Buckminister Fuller Birthday Party

 I have been advocating for the city to celebrate Buckminister Fuller more so am glad to see Fuller Dome committee is hosting a celebration this Saturday commemorating his 130th birthday. This is the 2nd year for the celebration and I hope it continues. I also hope SIUC revives its Bucky Days multi day celebration it used to hold. It did host a speaker on Fuller's legacy in April of 2024 but nothing so far this year.

Bucky Home Visitors Center

 This is pretty cool. Mighty Buildings will 3D form a building to serve as the Visitors Center for the Buckminster Fuller Dome Home. Not sure when the building will be installed but likely sometime in 2024

Buckminister Fuller

 I know I say this every so often but I really wish SIUC and the city would do more to promote their conncection to Bucky Fuller. He is arguably one of the greatest futurists of the 20th century and spent more time assoicated with SIUC than any other institution with which he was affiliated. There are the dome shelters on campus, the Fuller Dome NFP restoring Fuller's home in Carbondale, the geodesic structure next to Gaia house, a mural in the alley behind La Unica Bakery and another privately owned dome behind the west side SIUC Credit Union. We really could use more honoring the man and drawing attention to his residency here.

Fuller Dome Yard Sale

 The Buckminister Fuller Dome Home Not for Profit will host a yard sale to raise money for continued rehab work on the home. The society has collected items for the sale all year so should have a number of items available. Sale will take place on 5/20 at the Dome property.

Fuller Dome Visitor Center

 A  visitor center for the Buckminister Fuller Dome moved one step closer to completion with the acquistion and demolition of the house directly across the street from the dome. Before you worry about destruction of another Carbondale property, the building had termite damage, foundation damage and needed a new roof to become usable. Unfortunately, as with a number of homes in Carbondale, the landlord failed to maintain the building and without mainteance, it deriorated past the point where it was feasible to rehab.

At least all usable fixtures, doors, windows, etc. were removed from the building before the demolition.

Buckminister Fuller

 Since Buckminister Fuller is hailed as one of the great minds of the 20th century, it has always surprised me that Carbondale does not do more to play up the city's connection to him. Near as I can tell, we have 2 geodesic domes on campus, 1 in downtown, the Fuller Dome Home, run by a non-profit which has struggled for funding for years  and one other geodesic dome house a bit further west of the Fuller Home. There is also a mosaic in the sidewalk on South Illinois, one of a few installed as part of the aborted "Stars on Main" project of 2 decades ago.  Why do SIUC and the city not play up the connection they have to one of the few figures of international renown to call the city home? Based upon the attention paid to him and his work in the city, no-one who visits Carbondale would know anything about the city's and university's connection to Fuller.

How about renaming a building or street on campus in his honor? Maybe rename Douglas Drive Fuller Drive? Maybe install a Dymaxion map someplace on campus or in downtown. There is some evidence that art on streets reduces accidents so maybe paint a map at the intersection of Main and Illinois or one of the other major intersections in town. We paint pawprints every year so why not something calling attention to the communities link to Fuller.

Bucky's Dome Visit

CNET blogger Amanda Kooser writes about her visits this weekend to Bucky's Dome and the Boo Rochman Memorial Park. Apparently, she's both a fan of Buckminister Fulller and Dungeons & Dragons. When you think about it, that's not really so hard to understand. Fuller was one of the most visionary and imaginiative people of the 20th century and Dungeons & Dragons is a game that plays best with people of strong imaginations.

CNET Visit to Bucky Dome

Amanda Kooser, a freelance blogger for CNET, is making a drive along Rte. 66 from Albequerque to Chicago. While that's cool (and something I've done a couple of times), the interesting part is her plan to detour off the Mother Road to Carbondale for a visit to Bucky's Dome.

Dome Open House

In case you're looking for something to do this afternoon:

We are hosting another Fuller Dome Home OPEN HOUSE from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm this Saturday, November 13th at 407 S. Forest Ave. in Carbondale, Illinois.

Get a chance to check out the historic dome’s interior, and get more information about our plans to launch restoration of the dome in April 2011.

Let your friends know, if you have any questions, call us at 618-549-DOME [3663].

