Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Preservation meeting this evening


Molly Myers Naumann is shown here with Frank Mitchell three years ago after a presentation about the Chariton Cemetery --- shortly before it was named to the National Register of Historic Places.

Vintage building owners, business tenants and all others interested in Chariton’s historic commercial structures are invited to a free presentation by architectural historian Molly Myers Naumann at 5:30 p.m. today in the recently restored American Legion Club room (Quonset), 201 S. Main Street.

Nauman’s presentation, entitled “What Makes that Building Special? Learning How to ‘Read’ the Buildings along Main Street,” will be sponsored by the Chariton Historic Preservation Commission.

Photographs and other images will be used to illustrate the architectural components that add up to value in vintage commercial buildings as well as demonstrate ways buildings have been repaired, recycled and restored to active use in various Iowa cities.

Naumann, of Ottumwa, has served as consultant to the Preservation Commission in the preparation of successful nominations to the National Register of Historic Places for several Chariton buildings. Her presentation premiered at the National Main Street Conference in Des Moines during 2011. She also has directed an inventory of buildings on Chariton’s square and led walking tours of the district.


The Legion Hall and the adjoining Club room are among Chariton buildings now on the National Register due in part to Naumann’s efforts. The main building, designed by Chariton architect William L. Perkins for Carl L. Caviness Post 102, American Legion, was built during 1925.


The Club room was added after World War II veterans returned home, using a military surplus Quonset hut that was transported to the site, reassembled and given a tile façade. The Club room has been fully restored by Legionnaires.


In addition to Naumann’s program, there will be a presentation regarding the new Design Review Ordinance, approved after its third reading by Chariton's City Council Monday night.

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