I got married to a wonderful woman, Connie, on APRIL 30, 2011. We went to Key West for a short honeymoon. We still live in Winter Haven, Florida.

CONGRATULATIONS to both of you from the Class of '59!

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Jim and Pat Lerch receive preservation award
(Written by Diane Alm)

In recognition of National Preservation Month, Rock Island Preservation Society presented its annual Preservation Awards at the May 16 City Council meeting in City Hall. Only one award was given this year, to Jim and Pat Lerch for the outstanding and sensitive restoration of their home at 1434 45th Avenue, Rock Island, near Black Hawk Historic Site.

At first glance, the Lerches' small, brick house may not seem historic. Built in 1948, it shows a style typical of the era that is referred to as "Mid-Century Modern." Perhaps because it bears no resemblance to typical Victorian styles, the residential architecture of that time is often underappreciated. Yet, at nearly 65 years old this home is historically significant and thus recognized with the preservation award.

It was built in 1948 by Al Kurth, the father of Jim's aunt, Lillian Kurth Lerch, and has been in the family since then. According to Pat, it has amenities that aren't found in houses anymore. From the front door, which is a "Dexter door" of very high quality to the inside doors, which are solid with glass knobs, the house represents a unique period in our history. "There's even a pocket door off the kitchen. There's a mail slot, a cedar closet, and even a storage area for canned goods under the front steps," Pat says proudly.

Built in 1948, this home owned by Jim and Pat Lerch, shows a style typical of the era that is referred to as “Mid-Century Modern.”

The home was well-maintained and preservation was far from the Lerchs' minds until July 21, 2008, when it was caught in the shear winds of a 6 a.m. derecho windstorm that hit south Rock Island. In contrast to the swirling winds of a tornado, a derecho is defined as straight winds of exceptionally high sustained intensity.

Three massive oak trees were felled, with one taking a substantial part of the Lerch house with it. Awakened by the early morning storm, the family felt rain in their faces as the roof opened. Fortunately, there were no injuries and no furniture was destroyed. However the roof, cabinets, and walls, both inside and out, had to be replaced.

One restoration company representative advised, "This will cost more than $100,000. I'd just tear it down and start over." That was unacceptable to the Lerches, who hired a different contractor for their restoration.

They made a significant decision in the repair of the crushed brick walls on a highly visible façade. To replace it, since it could not be matched with modern brick, they opted to remove and reuse original vintage brick from the not-seen back wall of a side porch. The hidden wall was then covered with siding.

Although the preservation award is given for exterior work that is visible from a public right-of-way, the Lerch house underwent major interior repairs as well to ensure its future as the family home.

Today a wooden Sauk statue carved from one of the fallen trees watches over the Lerch house and, they hope, will guard the neighborhood from future derechos or other calamities.