Dome Open House

From a forwarded email:

Hey Friends -

We are hosting another Fuller Dome Home OPEN HOUSE from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm this Friday, November 5th at 407 S. Forest Ave. in Carbondale, Illinois.

Get a chance to check out the historic dome’s interior, and get more information about our plans to launch restoration of the dome in April 2011.

Let your friends know, if you have any questions, call us at 618-549-DOME [3663].

Cheers -

Brent Ritzel

President, Fuller Dome Home Non-Profit

www.FullerDomeHome.com

RBFdome@yahoo.com

Dome Doings

From an email sent by the RBFDNFP Let the Transformation Begin… It’s not everyday you get a chance to see a geodesic dome assembled, let alone a 3-frequency, 20 foot diameter, 6,000 pound, 5/9 hemisphere one! If you are near SIUC’s Quigley Hall (875 S. Normal Ave.) between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm today (Monday, March 15), you will get exactly that opportunity. The Buckminster Fuller Dome Home Non-Profit (RBF Dome NFP), Fuller Dome Transformation Initiative, faculty members of the SIUC School of Architecture, and Blair Wolfram from the St. Paul, MN based Dome Inc. are combining efforts with a number of SIUC students to piece and bolt together the 3-ton structure. This spontaneous event is meant to draw attention to the upcoming Fuller Dome Transformation Initiative, which will be taking place university and citywide Sunday, April 18 to Thursday, April 22 (see www.BuckysDome.org for more information). This 5-day event, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the building of the R. Buckminster & Anne Hewlett Fuller Dome Home, will feature some of the world’s top Bucky experts in a number of presentations, panels and mixers, in addition to a wide of range of film showings, live performances, improv/sketch comedy, poetry readings and design competitions. While watching the raising of the all steel geodesic dome structure, you could discover that your affiliation with SIUC connects you to a rare and precious legacy. The man many considered “the father of sustainability” called SIUC home for 12 years! R. Buckminster Fuller remains one of the most internationally acclaimed figures associated SIUC. His own “home” in Carbondale was a self-designed geodesic dome, one of his 28 patents, which stands today on the corner of Forest and Cherry Streets – awaiting a complete restoration that will bring it to a national historic landmark standard.

Bucky's Dome Meeting

In case you're free this Wednesday:

News: Call for Volunteers, Participants & Sponsors – Organizational meeting from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Wednesday, March 3^rd in the upstairs dining room at Italian Village located at 405 S. Washington Ave. in Carbondale

Event: The Fuller Dome Transformation Initiative [FDTI]

Organization: RBF Dome NFP (Buckminster Fuller Dome Home Non-Profit)

Dates: April 18^th – April 22^nd, 2010

Contact: Brent Ritzel at 618.203.4844, RBFdome@yahoo.com

This April will mark the 50^th Anniversary of a Carbondale treasure! The R. Buckminster and Anne Hewlett Fuller Dome Home was constructed on April 19^th 1960 and the RBF Dome NFP has big plans to properly honor our local legacy. Five days of impressive events, guests, local food and entertainment is set to create a deservedly comprehensive event worthy of honoring a visionary, and celebrating a golden anniversary.

We are looking for those interested in volunteering for, participating in and/or sponsoring this citywide event to attend an organizational meeting taking place from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Wednesday, March 3^rd in the upstairs dining room at Italian Village located at 405 S. Washington Ave. in Carbondale, Illinois.

The Fuller Dome Transformation Initiative

…will take place from April 18^th to April 22^nd and needs your participation! The success of an event often depends on the strength and help of the community that supports it. This is no exception! Volunteers are needed for all aspects of the Initiative. Do you have time, talents, services, materials, artifacts or even stories and experiences that you’d like to share? This is the perfect opportunity! No contribution is too small!

Often called the “father of sustainability,” the impact and legacy of R. Buckminster Fuller’s work is celebrated internationally. By volunteering, participating or sponsoring the Fuller Dome Transformation Initiative you help manifest a needed event focused on positive transformation for Carbondale, Illinois and the Southern Illinois region.

