanz for their continuing attention to the collections care duties.
Welcome New Volunteers… • Binjal Chaudhari • Autumn Latus
Happy Birthday to… 1 Dan Floreani 2 Aishwarya Ganesh Rene Netzer Tom Skiba 3 Cindy Holmberg John Tatom 5 James Baum
• Duane Bolin, Dean and Deanna Bruckner, Eve Carter, Barbara Dochterman, Marilyn Dvoratchek, Lynn Eikenbary, Andrea and Andy Farnham, Pete Gigous, Arthur Jeczala, Arlene Krizka, Barb Mitchell, Ken Ogorzalek, Penny and Tom Perles, Jim Peterson, Renata Riccobon, Leo Salais, Matt Skiba, Roy Svenson, Donna Turner, Ellie Vogel, and Angela Waidanz for helping with miscellaneous set-up jobs for Sugar Bush.
• James Baum • Deanna Jason • Steven Zanfardino
• Thursday, May 1................ 5-7pm Volunteer Reception at Chandlers • Sunday, May 4................... 10am-2pm Backyards for Nature Fair • Wednesday, May 7............ 6:30-9pm Volunteer Meeting • Saturday, May 10............... 7am-4pm Spring Bird Count • Monday, May 12................ 1-4pm Handy Crafters Meeting • Saturday, May 17............... 9am-1pm Conservation Workday • Sunday, June 1.................. Noon-4pm Spring Valley Country Fair • Sunday, June 8.................. Noon-4pm Peonies Aplenty • Monday, June 9................. 1-4pm Handy Crafters Meeting • Saturday, June 14.............. 9am-1pm Conservation Workday • Saturday, June 21.............. 6-9pm Solstice Hop and Vine Fest
• Babs Eddington • Larry Netzer
• Aishwarya Ganesh • Rene Netzer
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Joan Vodraska Penny Perles Venus Gintowt Amanda Greco Hilary Ellis Tom Walsh Lori Kandl Barb Michigan Kate Kitowski Carol Thomas Larry Morkert
• Jennifer Harkin • Jennifer O’Reilly
7 Elizabeth Tatom 12 Stephanie Parkins 16 Angela Waidanz 17 Jan Costis 19 Pat Dillon 22 Jean Havlir 25 Dave Margolis
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Pete Gigous Sandy Anlar Bill Tucknott Richard Leonhardt Leon Blum Julie Margolis James McGee Megan Bonney Nancy Griffin Gerri Svenson
• Heather Hartman • Tony Satoh
S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • Vo l u n t e e r C a l e n d a r
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
MAY 2014 Wednesday
Thursday
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Farm Hours: Tues-Fri 9:00am-2:00pm • Sat/Sun 10:00am-4:00pm
Friday
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Cabin Closed Bold indicates volunteer activities Italics indicates programs which may be taken as complimentary by volunteers
Volunteer Reception at Chandlers 5pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm
See “What’s Happening” for program descriptions
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Backyards for Nature Fair 10am
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•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
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Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm
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Volunteer Meeting 6:30pm
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•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm
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Saturday
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•Budding Naturalists 9am •Spring Discoveries 9am German-American Funeral Customs Noon •Cooking Over a Campfire 4pm
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Spring Bird Count 7am •Breakfast with the Birds 7am
•Sundown Supper on the Farm 5:30pm
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Conservation Workday 9am •Flower Power 9:30am •Spring Into Gardening 10am •Night of the Frogs 6:30pm
Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm
Mother’s Day
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Memorial Day 10
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•Up and At ‘Em Animal Chores 7:30am
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•Creating with Concrete: Birdbaths 10am
S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • Vo l u n t e e r C a l e n d a r
Sunday
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•Nature Music 10am Spring Valley Country Fair Noon
Monday
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JUNE 2014
Tuesday
Wednesday
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Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm
M-F
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Farm Drop-in – Heritage Breeds 11am
•Wiggles, Squiggles and Giggles Camp 9:30am •Animal Crackers 9:30am
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17 •Wee Sprouts 9:15am •Animal Crackers Mini 9:30am
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•Metamorphosis Madness 9am
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23 M-F
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•Fuzzy Wuzzies 9:30am •Rock Hounds 10am
24 •All About Rocks 9:30am •Chores and Chortles 9:30am
•Farmer Boot Camp 2:30pm
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
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•Creating a Backyard Wildlife Oasis 9am •Fantastic Flyers 9:30am •Wetland Surprises 10:30am •Nature Stories Noon
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Conservation Workday 9am •Pollination Exploration 10am •Cabin Cooking, Pioneer Style 10am •Farm, Family, Food 4:30pm
Neighborhood Nature at Ruth Macintyre 7pm
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•The Valley Games 10am •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
25 •Fossil Frenzy 9:30am •Rock Hounds 10am
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Farm Drop-in – Garden Helpers 10am
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Solstice Hop ‘n Vine Festival 6pm
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•Cookin’ Up History – Mini 10am •Buggin’ Out 1pm
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
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•Nature Fun Club 10am •All About Frogs and Turtles 1pm
Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
Father’s Day
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•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
•Chores and Chortles 10am •All About Fish 10am
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
Saturday
Friday
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•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
Peonies A’ Plenty Noon
Thursday
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•Firefly Fandango 8:45pm
Neighborhood Nature at Oak Hollow 7pm •Campfire at the Cabin 7:30pm
Farm Hours: Farm Hours: Tues-Fri 9:00am-2:00pm • Sat/Sun 10:00am-4:00pm
•Garden Gnomes 9am •Man vs. History 9:30am •Nature Quest 9:30am •Explore More Camp 9:30am •Doodlebugs 1pm •Farmer Boot Camp 2:30pm
Cabin Closed Bold indicates volunteer activities Italics indicates programs which may be taken as complimentary by volunteers See “What’s Happening” for program descriptions
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S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 4 Spring Valley • Schaumburg Park District • 1111 East Schaumburg Road • Schaumburg, Illinois 60194 Schaumburg Rd.
