I See Dead People Halloween Costume Party at the Hauberg Civic Center Mansion -- October 30.
Friday, October 30, 1 – 9 p.m.
Hauberg Civic Center Mansion, 1300 24th Street, Rock Island IL
With guests invited to come in costume as their favorite deceased person, Rock Island's Hauberg Civic Center Mansion will host its I See Dead People Halloween Costume Party on October 30, a full day and evening of spooky-season delights featuring flashlight tours from 6 to 9 p.m., music and dancing, readings with local medium Ryan Sumpter, and a prize for the event's best costume.
Susanne Denkmann, heiress of the Weyerhauser-Denkmann lumber business, and John Hauberg, a farm boy turned lawyer, joined their philanthropic and social interests when they wed in 1911. In 1956, after the death of their parents, Catherine and John Jr. donated this Prairie-Style masterpiece to the City of Rock Island.
The property is a rare combination. Architecturally significant, the mansion was designed by Robert Spencer with a rich Arts and Crafts interior. Noted landscape architect Jens Jensen artfully designed the landscape. Add to that the fascinating philanthropic Hauberg family. It is this type of history, art and community engagement the Hauberg family modeled that created the Friends of Hauberg Civic Center Foundation. It’s that passion which draws the community and visitors to the Hauberg Estate to learn, meet and celebrate.
Upholding the legacy of the Hauberg Estate, Mansion and Gardens through preservation efforts has been a community-wide collaboration. As a result, the Hauberg Estate has been recognized in several areas: in 1972, Landmarked U.S. National Register of Historic Places; in 2009, Rock Island’s 100 Most Significant Structures; in 2016, Designated Local Rock Island Landmark; and in 2019, Landmarks Illinois, Richard H. Driehaus Award recipient. Built between 1909 and 1911, the Hauberg Estate had much work to be done when the Friends of Hauberg Civic Center Foundation took over preservation, management and operation responsibilities in 2016. At this time, Rock Island designated the estate as a local Landmark. In so doing, the preservation is further secured.
Restoration efforts began with deep cleaning and inventories of furnishings and artwork. The Friends of Hauberg continue to work very closely with the Rock Island Parks & Recreation Department and the City of Rock Island on mechanical and general maintenance. Volunteers have worked tirelessly to restore the wood floors to their original shine. Uncovered original paint, including Niedecken stenciling, was meticulously matched to original colors.
Preservation efforts are a key focus at the Hauberg Estate. Efforts are underway to restore the Terraced Garden, Carriage House and Formal Rose Garden. Funding is being solicited for additional kitchen restoration and volunteers are being sought to repair, restore and paint window frames and sills. The efforts continue, and with loving care and support, the Hauberg Estate, Mansions and Gardens will continue to be “the gathering place” for years to come.
The I See Dead People Halloween Costume Party will take place in Rock Island's Hauberg Civic Center Mansion on October 30, and the Haunted Mansion Flashlight Tours will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., though you must come in costume to take the tour. Admission to the 1 to 9 p.m. event is free, though donations are encouraged, and more information is available by calling (309)373-5080 and visiting HaubergEstate.org.