We have an impressive list of guests that will be taking part in the festivities, including Allegra Fuller Snyder, Bucky’s daughter. Join us in celebrating one of Carbondale’s most adulated and honored citizens and the anniversary of the only geodesic dome he and his wife Anne called home.

Celebrating the 50^th anniversary of a Carbondale treasure is most certainly a community event and your willingness to contribute will make all the difference!

Contact Brent Ritzel at 618.203.4844 or RBFdome@yahoo.com. Together we hope to uncover the gems, networks, talent and rich intellectual legacy of our region. Be part of the transformation. Donate your time, service or become a sponsor of this unique Southern Illinois event.

More Dome News

Looks like the Bucky's Dome folks are really getting active, putting in for Historic Landmark status on top of grant applications

Bucky's Dome Update

Had the opportunity to speak with Brent Ritzel from the Bucky's Dome Board of Directors last night. Despite the lack of new news on the website, the BDBOD has been busy. Ritzel says they have sent out a slew of grant applications and are especially hopeful about two that should be decided upon by October. Those two total aobut $303,000 which, if they come through, would allowing for a complete rehabbing of the dome, even getting the plastic sheeting off.

I'd been curious about why no sign outside to dome to let people know about its historic signifcance. Aparently, there have been six signs put up since the rehab project started and every one of 'em has been stolen withing a week. Nice to know there are that many local fans of Buckminister Fuller. Now if they'd just kick in more money.

Want More Wine?

The Bucky's Dome folks are hosting a fundraiser at Orlandini Vineyard this Sunday:

The R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Home Non-Profit [RBF Dome NFP, www.BuckysDome.org] is proud to announce its 2nd Annual Orlandini Vineyard Benefit to support restoration efforts of the R. Buckminster & Anne Hewlett Fuller Dome Home (located at 407 S. Forest in Carbondale, IL) scheduled for Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21st, 2009 from noon to 6 pm. Orlandini Vineyard is located at 410 Thorn Lane in Makanda, just 1.3 miles south of Blue Sky Vineyard, off of Rocky Comfort Road. You can reach Orlandini Vineyard at 618.995.2307 (www.orlandinivineyard.com). Make sure to bring your own lawnchairs!

The event will include both silent and live auctions featuring a variety of interesting premiums (the later conducted by Joe Baker, Manager of the Adolescent Health Center), a 50/50 raffle, food will be available from Pomona’s own Mase’s Place (www.myspace.com/masesplacebarandgrill), and entertainment will be provided by the blues stylings of The Ivas John Band (http://ivasjohn.com/press_kit.php), with opening act folk/country artist Candy Davis (of Parsley & Sagebrush Band, www.myspace.com/parsleysagebrushband). Of course the event will also feature a fine variety of hand-tended vintages from the Orlandini Vineyard, which novices and connoisseurs have been enjoying ever since 2001.

The first annual Orlandini Vineyard Benefit, which took place last summer and drew more than 300 supporters, was organized RBF Dome NFP Board Members Bill Perk and Cornelius Crane, and local Fuller aficianado Dr. Linda Hostalek of Holistic Healing Arts (www.FeelGoodDoc.net). Organizers of this year’s event are expecting more than 500 to attend the festivities this Father’s Day.

The recommended donation for the event is $10, and all fundraising proceeds go towards the restoration of the R. Buckminster and Anne Hewlett Fuller Dome Home, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The RBF Dome NFP recently completed a $200,000 Save America’s Treasures restoration grant proposal, and will soon be applying for National Historic Landmark status. There are currently only three National Historic Landmarks in Southern Illinois, and none in Jackson County.

Experts from Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and regional tourist agencies have estimated that conservatively speaking, a restored Buckminster Fuller Dome Home will initially bring in somewhere between 15,000 and 25,000 visitors or tourists per year to Carbondale to see the historic site. According to the Southern Illinois Tourism Development Office, the average tourist visits for about two and one third days, and spends an average of $306 during their visit. This means that a restored Buckminster Fuller Dome Home would inject somewhere in the neighborhood of an additional $4.6 to $7.6 million into the local economy initially per year. In terms of tax revenue this would mean an additional $110,000 to $180,000 to the City of Carbondale each year, and an estimated net increase of 50 to 70 jobs to accommodate the increased need for services. This is money that will very much be spread throughout the community, especially among hotels, restaurants, retail and other points of interest and cultural attractions. As marketing of this historic site grows and word of mouth spreads, Carbondale will be looking at an additional influx of $100 million over a 10 to 12 year period.