N Plum Grove Rd.
Spring Valley is a refuge of 135 acres of fields, forests, marshes and streams with over three miles of handicappedaccessible trails, a museum featuring natural history displays and information, and an 1880s living-history farm. Spring Valley is open to the general public. Admission is free.
Vera Meineke Nature Center
Volkening Heritage Farm
PHONE VERA MEINEKE NATURE CENTER...............................................847/985-2100 VOLKENING HERITAGE FARM......................................................847-985-2102
135 acres
HOURS Nature Center Grounds & Trails...............Open Daily...............8AM-5PM Volkening Heritage Farm Grounds..........Closed......................Dec.1-March 1
Vera Meineke Nature Center
The earth-sheltered visitor center provides an introduction to Spring Valley’s 135 acres of restored prairies, woodlands and wetlands and three miles of trails. The center contains natural history exhibits that change seasonally, a demonstration Backyard for Wildlife, an observation tower, classrooms, an extensive library, gift sales area and restrooms.
NATURE CENTER/MUSEUM HOURS: Year Round.............Daily*.......... 9AM-5PM FARM INTERPRETIVE PROGRAM HOURS: Nov. - March............Open for Special Events April 1 - Oct. 31.......Sat/Sun....... 10AM-4PM Tue-Fri........ 9AM-2PM Mon............ Buildings Closed
Volkening Heritage Farm
Step back into the past for a look at Schaumburg as it was in the 1880s – a rural German farm community. Help with seasonal farm chores, participate in family activities and games of the 1880s, or simply visit the livestock and soak in the quiet. Authentically dressed interpreters will welcome and share activities with visitors throughout the site.
Spring Valley Birthday Parties
We’ll bring our outreach program to your site. Topics include forests, worms, spiders, mammals, owls, food chains, food webs, wetlands, and the water cycle. Students will participate in hands-on activities, songs, and games. Topics may be adapted to students in grades one through six, and are aligned with Illinois State Standards and NGSS.
Looking for a unique, fun, and educational venue for your child’s birthday? Spring Valley is the answer! Two party themes are available. A hayride can be added for an extra fee. Call Spring Valley for more information.
Spring Valley Firepit and Shelter Rentals
Make your next scout group, business or family gathering something special! Spring Valley offers the use of a picnic shelter and fire pit in a wooded setting near the Merkle Log Cabin. Use of the site includes firewood, trash/recycling receptacles and benches, as well as picnic tables. No alcohol or amplified music permitted. Restrooms are available at the Heritage Farm or Nature Center, a 5–10 minute walk. The adjacent Merkle Log Cabin contains a restroom and may be rented for additional fees.
Programs at Spring Valley
School, Scout and adult groups are encouraged to take advantage of Spring Valley’s Environmental Education Program. Programs change seasonally and are geared for specific age groups. Correlations to the state standards, connections with NGSS, and activity sheets are available on the SPD website, www.parkfun.com. Learn local history with a visit to the Heritage Farm. Elementary and high school students recreate farm life in the 1880s with Hands on History; second graders experience it through Heritage Quest. Children from the age of four through second grade will learn about food, farmers, and farm animals in Farms and Foods.
Scout Badges
Hourly use fees:
We offer many opportunities for scouts. Our programs will help with your badge, pin or patch requirements. Call for more information or stop in for a brochure.
Spring Valley’s mission is to educate area residents regarding the natural and cultural history of the Schaumburg area and how people have and continue to interact with and upon the landscape.
Residents:.............. $25
Civic groups:...............................$25
Non-residents:....... $40 Corporate/business groups:.......$55
SCHAUMBURG PARK DISTRICT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:
NATURAL ENQUIRER STAFF: Mary Rice.......... Editor
Mike Daniels Sharon DiMaria David Johnson George Longmeyer Bob Schmidt
Judy Vito............ Volunteer Coordinator Dave Brooks...... “In this Issue...” Scott Stompor.... Graphic Artist
SCHAUMBURG PARK DISTRICT WEBSITE: www.parkfun.com
E-MAIL:
springvalley@parkfun.com
MEMBER:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Tony LaFrenere
Participants should dress appropriately for weather conditions.
*All facilities closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
Environmental Outreach Program
SPRING VALLEY MISSION STATEMENT:
Unless otherwise noted, all programs are held rain or shine.
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