The Grove Society held its annual meeting on October 22nd at Creekside Place. The meeting started out with a presentation by our friend Ed O’Brien, at times impersonating Franklin Delano Roosevelt and at other times talking about the work FDR did during his tenure as President. He discussed the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which was responsible for completing many of the buildings in Leonard-Leota Park.
After that the meeting was called to order and business conducted, including listing accomplishments for the work year September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026. The Grove Society Board and its many volunteers held the following events:
- “From Evansville to Giverny and Back Again: The Life and Art of Theodore Robinson” Presented by Janine Yorimoto-Boldt, PhD of the UW-Madison Chazen Museum of Art in collaboration with UW Badger Talks and PBS Wisconsin. Watch the video of the presentation on PBS Wisconsin’s University Place: https://pbswisconsin.org/watch/university-place/the-art-and-life-of-theodore-robinson-zrsxmk/
- Fundraiser at Grandpa’s Farm, Ed Larson’s collection of agricultural antiques.
- Bucky! Watch Party at the Night Owl. Another collaboration with PBS Wisconsin.
- 250th anniversary of the United States Commemorative Coin contest drawing competition held in conjunction with the Eager Free Public Library.
- “Irregular Warfare during the American Revolution” – presentation by UW-Madison Professor John Hall held in conjunction with Badger Talks and the Eager Free Public Library.
- Reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 4 th in Leonard-Leota Park. Watch the reading here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qw2x_j3ABlY.
- 10th Annual History in the Park: “History on the Street: Evansville’s Banner Project” featuring Mayor Abbey Barnes and five presenters speaking about people featured on the banners.
The Historical House Tour, held on September 19th, was outside the 2025-26 reporting window, but we mention it here because it turned out so well. The last tour was held 23 years ago. We sold 331 tickets: 221 at the early-bird price and 110 the day of the event, even with the rainy weather. 58% of the tickets were purchased by Evansville residents and 42% by folks from out of town. In all, the event raised $7,000, all of which will go toward the restoration of the bandstand/warming house in Leonard-Leota Park.
Annual awards went to the following people:
- Sally Hardy Eager Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation – Pat Carr
-For Restoration of The Johnson-Morrison House at 224 W. Church Street, Evansville - Sally Hardy Eager Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation – Gordy & Sue Miller
-For Restoration of The Powerhouse at 195 S. Union Street, Evansville - Ruth Ann Montgomery Award for Local History – Abbey Barnes
-For her banner project featuring notable people from Evansville’s past - Recognition of Service Award – Dottie Dykstra
-For her contributions to build, support, and grow the Grove Society’s online presence - Volunteer of the Year Award – Marcia Dobbs
-For her tireless support of Grove Society events - Volunteer of the Year Award – Cherrie Johnson
-For her support to maintain the grounds at the Historic Baker Building
Marcia Kremer, who recently submitted her resignation from the Society’s Board of Directors, was recognized for her eight years of service. She will be sorely missed!
Last up was the election of the new board by the membership and afterward the election of the officers by the newly formed board. They are:
- Norman Barker – President
- Dan Stephans – Vice President
- Chris Eager – Secretary
- Kris Thome – Treasurer
- Arthur McEvoy
- Vicky Norton
- Karen Belmore
We thank everyone who lent their support during the past year. It truly takes a village to keep Evansville’s history alive. We look forward to the new year and the opportunities it brings to discover, keep and share Evansville’s story.
Evansville Grove Society Board or Directors