By Jay Mejia
JayM@lstribune.net

Lee’s Summit Historic Preservation Commission presented the Graves/Hale bronze medallion to the family of Carl Sechler, commemorating his accomplishments as a local builder.

The presentation was made at the former home of the Carl Sechler family located on NE Green St. as part of the annual Strawberry Lawn Fete the commission held open to the public on May 4.

Attendees were given a tour of the home and family members took turns discussing Mr. Sechler’s impact on their lives and the community of Lee’s Summit, MO.

“It was very interesting as the family shared fond memories of Carl Sechler working with his hands as a carpenter and builder,” Kathy Smith, chairperson of the Historical Preservation Commission, said during the group’s monthly meeting on June 16.

The commission meets on the third Monday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Council Committee room at City Hall, 220 SE Green St.

Smith recounted how, together with his father Michael and brother Jake, Carl and his family helped build local landmarks in Lee’s Summit including the downtown depot, Longview Farm, and the historic Howard neighborhood.

In addition to the Strawberry lawn Fete, the commission also reviewed the success of the Art and Artifacts Fair, the first time the commission has hosted such an event.

The Art and Artifacts Fair was held on May 17 in the lobby of City Hall. Community members submitted historic photographs, telephone directories from past years and hand tools for a contest and public display. As they discussed preparations for next year’s event, members suggested conducting it the same day as the city’s annual Big Truck and Equipment Show to drive more foot traffic to the displays inside city hall.

Large prints of photographs were on display and interpreted to the public by students from Lee’s Summit North High School drama and Baccalaureate history classes.

Both events were public information and education projects the commission conducted in association with the National May Preservation Month, culminating in months of planning that began last September. The purpose is to provide an educational outreach activity pertaining to historic preservation in Lee’s Summit, including its historic building and historic events.

During the commission’s monthly meeting June 16, members discussed plans to participate in the city’s sesquicentennial that kicks off Jan. 1, 2015 celebrating the city of Lee’s Summit 150th anniversary.

In July, the commission will nominate and vote for members for the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson Officer positions.