Historic Randall Park Neighborhood Association
Summer 1997
The Historic Randall Park Neighborhood has gone into cyberspace. You now can find our wonderful historic neighborhood on the Internet. Our home page is at: http://www.randallpark.com
You can tour our historic homes, area businesses and our new elementary school. Also, you can find out the latest news about our neighborhood and upcoming events. You can advertise your garage sale FREE on the home page and it can be seen by people around the world. Our newsletter will also be on the home page. So get on the Net at a computer near you and surf through your neighborhood.
If you have any questions or ideas regarding the home page, please contact Jake Schoeder at 907 Third Ave., or 834-4764 or by e-mail jakescho@win.bright.net
Dorm Construction
Opposed
The Historic Randall Park Neighborhood Association Steering Committee has passed a resolution opposing construction of a new university dormitory on Water Street or First Avenue. The Steering Committee feels that a new dormitory would adversely affect our neighborhood due to the increased density and increased parking demands that such a development would bring. The view of the river and bike trail would also be negatively impacted. Letters, outlining the neighborhood’s position, have been sent to university and city officials and state representatives. Norm Green, a neighborhood representative, will help in organizing neighborhood action regarding this proposal. If you would like to be involved, please contact him at 834-3786. Neighborhood residents are also encouraged to contact City Council representatives regarding this matter.
Neighborhood Events
Riverfest ’97: Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6
Riverfest is a celebration of Eau Claire’s 125th anniversary of incorporation. Join in the old-fashioned fun at Phoenix Park and Owen Park, with taffy pulls, antique fire engine rides, kids games, craftsman and artisans displays, and singing and dancing! For more information on this festival, see the Riverfest schedule of events in this newsletter.
Neighborhood Night Out: Tuesday, August 5 from 6:30 P.M-8:00 P.M. in Randall Park
Join us for the Third Annual " Neighborhood Night in the Park" in Randall Park! It’s a place for new neighbors and old friends to meet for an evening of old-fashioned fun! There is something for everyone, with children’s games, drawings for prizes, musical entertainment, cotton candy, and free ice cream cones. Don’t miss it!
Old Towne Water Street Day: Saturday, August 9 from 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Celebrate the history of Water Street with our local merchants, as the street comes alive with music, food vendors, crafters, a flea market and retail displays. It’s an event for the whole family!
Ongoing Summer Activities
Ski Sprites Water Ski Shows: Wednesdays and Sundays at 6:30 P.M. at Half Moon Beach
Join the Ski Sprites on a South Sea adventure this summer as you watch their new show,
Fantaski Island. Shows begin on June 4, with special performances during Sawdust City Days, 4th of July and Labor Day. Spend an evening on the beach this summer and enjoy the show!
Summer Programs at UW -EC
(Starting June 16 and running eight weeks)
Music on the Mall: Mondays, 7:00 P.M. - Central Campus Mall (rain-Schofield Aud.)
Free Film Series: Tuesdays & Thursdays, Noon & 7:00 P.M. - Davies Theater
Jazz at Noon: Wednesdays, Noon - Central Campus Mall (rain-The Cabin, Davies Center)
Eau Claire Parks and Recreation Programs
Movies in the Park: Tuesdays, 9:00 P.M. - Owen Park (June 17 - August 5)
Grab some popcorn and head to the park on Tuesdays and enjoy classic family films.
Concerts in the Park: Thursdays, 8:00 P.M. - Owen Park (June 12 - August 7)
Tap your toes and clap your hands . . . it’s show time every Thursday at the band shell!
Playground Program: Lakeshore Elementary School Playground
Neighborhood kids, ages six to 16, can enjoy the fun all summer long at the neighborhood playground program ! This program runs from June 16 to August 7. For more information, call EC Parks and Rec. at 839-5032.
This column, Remember When . . . offers neighborhood residents an opportunity to write about their recollections of neighborhood life. If you would be willing to write about your memories in a future newsletter or know of someone who would be willing to share their thoughts with neighborhood residents, please call any of the neighborhood representatives listed in this newsletter. Thank you!
Remember When . . .
by
Larry Dexter
Our Neighborhood in the 1920’s
A large ice house was located on the shore of Half Moon Lake extending from Grand Avenue to Union Street where the Half Moon Apartments now stand.
Most people had ice boxes and not electric refrigerators. The ice would be delivered by horse and wagon. A card would be displayed in the front window to tell the ice man the size piece desired, and he would bring in the ice over his shoulder and put it in the ice box which was usually in the kitchen.
The ice was harvested in January and February. This took place on the lake in front of the ice house. The blocks of ice were sawed in large pieces about the size of a bale of hay. These blocks of ice were placed on a chain belt and carried into the ice house. This project lasted several weeks until the ice house was full. Sawdust would be sprinkled on the ice to preserve it when the hot days of summer arrived.
