River Action invites you to join fellow riverfront enthusiasts for a lecture by Dr. Norman Moline, professor emeritus at Augustana College, on Lois Wille's influential book – "Forever Open, Clear and Free – the struggle for Chicago's lakefront" – Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. in Butterworth Center, Moline.

It is offered as a tribute to Kay Patterson, a long-time River Action board member who died last April.

"The book, written in 1972, was a favorite of Kay and had an influence in her thinking and her actions here in the Quad Cities," Dr. Moline said. " Wille describes the long history of efforts to save its Lake Michigan waterfront.

It began in 1836 when three leaders of the young city, when asked by the state to sell the land to pay for a new shipping canal, refused and made a promise to the people of Chicago.

They wrote: "Public Ground – A Common to Remain Forever Open, Clear and Free of any Buildings or Other Obstruction Whatever." For the next 185 years generations of influential people in business and government worked to sustain that promise: to save the waterfront for its people for pleasure and beauty, to have it be accessible to all.

"The story will help us understand Kay's desires to have a similar 'open, clear and free' waterfront along our Mississippi River," Moline said.

The lecture will conclude with a recognition of Kay's contributions to River Action – her advocacy, leadership and generosity of her resources and time – by River Action Executive Director Kathy Wine.

Seating at Butterworth Center is limited and attendees are asked to submit their reservation by filling out and submitting the form below.