Dear Santa Letters From Town Children
A collection of holiday notes from children in Thomson Illinois and nearby towns. Greg Brown asks for a bazooka gun and big truck. Debbie Brown seeks a Kissie Doll and boots. Other kids request a kitty, a baseball glove, a toy car, a Hawaii trip, a 2 karat ring, a lamp, or a sno cone machine.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Santa
Greg Brown
Thomson
Ill
Debbie Brown
Momie
Babs
Terry
Chris
Kevin
Jason
Hawaii
Mommy
Alecia
Shawn McGinty
Riverview Community Scrapbook Notes Visits and Moves
Cedarville and Clinton visitors span a weekend in Riverview as families linked with the O’Learys and Morgans. Mary Ann Reynolds from Davenport spends time with Jack and family. Helen O’Neal plans a Christmas visit with Terry O’Neal in Camanche. A furnace upgrade is noted for Bernie Williams by Corey’s Savanna.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Riverview
Wm. O'Leary
Cedarville
John Morgan
Clinton
William O'Leary
Willie Leopold
Kenneth Shipman
Plo
Charles Hographt
Elmhurst
Mary Ann Reynolds
Davenport
Jack Reynolds
Helen O'Neal
Terry O’neal
Camanche
Bernie Williams
Corey
Savanna
Lewis Pettit
Richard Pettit
Freeport
Frank Graves
Stockton
Beulah Hardcastle
Wesley Sack
Donald McBride
Dale
Morrison
Local Family Travel and Funeral Attendance Report
Thomson News notes Rev. and Mrs. Paul Walker and their three children left Thursday for a two week visit with her parents in Roswell New Mexico and other relatives in Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Pratt of Beloit Wisconsin attended funeral services yesterday for N D French. Mrs Hazel Milkie of Savanna was a guest last Friday of Mr Emma Haas. Mrs Mary Nugent of Rockford attended funeral services yesterday for N D French.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Paul Walker
Roswell
N. M
Texas
Paul Pratt
Beloit Wis
N. D
Mrs. Frank Smith 90 Dies in Thomson Illinois
Mrs. Frank Smith age 90 of Thomson and Mt Carroll died about 1 30 am Wednesday at St. Francis hospital Freeport after Tuesday admission Funeral set for Saturday at 1 pm at Frank funeral home Mt Carroll with visitation Friday 7 to 9 pm She was born November 21 1872 in Germany and married J Frank Smith February 5 1895 Surviving include five sons three daughters twenty one grandchildren thirty great grandchildren and many relatives among others Preceded by husband an infant son five grandsons two great grandchildren two brothers and two sisters.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gertrude Smith
Thomson
St. Francis Hospital
Freeport
Frank
Mt. Carroll
Smith
Germany
John
Elizabeth Hartman
United States
J. Frank Smith
Mt. Carroll and
Orlo
Upper On
Ohio
Blaine
Lloyd
Donald
Paul
Esther Petty
Conrad
Alwilda) Lillie
Santa to Arrive in Thomson Saturday at 2 30
Word has been received that Santa Claus will arrive in Thomson at 2 30 p m on Saturday afternoon December 22 He plans to meet all the goods and girls near the Christmas tree by the telephone building on Main Street where he will have a treat for all boys and girls in the Thomson vicinity Be on time 2 30 Saturday afternoon and join the Christmas gathering
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Santa Claus
Thomson
Main Street
Gic
Dimmick son attends biology study meeting in Washington
Mr and Mrs Delbert Dimmick report their son John attended a three day curriculum study meeting in Washington DC as a delegate from the American Institute of Biological Science. John teaches at Wake Forest College in Winston Salem North Carolina.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington, D. C
Delbert Dimmick
John
American Institute of Biological Science
Wake Forest College
Winston-Salem
North Carolina
Greet from Traums Reveals Bill Traum Illness Recovery
Friends in Chadwick received Christmas greetings from Mr and Mrs William Traum of Alexandria Virginia. They also report Bill Traum is recovering from a coronary attack in Georgetown University Hospital Washington DC. Mrs Traum says the attack was not noticed for days but Bill is making good progress.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Clarence and
Maroni Huggins
Los Angeles
Traums
Chadwick
William Traum
Alexandria
Bill
Georgetown University
Washington, D. C
Traum
Birthday celebrations in Lanark honor Musselman and Helms kin
Pete Musselman of Sterling and Mr. and Mrs Ronald Helms and family joined Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Helms in Lanark for a Sunday dinner. The gathering celebrated Musselman’s 18th birthday and Brenda Helms’ 2nd birthday.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Pete Musselman
Sterling
Ronald Helms
Clarence Elms
Lanark
Mr. Musselman
Brenda Helms
Mec
Christmas Programs and Services Across Churches
The Churches Work Community lists events from William Kendall’s church including a Christmas program on Sunday Dec 23 at 7 30 PM and a 50th wedding anniversary for Rev and Mrs Kendall. York Baptist notes vacation for two Sundays and a visiting speaker. Methodist schedule covers multiple locations with Christmas programs slated for Dec 22 and 23. Catholic services are listed for Fulton and Savanna with times for St Johns Church.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
William Kendall
Claude Grim
Young Peoples
Wm. E. Kendall
Milledgeville
Wilbur Nicholson
Worshire
Argo Fay
Hickory Grove
Thomson
Jomson
Fulton
St. John’s Church
Savanna
Santa arrives in Thomson to greet children with treats
Santa Claus visits the Telephone Office Building in Thomson on December 22 at 2 30 p m to meet youngsters and distribute treats to all attendees.