The horses were housed in a large barn on Seventh Avenue, which was located between Grand Avenue and Union Street. There was no causeway to drive a car to Carson Park from our neighborhood. An old wooden bridge existed for walking only. Cars entered the park at the Menomonie Street entrance as they do today. The park was mostly trees with a road around the park. There was one softball diamond and a small picnic ground on the western side of the park with no other developments. The tennis courts and baseball stadium were built in the 1930’s.
Larry Dexter has lived in our neighborhood since he was twelve. His parents moved into his current home, near Sixth Avenue and Grand Avenue, in 1934.
Join Your Neighbors for
A Night Out in the Park
Park Neighborhood Night Out to be held in Join your neighbors for the Third Annual Historic Randall Randall Park on Tuesday, August 5, from 6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. It is a night of old-fashioned fun for neighborhood residents of all ages. Neighbors enjoy children’s carnival games, free ice cream cones and cotton candy, and drawings for prizes. Past added attractions have included tours of the DARE car and a fire engine. Combine all this with musical entertainment and you’ve got an event that can’t be missed! This annual event is a great time to meet your new neighbors and chat with old friends. Mark your calendars now and we’ll see you in the park this August!
Aren’t They Grand?
As you stroll in the neighborhood this summer, take the time to enjoy the beautiful hanging baskets of flowers that are once again adorning the lampposts in the West Grand Avenue business district. Our thanks
to the West Grand Avenue businesses for making our neighborhood even more beautiful!
Lakeshore Elementary . . .
A Neighborhood Center
Our vision of Lakeshore as a neighborhood center is becoming a reality. Lakeshore gymnasiums and resource rooms were extensively utilized by both
children’s and adult groups, including soccer, kato, basketball, girl scouts, and the Historic Randall Park Neighborhood Association. The university entered into a partnership with Lakeshore wherein the school hosted twenty-three curriculum and instruction students over an extended time to work in our classrooms. Lakeshore also had several student teachers and school psychology students who worked in the classrooms, as well as a tutoring program developed for after school by one of the UWEC faculty. Thirty UWEC students attended a weekly class taught at school through the combined efforts of the Lakeshore and UWEC faculty. The Parks and Recreation Department will offer a summer playground session daily at Lakeshore this year. We continue to recruit retired people or others who might have a few minutes on a consistent basis to provide some of our children with an adult who can listen to them read so as to maintain intergenerational contacts.
Our thanks goes out to those neighborhood residents already making a difference by volunteering at Lakeshore. There were many, many other activities which occurred at Lakeshore which supported our children and utilized our facility as a support for the community. We hope to continue our efforts and would welcome our neighbors to join us for visits, for volunteering or simply to attend one of our many enrichment programs. - Mary Seitz, Principal
T-shirts!
With summer here, it’s time to pull out your short-sleeved wardrobe. It’s also time to show the pride you feel for the neighborhood by wearing a neighborhood T-shirt. T-shirts, with our neighborhood logo are available for only $6.00. What a deal! T-shirts will be available at our Neighborhood Night Out on August 5 or you may order a T-shirt by calling Nancy Lynch at 839-0056. T-shirts are available in ash (gray) or jade.
Community Policing
A new face will now be seen in the COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING area of the Historic Randall Park Neighborhood. Officer Robin Barnhardt started his new assignment on May 20, 1997. Robin is a life long resident of Eau Claire and has been a full time police officer with the Eau Claire Police Department for four years. Robin also served 2 1/2years as an E.C.P.D. reserve. Robin is married and they are expecting their first child. Robin is looking forward to joining Officer Kevin Farley in working with the neighborhood residents.
Sergeant Al Lowry is being given additional supervisory responsibilities with the Special Services Bureau. He will also continue to supervise the C.O.P. officers and will occasionally fill in as needed in the C.O.P. areas. He looks forward to continuing his work with the residents of the Historic Randall Park Neighborhood. Sergeant Lowry also thanks Laurie Gapko for his participation in the interview portion of the selection process for the C.O.P. position.
The neighborhood C.O.P. office is located behind the Water Street Fleet Feet. Neighborhood residents are encouraged to call 838-2665 (voice mail is available) with any questions or concerns. Office hours are Mondays, 4:00 - 6:00 P.M. and Thursdays, 5 - 7 P.M.
Help Keep Our Neighborhood Pleasant
We take great pride in our neighborhood! As we enter into the summer season, please observe ordinances that make our neighborhood a safe and attractive place in which to live. For example, city ordinances state that grass may not exceed seven inches in height. Garbage containers must be removed from the curb within 24 hours. Also, the use of upholstered furniture is not allowed outdoors. A new pamphlet, entitled "Maintaining Neighborhood Standards" outlines additional city ordinances which address neighborhood appearance. For a copy, call the Eau Claire Department of Planning and Development, at 839-4914. John Guettinger, a code enforcement officer, is responsible for enforcement of many ordinances. His number is 839-4947.
