PPat Costello and Bill Wundram, longtime friends, at the open house today of the new COSTELLO'S OLD MILL EVENTS CENTER just East of Maquoketa. Many years ago, the two worked together at the Quad City Times. Then, over 25 years go, Pat and Joan moved to Maquoketa, restored the Mill, opened the studio and art galery and lived in an upstairs apartment. The Art Gallery featuring Pat's paintings, was a longtime tourist attraction in Maquoketa. Last year, the Costello's moved out of the Old Mill and Pat now has his studio at their home across town. But, he and Joan will be able to visit the Mill anytime, as it is now owned by his daughter Tracy and her husband Tim Taylor. They have worked months to convert the Mill from an art gallery, to a large, beautiful place for events such as weddings, anniversaries, conventions, etc. Walls were moved and they can accomodate
large events, both inside and on the grounds. Friday, over 300 attended their open house, today nearly double that, and the final open house day is Sunday, with the hours from noon until 6. You'll find Pat on the grounds, near the waterwheel, painting water lillies in the pond next to the wheel. Bill's popular column continues just inside the front page of the Quad City Times, several times a week. He's been doing it for over 50 years. It was fun visiting with Bill and his wife (I really feel bad I didn't get her name) and Pat, Joan, Tim and Tracy. Next time you pay a visit to your old hometown, Maquoketa, be sure to stop in at COSTELLO'S OLD MILL EVENTS CENTER, or I'm sure you'll be invited to an event there soon. This coming, Saturday, the first wedding will take place there. And I understand the Maquoketa High School Class of 1982 will have their reunion there in August. By the way, Tim Taylor's parents are Gerald and Esther Taylor of Maquoketa.
HAVE A GOOD WEEK.
Dennis Voy