Houzenga Couple Fetes 25th Silver Anniversary
Henry and Elsie Houzenga received a surprise party at the Thomson Legion in observance of their silver wedding anniversary. Friends and relatives, including Jacob Bissens and Gerald Wiersema, gathered after a yearslong life of farming in Carroll County and church service at Spring Valley. The couple, married December 9, 1937, have two children Joyce and Gene, Fulton high school students.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Henry Houzenga
Thomson Legion
Oner
Jacob Bissens
Katie Houzenga
Lorraine
Kenneth Houzenga
Tommy
George
Family and friends gather for surprise birthday party
Fifty eight relatives attended a Sunday afternoon surprise birthday party at Morrison in honor of Mrs. Carl Jensen of Albany. Pfe Larry Grim returned from Ft Sill Okla on a 10 day leave to join his family. Others visiting included Mr and Mrs Claude Grim Mr and Mrs Russel Green Mr and Mrs John Bush and Mr and Mrs Sam Bush of Fulton Mrs Hazel Stagg in Chicago and Bruce Groharing and family who subscribed to the Thomson Review for their son Bernard stationed in Turkey with the U S Air Force.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Pfe
Larry Grim
Ft. Sill
Okla
Claude Grim
Russel Green
Morrison
Carl Jensen
Albany
John Bush
Sam Bush
Fulton
Dora Wiebenga
Hazel Stagg
Monaon
Eee
Chicago
Bruce Groharing
Thomson Review
Bernard Groharing
U. S. Air Force
Turkey
Gus Roggendorf
Jesse Brock
Savanna
Local Hospital Updates and Patient Stays
Sick Mrs Vaughn McGinnis confined at home with pleurisy and aims to return to Iowa City for back treatment. D E Doc McGinnis discharged from Savannah hospital after eight days, much improved. Edson Holland remains a patient in Jane Lamb hospital after recent surgery. Albert Lynch listed as medical patient at Jane Lamb Clinton. Ms Earl Diephuis discharged from Mercy hospital after ten days as a surgical patient. Mrs Mary Mummert confined to bed at home this week. Joe J Sikkema improving in Jane Lamb hospital. Barton Gene infant son of Mr and Mrs Larry Smith was in University hospital Iowa City from Sunday to Friday.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Vaughn McGinnis
Iowa City
D. E
Doc) McGinnis
Savanna Hospital
Edson Holland
Jane Lamb Hospital
Albert Lynch
Clinton
Earl Diephuis
Mercy Hospital
Mary Mummert
Joe J. Sikkema
Barton Gene
Larry Smith
University Hospital
Baptist Church Christmas Social and Program Highlights
About 50 York Baptist Church members gathered for a Christmas social on December 19. Mrs. Harold Witt chaired the evening as a Christmas tree and table centerpieces adorned the room. The program included a Christmas story and songs by various church members, with Rev. Walker and family in attendance. Santa Claus distributed candy to children, followed by a light reception.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
York Baptist Church
Harold Witt
Robert Hill
Nadine Hoff
Marcia Holland
Michael
Marcia Hill
Philip Brach
Robert Carroll
Jennie Griswold
Roy Heitman
Gilbert Holland
Mervin Marshall
Jill Sloan
Evelyn Wilt
Walker
Claudia
Andrew
Gibert Holland
Board of Bacons
Rev. Walker
Santa Claus
Robert Holland
Helen Brenneman
Francis Hoff
Pre Christmas Dinner Guests From Several Families Listed
A pre Christmas dinner is planned this Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert St Ores Jr. and family. Invitees include the St Ores, Sr. and William Halfman and family of Elgin, Donald Green and family of Elkhorn Wisconsin, George St Ores and son of Freeport, James Bissens and son, and the St Ores Jr. and family from Thomson. Other notes include visits by Franklin Fehler and girls in Savanna, Mrs. Wayne Groharing with Anna Hartvigsen and Dick in Clinton, Emma Haas at the Diephuis home in Fulton, and Edward Hook of Fort Monroe on leave with his parents, plus Dick Hook from the University of Illinois returning for the holidays.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Herbert St Ores
