On June 28th, a determined group of FRIENDS members from various locales came together in Rock County to visit the Historical Society and tour Rotary Gardens. Like the postal service, neither the wind nor rain kept us from our appointed rounds of the many garden settings, ponds and art work. The recently mounted outdoor garden art project was a hit with the gaily decorated colorful fish forms helping to brighten the cloudy, sunless morning. On command, the rain relented as our tour ended and we boarded our mini-coach.

Heading back to the Rock Co. Historical Society headquarters, we were chauffeured past many historic buildings in the downtown area and through portions of three of Janesville’s historic districts. Upon arrival at the society, we were welcomed by director Mike Reuter who apprised us of the many recently completed and ongoing projects what will put the Tallman House and entire grounds into a campus- type destination environment. A tour followed highlighting the relocated Frances Willard Schoolhouse, the totally refurbished carriage barn (fall of 2017 completion), and of the c. 1857 Tallman House itself.

If you have not visited this historic site lately, you will be amazed at all of the renovations and thoughtful additions. The near future will provide visitors with hands on exhibits, audio, and video displays to engage mind and body. This is not your mom and dad’s house museum but an interpretive look at our historical past through a 21st-century lens.

A wonderful catered luncheon preceded our annual membership meeting. The meeting covered topics from the fall excursion to the 2018 excursion. For a complete report of the annual meeting, please click here.

If you couldn’t make it this year, we hope to see you at the 2018 annual meeting. The location will be revealed later this year!

Best,

Phillip Schauer, President FWHS