By DEBORAH BEHRENDS
Illinois Correspondent

DEKALB, Ill. — The DeKalb Park Board and the DeKalb Ag Alumni have reached an agreement to use the Nehring Gallery space as a permanent home for the DeKalb Ag Memories and succeeding exhibits. The exhibit will be enhanced and expanded, according to Emerson Wells, president of the DeKalb Ag Alumni.

The exhibit has been at the Nehring Gallery on the second floor of the Nehring Center for Culture and Tourism since Feb. 1. Close to 900 visitors from nine states and two foreign countries have viewed the history of DeKalb Ag. The last of five planned programs was held May 5.

What is commonly known as DeKalb Ag, started out in 1912 as a part of the DeKalb County Soil Improvement Association. As the business focus changed over the years, the name changed several times, culminating in the 1998 purchase by Monsanto Corporation. For several years, “the Ag” was the second largest employer in DeKalb County.

Wells opened each of the five programs with a brief history of the collection and said that finding a permanent home was one of the goals of producing the temporary exhibit.

“Within a few days after our opening reception,” Wells said. “Cindy Capek, DeKalb Park District director, called to inquire if we would be interested in making it our permanent home. We worked out an agreement over the next few weeks and both boards approved it the week of May 10.”

“The DeKalb Park Board of Commissioners enthusiastically endorsed the idea of the Nehring Gallery as the home to DeKalb Ag,” Capek said. “The success of the exhibit and support from the community are sure to make this partnership a success. “

The DeKalb Alumni Board has determined that the exhibit space should be used to feature a broader agricultural history of DeKalb County, including entities such as Farm Bureau and others. The board feels the county has a rich agricultural history that is in danger of being lost for future generations. A committee has been established to pursue a more encompassing mission. Park district officials understand this will take time, and the “Ag” exhibit will probably be the sole occupant when the space reopens in the fall.
DeKalb County community leaders Alan Aves, Joe Bothe, Doug Dashner, Ron Klein, Ann Koski, Linda Linden, Greg Millburg, Frank Roberts, Dave Smith, Jerry Smith and Terrie Tuntland have agreed to join alumni board members Sue Breese, Al Ratfield, Daryl Rolland, Larry Mix and Emerson Wells in forming this exploratory committee.

Attorney Ron Klein has volunteered his legal advice and agreed to serve on the committee.

“As a lifelong resident of DeKalb County, I am pleased and honored to be part of this project,” Klein said. “We always raised DeKalb Ag corn on our farm when I was growing up and so, as a history buff, I look forward to working with the DeKalb group. This could be a big boost in establishing a countywide venue.”

Al Ratfield, Alumni vice president, said people with items to donate, or to loan for a few weeks at a time, can call him at 815-758-3635, or e-mail Wells at elemwells@aol.com

DeKalb Ag Alumni have a website at www.dekalbalumni.org which includes photos of the exhibit, and will be kept up to date on development of the permanent home. Information about contacting the Alumni and/or becoming a member can also be obtained.

“This is a dream come true,” Wells said. “Mrs. Nehring deserves the community’s thanks for donating this great facility to the community. The Park Board, Cindy Capek and her staff have been great to work with. The DeKalb Alumni look forward to a long relationship and bringing a venue to the community that will be good use of park facilities.”