Herbert St. Ores
William Halfman
Elgin
Donald Green
Elkhorn
Wis
George St. Ores
Freeport
James Bissens
Herbert St. Ores, Jr
Thomson
Franklin Fehler
Kenneth Fehler
Savanna
Wayne Groharing
Anna Hartvigsen
Clinton
Emma Haas
Gene Diephuis
Mark
Fulton
Pfe
Edward Hook
Fort Monroe
Fred Hook
Dick Hook
University of Illinois At Urbana
Carrolls Surprise 25th Anniversary Party at Home
Mr and Mrs Robert Carroll received a surprise anniversary party at their home last Saturday with friends attending. Music games including Christmas Tree and Airplane entertained guests. prizes went to Robert Carroll LeRoy Foltz Myrtle Foltz and Helen Brenneman. Refreshments were served and a money gift was presented by numerous neighbors and friends.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Robert Carroll
Paulilt
LeRoy Foltz
Myrtle Foltz
Helen Brenneman
Harold Witt
Robert Holland
Paul Smith
Francis Hoff
John Sloan
Eldon Hickey
Mervin Marshall
Paul K. Witt
Thomson Schools Close For Holidays Friday December 21
Thomson schools will close for a mid season vacation on Friday December 21 and reopen on Wednesday January 2. Friday schedule includes Christmas parties from 12 30 to 2 15 PM in every classroom with PTA room mothers supervising and a student gift exchange.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Thomson
PTA
Social visitors and family gatherings in Hanover and towns
Mr and Mrs Clifford Curley of Hanover visited with Mr and Mrs Ray Rupple on Tuesday afternoon. Pre Christmas dinner brought together Myles Haas family at Frank Flack home. Joe Spencer and family joined Ronald Loomis family for Sunday dinner in Morrison. Paul Stage of Rockford and Kenneth Kemmer family visited Ben Stage for Sunday supper. Chester Cleveland Lyle Bailey Savanna and Jerry Lantz Mt Carroll visited Marvin Stiles Friday afternoon. Melvin Decker Fulton family visited Isaac Decker’s family Sunday evening and for supper Monday. Wayne Drake visited his mother Rose Bealer in Fenton. Karen Eissens returned home from Illinois Normal State University for holidays. Charles Brown of Galva joined nine callers at James Eissens and Herbert St. Ores Jr. homes. Lee Morgan and Sam Merema Fulton visited Henry Buikema’s family Sunday afternoon.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Clifford Curley
Hanover
Ray Rupple
Myles Haas
Frank Flack
Joe Spencer
Ronald Loomis
Morrison
Paul Stage
Rockford
Kenneth Kemmer
Ben Stage
Chester Clevidence
Lyle Bailey
Savanna
Jerry Lantz
Mt. Carroll
Marvin Stiles
Melvin Decker
Fulton
Isaac Decker
Wayne Drake
Rose Bealer
Fenton
Karen Eissens
George Eissens
Ray
Karen
Illinois Normal State University
Normal
Illinois
Charles Brown
Galva
James Eissens
Herbert St. Ores, Jr
Lee Morgan
Sam Merema
Henry Buikema
Norman D. French, Former Thomson Banker, Dies at 74
Norman D. French, 74, Thomson prominent banker, died of a heart attack at his home on Monday morning. He served 30 years as president of Thomson State Bank before retiring in the 1940s and managed extensive York Township land holdings. He married Besse Holland and survived by three daughters, one son, a stepdaughter, a sister, and other relatives. Funeral services were held at Fay funeral home with burial in Lower York cemetery.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Norman D. French
Thomson
Fay Funeral
Lower York
T. S. Cleworth
Milledgeville
Alfred
Bernie
Clifford
Raymond
Ren
Sebert Dykstra
Norman French
Freeport
Norman S
Mattie DuGard French
St. John’s Military Academy
Delafield
Wis
Rock Island High School
Leland Stanford University
Palo Alto
Calif
Thomson State Bank
H. S. Peck
