About Town Local notes and community events roundup
Spring around the corner with news on Legion memberships, the Thomson Trojans tournament loss by one point, and the high school addition near completion. PTA play Our Gal Sal is set for Friday at YCHS rem, plus travel updates from Thomson residents and a glimpse of local entertainment.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dick McGinty
Legion
Thomson Trojans
Mt. Carroll
Roland Brooks
PTA
Gal Sal
Family Dinner for Wayne Saffer Observed
Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Seim host a family dinner Saturday at their Morrison home for Wayne Saffer’s birthday. Attending are Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Saffer, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Becker and son Nick, and William Saffer.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Harvey Seim
Wayne Saffer
Frank Becker
Nick
William Saffer
Morrison
Heusinkveld Greison to Wed in Savanna Church
Announcement of Frances Greison of Savanna and Robert Heusinkveld of Thomson planning marriage on Sunday March 21 at the Savanna Methodist church. The event will be followed by a ham supper served by the Thomson Women’s Club at the Legion Hall.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bob Heusinkveld
Frances Greison
Savanna
Srobert Heusinkveld
Thomson
Methodist
Card of Thanks Families express gratitude for support and flowers
Multiple brief notices thank friends relatives and organizations for cards flowers visits and gifts during bereavement illness or a 50th anniversary. Individuals named include Mrs Dan Sack Mrs Harold Witt Mrs Paul Witt Mary Ann Tousley Mrs Robert Holland and Mrs Edith Robbins with groups Blue Bell Camp Royal Neighbors of America and American Red Cross noted for their help.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dan Sack
Harold Witt
Paul Witt
D. E. Dodson
Chicago
F .E. Dodson
Albuquerque
N. Mex
C. W. Shaw
E. Dubuque
Edith Robbins
Mary Ann Tousley
Robert Holland
Carroll County
American Red Cross
Blue Bell
Royal Neighbors of America
TNT Club
Community Church
Roy Houghton
Ralph Stearns
FFA Members Plan Father Son Banquet in Thomson
Thomson FFA chapter with 17 members and adviser Melvin Stengel plans a Father Son banquet as National FFA Week approaches in February 2027. Officers include John Fedderson president and Gerald Smith vice president. The story highlights FFA aims to develop rural leadership and citizenship among high school vocational agriculture students.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Future Farmers of America
FFA
Thomson Ffa
John Fedderson
Gerald Smith
Secy
Edward Holland
Treas
Maurice Bronkema
Leslie Prins
Sentinel
Jerry Brinkman
Melvin Stengel
Thomson High School
George Washington
Washington
Mount Vernon
Thomson Local News Highlights and Upcoming Events
A Thomson school sixth grade group visited an AAUW meeting in Mt. Carroll where Mrs. Seger discussed foreign language teaching in elementary schools. The Canasta Club met with Mrs. Bristol. first prize went to Mrs. Ashpole. A ham supper fundraiser is planned March 17 at the Legion Hall with tickets $1.50 adults $1.00 children.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Thomson School
Eugene Murray
John Seger
AAUW
Mt. Carroll
Canasta Club
Robert Bristol
John Ashpole
Thomas Hand
Thomson Woman's Club
Legion Hall
Otto Switzer
Paul Heusinkveld
John Merry
St. Patricks Day
Haskell Couple Welcome Son Gregory Gaskamp
Rev and Mrs Bruno Gaskamp of Haskell Texas announce the birth of a son named Gregory born February 25 weighing ten pounds Mrs Gaskamp is the former Joan Wilt. In Clinton Iowa Mr and Mrs Clifford Housenga welcomed a son born Wednesday February 25 at Jane Lamb hospital.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bruno Gaskamp
Haskell
Texas
Gregory
Gaskamp
Joan Wilt
Clifford Housenga
Jane Lamb Hospital
Clinton
Trojans Finish Year with Multiple School Records and Titles
The Trojans claim a strong season with a 2nd place in Carroll County Conference and a 56-55 win over Mt. Carroll. They average 68 points per game and set a school record 95 against Cordova. Henry Bielema scores 36 in one game and averages 21.6 to lead the squad, earning the John Carroll trophy for fewest fouls and the Ozzie Cronister free throw trophy with a .654 average, with Bill Halfman noted for team leadership.
