Demolition doesn't crush civic-minded spirit

The house may be getting demolished, but the memories, the networking and the dishes live on.

A quaint historic house -- previously used by Selmas Women Club in Lincoln Park -- will continue being removed this week. Active club members say while the structure itself may disappear, the women behind it are moving on, and taking their dishes with them.

The last meeting they conducted at the clubhouse was September 2013.

Weve always noticed our ceiling was bowing, said Roseann Galvan, parliamentarian for the group.

Since then theyve met at First Baptists basement Fellowship Hall and donated their coffee carafes and dishes to the church.

The women are grateful for a new roomier meeting space and large tables, but they will miss the homey feeling of the clubhouse.

It was a soothing and relaxing atmosphere, said treasurer Virginia Lees.

It was homey, cozy and inviting, agreed current President Dian Rossotti. Wed set up the tables with the dinnerware and everybody visited and got caught up.

Since the building was being rented out for various functions, public safety concerns necessitated an inspection by the citys Building Department in late 2013.

Roofing issues were discovered that were not covered by insurance. The city appealed a denial of a property loss claim, but to no avail. Any funding based on the houses historic status was non-existent, as some renovations had been done to create a great room.

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Demolition doesn't crush civic-minded spirit