Bank
York Township
Fulton City Lodge
A. F
A. M
York Community Church
Besse Holland
Dauhters
Ward
Ruthi) Maltz
Verdayne
Virginia
John
Elm Grove
Martha) Demaree
East Lansing
Michigan
Norman D
Urbana
Blaine Peck
Mount Carroll
French
Foster L. Stagg
York
Carroll County Durin
PTA Executive Board Meets Thursday Evening
PTA executive board will meet Thursday December 27 at 8 PM in the grade school board room. The 500 Card Club reports a Christmas dinner at Melody Restaurant Fulton and home of Mae Eustes with prizes won by Haze Morse Mae Kustes Claribe Smith and Amy Lewis. Next meeting set for January 3 at Luvella Diehl’s home.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
PTA
500
500 Club
Melody
Fulton
Mae Eustes
Haze Morse
Mae Kustes
Claribe Smith
Amy Lewis
Luvella Diehl
Men and Ladies Bible Classes at York Baptist Church Christmas Party
The Men's Class hosted the Ladies Class at York Baptist Church for a turkey supper prepared by Golden Rule Class women. After a program and pictures, attendees shared a gift exchange and social hour.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
York Baptist Church
Weekend visitors and callers in local households
Mrs. Doris Locke and Mrs. John Rice were Saturday morning visitors to Mrs. Vaughn Mc Ginnis. Evening callers in the Fay Ashby home included George Kyarsgaard and sons of Clinton, Robert Williams of Fulton, and Richard Williams. Sunday visitors to Mr. and Mrs. John Ashpole were John V. Christiansen of Low Moor, Iowa. Weekend guests of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Atherton and family were Ray Morelli of Metamora. Sunday evening visitors to Mr. and Mrs. John Sloan included Philip Brach, and Mrs. Howard Wiebenga of Fulton with her mother‑in‑law Dora Wiebenga. Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Workman and daughter of Milledgeville and Mr. and Mrs. Louis Workman visited Don Schafer and family at Dix.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Doris Locke
John Rice
Vaughn McGinnis
Fay Ashby
George Kyarsgaard
Clinton
Robert Williams
Fulton
Richard Williams
John Ashpole
John V. Christiansen
Low Moor
Ray Morelli
Metamora
John C. Atherton
Emil Brach
Philip
John Sloan
Howard Wiebenga
Inlaw
Dora Wiebenga
Vernon Workman
Milledgeville
Louis Workman
Don Schafer
Dixon
Johnsons Welcome Daughter Kelly Danielle In Joliet
Mr and Mrs Jimmy Johnson of Joliet announce the birth of a daughter Kelly Danielle born Saturday December 8 The paternal grandparents are Mr and Mrs Virl Johnson of Thomson.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jimmy Johnson
Joliet
Kelly Danielle
Virl Johnson
Thomson
Also Mentioned on This Page
Thomson News
Kenneth Rogers
Shannon
James M. Miller
Tel
Elma Hersey
Strukhoff
Merry Christmas
Recreation Thomson
Frank Smith
Bonnie Atherton
Brian Stagg
Susan Ashby
Deana Wilt
Bobby Wilt
Sandra Prins
Donnie Schott
Vicky Hoy
Cindy Young
Diana Eissens
Randy Ho
Barbara McKee
David Purlee
Steve Marken
R. C. Bush
Dena Baker
Nancy Marken
Julie Simpson
Beverly Wilt
Carolyn Ashby
David Stagg
Janis Wilt
Beth Williams
The
Henry Houzengas
Robert Carrolls
Argo Fay Methodist Church
John Sour
Tipton Sisters
Dale Carpenter
John Johnson
Lola Petersen
Mr. Nicholson
Joy Durward
Dennis Foltz
Ene
Shepherds
S. S. Orchestra
David Young
Robert Purlee
Jack Foltz
Harry Wilkinson
Tess
George Vegter
Clubs
Lodges
T. A
York Community
Prince of Peace
Jesus
Susie Cate
Oy Lee
Lau
Caer Ban
Christine Cate
Anc
Jon Cate
Laurie Or
Douglas Broc
Sarah Robinson
Vrenee Bruckner
Randy Durward Kara Lou Grim
Debra Brunner
Michael Foltz
Ray Allen Grim
Linda Rice
Donnie Robinson
Cindy Brock
Judy Cate
Nancy Bruckner
Jeffrey Brunner
Craig Robinson
Cheryl Shear
Arence Bruckner
Melodie Creighton Marie Brock
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!