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Newspaper
Thomson Review
Location
Thomson, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Aug 25, 1932
Page
9
The Thomsen community invites all to Melon Day celebrating York township’s melon harvest. Growers describe handling pests and weather as they welcome visitors to view hundreds of acres of melons, enjoy contests, stands, and bands. Attendees learn the work behind the crop and explore the town’s festive atmosphere.
An aggrieved father laments a daughter’s marriage to a young man with only $1,000 a year, saying he has spent nearly $20,000 on her education or “sorsedineatbon” and mourns the return on their five percent investment as the family’s outlook grows bleaker.
The York Commercial Club sponsors the eighth annual Melon Day in Thomson with horse shoe pitching contests starting at ten, twenty lanes, prizes totaling 20 dollars, and free melons funded by growers. The article recounts Melon Day origins in 1923, notes population of 500, and urges visitors to enjoy the festivities while boosters push for continuous improvement.
A fragment recounts a recipe for 4 pounds musk melon pulp mashed and 4 pounds sugar with a cup of drained pineapple, boiled to desired consistency. The note quotes Mrs Lewis Schick Thomson and a fond mother praising a child’s good behavior, with a nurse remark about gold standard at teatime.
The melon fields around Thomson appear picturesque especially for visitors. Sand land melons are noted for better flavor than black land varieties. Average growers manage 5 acres of muskmelons and 10 to 15 acres of watermelons, with some farmers up to 40 acres. A retired melon king, Thos Orentz, is referenced. Harvest peaks then fades as yellow melons appear signaling fall approaching.
The Lewis Resort on the Stillwater near the Carroll county line opened last July 4 and has become a popular summer camp site. Owned by B R Lewis Thomson mayor and run by Frank Imel formerly of Old Sand Slough, it offers hosts, camping spots, swimming, and plentiful fishing lore. Reach it by taking Route 80 Fulton road south of Thomson to Teehan school, then west to the camp along Dig Slough.
Thomson invites visitors to the melon fields east of the sand ridge during harvest season. Local growers offer musk and watermelons, with stands along paved Route 80. The piece emphasizes hospitality, variety, and the friendly, hardworking nature of nearby growers.
A stinging exchange unfolds as a stable sergeant teases a rookie about riding a horse. The rookie admits never riding before. The sergeant introduces a patient horse suitable for a first ride and practice together.
Thomson observes its eighth annual Melon Day with honors, prizes, and a full program. James J. Sheridan delivers the welcome, Ralph Eaton responds, and Franklin A. Stransky speaks. Melon sales, free fruit, and festive events draw crowds to celebrate local merchants and community spirit.
The Savanna American Legion band gives an eight o'clock concert as part of the eighth annual event. A paved route dedication is noted, with program numbers by afternoon entertainers and dancing at the Masonic hall from 3 till 2. York Club sponsors invite all to Thomson's big day, while local residents debate neighborly finances and commentary from Mrs Newedd and Mr Jones.
Thomson hosts the eighth annual Melon Day with two morning and afternoon baseball games featuring the Melon Tossers against Mr Car roll and Milledgeville. Admission is cut in half, free melons are handed out, and a large crowd is expected at lange park plus a horseshoe tournament and various sports with cash prizes.
Morning Melon Day features races from 10 to 12 with events for boys and girls under 12 and 16, including sprints 50 and 80 yards, free-for-all battles, and special contests on the hall diamond or nearby grass. Prizes range from 25 to 100 dollars for top finishers and separate Melon races for women and men.
Thomson invites residents to the 8th Melon Day on Wednesday August 24 featuring two big sale games bands 201 horseshoes and other contests with cash prizes. The event will be at the shade filled picnic grove west of Thomson with ample parking and a hearty community turnout expected. Route 60 improvements from the Wisconsin line to north of Fulton provide easier access for visitors driving in from Fulton or from the south via Savanna.
Bayard B Lewis Thomson Mayor chairs executive committee to oversee Melon Day. Appointed teams assist in making the day a success. Members include Rash Carrol from York, farmer and Holstein-Freman cattle raiser, Herbert Bladeett athletic instructor at York Community High School, HE Green retired York farmer, and Liam publisher of the local newspaper.
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