Neighborhood Brochures
The Neighborhood Awareness Committee has been working on a brochure that will depict the unique
character of our neighborhood. This brochure will be given to Realtors and prospective residents to increase awareness of the benefits of residing in the Historic Randall Park Neighborhood. The brochure is scheduled to be completed this summer. Soon our secret will be out, and everyone will know what a great neighborhood this is!
Riverfest
A Neighborly Event
One of the purposes behind the Riverfest festival is to celebrate the neighborhoods of Eau Claire. The Historic Randall Park Neighborhood would like to have a display at the festival to showcase our neighborhood. If you have any pictures or memorabilia that you would like to share, or if you would be willing to represent our neighborhood at a display during the festival, please call one of the neighborhood representatives listed in this newsletter. See the schedule below for Riverfest events.
What’s New On Water Street
The Historic Randall Park Neighborhood is fortunate to have unique shopping and entertainment opportunities just a short walk away on Water Street.
Here’s what’s new on Water Street:
*Mona Lisa’s, 428 Water Street, is expanding their establishment.
*Tress Elite, a beauty salon, is moving to 115 Ninth Avenue, the former site of the Donut Hole.
*Valley Construction, Windows, and Siding, has opened an office at 312 Water Street.
Don’t forget to check out these businesses and others during Old Towne Water Street Day, Sat., Aug. 9.
Neighborhood Displays
The Historic Randall Park Neighborhood Association has a photo display of our neighborhood, which features the many beautiful homes in our neighborhood, as well as our parks and school. This display is available for neighborhood residents’ use. If you would like to use this display for open houses, or neighborhood or church events, please call your neighborhood representative.
A Message From Our City Council Representative
Keeping in Touch
You know the old cliches about "the best laid plans..." and "nothing’s certain except death and taxes" and "due to unforeseen circumstances..." That’s life. City and neighborhood projects fall under one or another of them.
The Red Brick Buildings
First off, it’s taking longer than anticipated to turn the red brick building by Half Moon Lake into a neighborhood park, but progress IS being made. The one remaining tenant will soon be relocated and the demolition process will begin. The City sometimes finds its projected schedule off course but the appropriate relocation of the businesses is priority #1. I’ll send an alert when the walls are to come tumbling down.
Streets and Detours
The First Avenue reconstruction won’t take place this summer since the UWEC hasn’t made a decision on where the proposed dormitory will be located. Building it on Water Street would affect the First Avenue plan.
The Water Street bridge will be closed from early June to Labor Day for major repairs by the DOT. The main deck will be removed so pedestrian use is out, also. All we asked for was a coat of paint on the rusty railings!
State Street will be under reconstruction all summer so neighborhood residents will need to detour to Clairemont Avenue via Menomonie Street or the Lake Street bridge, up Harding Hill to Rudolph Road to Clairemont.
Fifth Avenue, from Lake Street to Fulton, will be under construction this summer.
Our side of town seems to be getting its fair share of road repair. If you have questions about your street/sidewalk, call City Engineer, John Genskow, 839-4936. Many would like to see Menomonie Street moved up on the schedule.
Policies and Ordinances
City Council and Staff continue to review policies and ordinances that citizens question in terms of "fairness". Special assessments is a hot issue and will take time and study. Watch for the TOWN HALL MEETINGS Council President Nielsen plans to hold over the next several months to get public input on various issues. Show up. Speak up. It helps...and City Council members DO LISTEN!
For those who have questions about property reassessment, it is explained in the COMMUNITY NEWS, which you recently received from the City. This is EXTERIOR only; assessors will NOT be coming into your homes.
The garbage/curbside/recycling problem can be solved by neighborhoods working with the haulers and each of us being personally responsible for keeping the ordinance. Changing the ordinance is not the solution. Education is the key to enforcement and that makes property owners, renters, landlords and haulers the key players.
On the Brighter Side
The Historic Randall Park Neighborhood was showcased during the 1997 HERITAGE TOURISM CONFERENCE May 3. Delegates from around the state chose the bus tour as one of the workshop options.
You’re invited to a birthday party! Eau Claire will celebrate its 125th birthday July 5 & 6 at Owen Park and Phoenix Park. The RIVERFEST event will take Eau Claire back to 1872 for the weekend. It’s a family affair honoring our heritage and reenacting life as it was 125 years ago. See detailed schedule in this newsletter.
Biking weather is upon us. Be aware that bikes must have lights and reflectors; bikers must obey all of the traffic laws that motorists do. PLEASE WEAR A HELMET! We want you to enjoy the bike trail for years to come.
Remember, too, I’m here when you need me. Call me at 832-3894. I’ll do whatever I can to help you.
Have a safe, happy and healthy summer!
Bev Boettcher, City Council - District 3