Making the restoration of R. Buckminster and Anne Fuller’s Dome Home at 407 S. Forest Ave. a priority for the City of Carbondale and the entire region is a necessity of the highest order, it is a total “no-brainer.” It is an opportunity to more fully embrace and share a unique cultural and intellectual heritage that belongs to Carbondale alone, while engaging in a tremendous economic development project that will have an immediate and sustained Return On Investment for Carbondale and area residents and businesses alike for decades to come.

Thanks. Please address any questions to...

Brent Ritzel

President, RBF Dome NFP

RBFdome@yahoo.com

618.203.4844 - cell phone

407 S. Forest Ave., Carbondale, IL 62901

www.BuckysDome.org

Buckminister Fuller (and Free Pizza)

From the Bucky's Dome folks:

RBF Dome NFP, Carbondale’s own R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Home Non-Profit, is excited to launch its first of what is planned to be monthly public gatherings this Wednesday, April 22 at Italian Village (405 S. Washington in Carbondale), starting at 6:00 pm. These public events are an opportunity for Fuller Enthusiasts and Bucky-philes to:

1) meet some of the members of the Bucky Dome Home Board of Directors,

2) receive updates about the Bucky Dome Home restoration project,

3) to hear some presentations about Buckminster Fuller from his friends, colleagues and other comprehensivist experts,

4) to engage in some fantastic conversation with like-minded folks, and

5) to have some free pizza.

Earth Day is the perfect day to launch this monthly series, as Buckminster Fuller, who started writing and speaking about conserving the earth’s resources, sustainability and renewability more than 70 years ago, is considered by many to be the “grandfather of the green movement.” Some of his most enduring quotes include: “How do we make the world work for 100% of humanity in the shortest possible time through spontaneous cooperation without ecological offense of the disadvantage of anyone”; “Pollution is nothing but the resources we are not harvesting. We allow them to disperse because we have been ignorant of their value” and “Nature is trying very hard to make us succeed, but nature does not depend on us. We are not the only experiment.”

Hosting the event at Italian Village is a natural fit for the Buckminster Fuller Dome Home Non-Profit, as both Bucky’s Dome Home and Italian Village will be celebrating their 50th Anniversaries next year.. The dome home located at 407 S. Forest Ave. in Carbondale was raised in just seven hours on April 19, 1960.

For this inaugural monthly gathering on Earth Day, Wednesday April 22nd, presentations will be made by:

SIUC Professor Emeritus Mr. Bill Perk, former protegé, colleague and friend of Buckminster Fuller, and also former Chairman of SIUC’s Design Department. Bill, who originally came to SUIC upon Bucky’s urging and recommendation, will be sharing a variety of anecdotes about Carbondale’s own eccentric and brilliant “Man of Tomorrow.” Bill, who was the last owner of the Bucky Dome Home before donating it to the non-for-profit in September 2002, is a RBF Dome NFP Board Member and is also a Buckminster Fuller Institute Advisory Board Member.

Former SIUC Webmaster John Johnson, a retired 20-year veteran of SIUC in information technology, with an international reputation for industrial automation and robotics. John is a Board Member of RBF Dome NFP and will highlight important aspects of Buckminster Fuller’s philosophy.

Also new RBF Dome NFP President Brent Ritzel, a Carbondale native who has recently returned after spending his last 23 years in Chicago and Denver, will be talking about the organization’s new vision for “Carbondale’s top cultural and economic development project, and Carbondale’s future number one tourist attraction.” Back in 1983 Brent constructed what may be the only scale model replica of the dome home ever created, which spent three years on display in the SIU Museum in the mid 1980s.

Bucky's Dome

Nice write up on the state of the Buckminister Fuller home. Certainly more recent info about the status of the building than you'll find on the Bucky's Dome preservation site.