Baptist Sunday School Social Held Tuesday
The March Baptist Sunday School social was held at the church Tuesday evening. The committee included Rev and Mrs Gillespie and Mr and Mrs Ray Brenneman. The program featured songs, scripture by Ray Brenneman, solos by Phillip Brach and Ann Hoff, readings and duets, jokes, piano and accordion pieces, a guessing contest, and a closing song. Sandwiches and cookies were served and souvenirs from Scotland were available.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gillespie
Ray Brenneman
Phillip Brach
Jennie Griswold
Gillespie. Keaing
Japan
Thomson Top Cordova In Lopsided Basketball Clash
Thomson jumped to a 26 to 12 first quarter lead and cruised to a 75 to 55 victory over Cordova. Bielema and Brinkman led Thomson with 26 and 19 points, while Cordova’s Ristau scored 22 as the Little Trojans closed their season 4 wins and 16 losses.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Thomson
Cordova
Jerry Brincamn
Almos
Bielema
Brinkman
Ristau
Little Trojans
Frosch
Prins
Dehls
On-eem, Thomson FG FT F TP Bielema 12 2 2 26 Prinser Leake Bronkema
Holland
Allman
Houzengarae Eet
St Smith
Fenk
Pruner Cy
Boone
Grins Gaeles Li Millery Ie
Deelarson
Sacherae Toals
Omeon
National 4-H Club Week Observed Statewide
The 4-H program marks March 6 to 13 with 59 000 club members in the state joining 2 000 000 others nationwide to highlight values of 4-H work. Local leaders and extension workers invite youths ages ten to twenty one to join and learn farming, homemaking, health, and citizenship skills.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Alaska
Hawaii
Ohio
4-H
Music Contestants to Play Friday Night at PTA Event
The Thomson PTA presents Our Gal Sel in the high school gym this Friday evening. state regional music contest participants will perform musical interludes with Ann Holland Clarinet Ronald Bielema snare drum Julia Fedderson clarinet Jerry Br ea rton tuba Barbara Carroll piano Accompanists Doris Feldt and Carol Williams Stage assistants Mrs Lyle Greeley and Mrs Victor Fenley A candy sale will accompany the show.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Thomson Pta
Ann Holland
Ronald Bielema
Julia Fedderson
Jerry Brearton
Barbara Carroll
Doris Feldt
Carol Williams
Local families gather for weekend visits in Garden Plain area
Thomson Briers and Mrs Wayne Drake with child spent Friday with Mr and Mrs David Bealer in Fenton. Dan Sack and family were supper guests of Mr and Mrs Harold Wit and Wayne, while Andrew R Bielema hosted Thursday evening with Mrs FE R Boerema of Morrison. Attendees included Mrs Jennie Pessman of Fulton, John L Housenga and Harlan, and Wesley Pessman and Sue Ann of Garden Plain. Bielema is a broker for Henry Bielema of Argo Fay.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Wayne Drake
David Bealer
Fenton
Dan Sack
Harold Wit
Wayne
Andrew R. Bielema
Bielema
FE. R. Boerema
Morrison
Jennie Pessman
Fulton
John L. Housenga
Harlan
Wesley Pessman
Sue Ann
Garden Plain
Henry Bielema
Argo Fay
Local families share Sunday dinners and visits across towns
Mr and Mrs Wayland Bennett and family and Mrs Rachel Blair joined Mr and Mrs William Blair and family of Morrison for Sunday dinner. Evening calls touched by George Creighton home with Mr and Mrs Harry Clarke and sons of Clinton Town. Harold Handel of Savanna and Svern Curts of Elizabeth called at Harry Root home Friday. Merle Bicker and sons spent Wednesday evening with Ed Bicker in Pearl City. Maude Brown and daughter Harriett visited Ray Rupple on Saturday.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Wayland Bennett
Rachel Blair
William Blair
Morrison
George Creighton
Harry Clarke
Clinton
Town
Paul Heusinkveld
Bradenton
Florida
Harold Handel
Savanna
Svern Curts
Elizabeth
Harry Root
Merle Bicker and Sons
Ed Bicker
Pearl City
Maude Brown
Harriett
Ray Rupple
Andrew Bielemas Silver Wedding Honor Crowd
M and Mrs Russell Sikkema and Loren visited Mr and Mrs Howard Bielema for a family dinner honoring the silver wedding of Andrew R Bielema and Viola Bielema with three children and three grandchildren. A 1929 wedding joined Andrew and Viola at the Christian Reformed Church parsonage.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Russell Sikkema
Loren
Howard Bielema
Mr. Bielema
Wass Kila Mae Pessman
Cornell Pessman
Garden Plain
Andrew Bielema
Ben Bielema
Fulton
Christian Reformed Church
A. Blick
Albany
Erie
Thomson
Viola
Local Health Notes From Clinton Iowa Area
