Villa Kathrine celebrates 25th anniversary

8 months, 3 weeks ago

The Anniversary will be celebrated at the Villa on Saturday, Sept. 8

During September 2012 the Friends of the Castle are celebrating their 25th Year of providing service in the Parlor of the Villa Kathrine as Quincy's Official Tourist Information Center, and Quincy's Official Great River Road Interpretive Center.

The Tourist Information Center opened in the Villa Kathrine, 532 Gardner Expressway, Quincy, on Labor Day, September 7, 1987.  Since then they have served the needs of over 120,000 visitors from all 50 states and 82 foreign countries.

The Anniversary will be celebrated at the Villa on Saturday, September 8, 2012, with the following activities open to members and the public.

1.  There will be an Open House at the Villa with free tours and light refreshments from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Cake cutting at 1:00 p.m.

2.  Phil Pasquini, author and photojournalist, will give a presentation at 2:00 p.m. on his book Domes, Arches and Minarets.  This noteworthy and informative book traces the over 200-year history and development of Islamic-inspired architecture in America. In addition to its well-written and revealing text, the book includes extensive full color photos of over 100 buildings, including the interior and exterior of the Villa Kathrine.

Pasquini's interest in Islamic architecture began with a trip to Morocco in 1970, and has been an ongoing photographic subject in his work since then.  He has traveled extensively throughout the world.

Trudy Rollins, President of the Board of Friends of the Castle, said, "We sincerely thank all the individuals and organizations, public and private, who have helped during the past 25 years to restore and preserve this truly unique structure, so it can continue to be used and enjoyed as a community asset by the people of Quincy and her visitors."

"We extend "Special Thanks" to all the individuals who have served as Volunteer Hosts over the years at the Villa Kathrine.  These volunteers provide a very important service because, as the Tourist Information Center, it is often the first stop in Quincy for visitors from throughout the United States and from around the world."

The Friends of the Castle is the not-for-profit organization that restored and operates the Villa Kathrine, built by Quincy native George Metz in 1900 on the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River.  It is a unique example of Mediterranean architecture that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Illinois Register of Historic Places and Quincy Local landmarks.  George Behrensmeyer was the architect.

The 12 current members of the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Castle and the more than 25 current Tourist Information Center Hosts are all volunteers from across the community who are dedicated to the mission.