Citizens report multiple illnesses and recoveries across Clinton and nearby towns. Patients include Mrs. Ralph Stearns at Jane Lamb hospital with satisfactory recovery, Airman Robert Atherton recovering from pomaine poisoning at Elgin Air Force Base, and several residents stricken by flu pneumonia and chicken pox.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ralph Stearns
Jerry Wiebenen
Lloyd Smith
Jene Lamb
Clinton
Nellie Ketchum
Monmouth
Iowa
Jimmy
Gena Bull
Gene Bull
Mary Lee Johnson
Virl Johnson
Eugene Smith
Garden Plain
Tone Lamb Hospital
Jon Bristol
Robert Bristol
Steven
Ruth Hotchkiss
Milroy Nursing Home
Milledgeville
Maple Lawn Rest Home
Thomson
Charles Holman Jr
Hines Hospital
Kyle Brown
Savanna City Hospital
Wedding Vows United Michael Knight and Phyllis Engelkens
Miss Phyllis Engelkens and Michael C Knight wed in a candlelit ceremony at First Reformed Church Fulton at 7 30 pm Friday February 26. The Rev S C DeJong officiated. pianist Mrs Ray Rus and tenor Herbert St Ores Sr provided music. The couple plans a Florida honeymoon and will reside at 513 129th Ave Fulton.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
First Reformed Church
Ray Rus
Herbert St. Ores, Sr
Thomson
Herbert St. Ores, Jr
Joseph Curatolo
Chicago
Arthur Grove
Clinton
James Knight
Fulton
John Enegikens
Grace Stuit
Moline
Rock Falls
Sterling
Erie
Chadwick
Florida
129Th Avenue
Religious Services and Choir Practice Schedule
Evening services at 7 30 p m led by Rev J W Gillespie and Rev William Kendall Sundays. Catholic services at Fulton 8 and 10 a m. St Johns Savanna services at 6 8 and 10 a m Rev Mark Witmer pastor 9 30 Sunday School 10 30 Church services Choir practice Saturday evening at 7 15
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
J. W. Gillespie
William Kendall
Mark Witmer
Methodist Church Services and Sunday Schedule
Methodist William E. Lechrone pastor. Hickory Grove morning worship 9 30 a m church school 10 30 a m. Thomson church school 10 a m morning worship 11 a m. Argo Fay evening worship 7 30 p m.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
William E. Lechrone
Hickory Grove
Thomson
Argo Fay
Church Services and Teachers Qualifications Featured
Baptist James W Gillespie leads 10:00 a m worship at The Church Wor shipping with 11:00 a m The Church Ludg ine service Lord of Life and Death. Paul Wilt supt Lesson John 11 32 46. Ladies Aid meets Thursday at Mrs Dorothy Carrolls. Teaching as a high calling stresses the teacher must be saved loyal to the church regular in worship and support, know pupils, and study the Bible. Local notes mention Ralph Irion visiting, Kim Bradley’s sheriff bid, and a P T A play Our Gal Sal at the high school with candy sale.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Paul Wilt
John
Ladies Aid
Dorothy Carrolls
Workers Council
Ralph Irion
Fulton
Jennie Griswold
Omar Ketchum
Chicago
Williem Wells
Kim Bradley
Savanna
Carroll County
Bradley
Ebner Tower
Thomson
Harold Wilts Buy Stumphy Home in Thom Son
Mr and Mrs Harold Wilt purchase the George Stumphy residence in Thom son north end. Possession due in 60 days. Mrs Stumphy’s parents Mr and Mrs Frank Wallas plan to move to Mason City Iowa joining the couple.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Harold Wilt
George Stumphy
Thomson
Stumphy
Frank Wallas
Mason City
Iowa
Betty Skelton Sets 105.88 MPH Stock Car Record
Betty Skelton drives a 1954 Dodge V-8 to an average 105.88 mph over a measured mile on Daytona Beach to establish a stock car 200-249 cubic inch displacement record during Speed Week witnessed by 25 000+. The feat stays within AAA rules and surpasses the 250-299 cubic inch class record.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Daytona Beach
Fla
Betty Skelton
Aviatrix
Mrs Skelton
Oceanside
National Association For
Miss Skelton
Bonneville Salt Flats
Danny Eames
Salt Flats
American Automobile Association
Wilbur Shaw
Indianapolis Speedway
Shaw
Dodge
AAA
Also Mentioned on This Page
Joe Shuttersmouth
Bob Carroll
Norm French
Lloyd Tousley
Jimmy Weibenga
George Hook
California
H. G. Stagg
New Orleans
Lan
Thomson Woman’s Club
Robert Handel
Harry Roe
Paul Strukhoff
Paul V. Wilton
John Carroll
Margaret Grawe
Gilpin Sarr
Kenneth Whitney
William L. Lechrone
University of
Tom Root
Macomb
Alice Fitch
Charles McGinty
Robert Miller
Janie
Miles Haas
Vernon Haynes
Aledo
Delbert Dimmick
Richard Badtke
Cradle News
Trojans
Carroll County Conference
St Cordova
H. Bielema
Shannon
Bill Halfman
Ozzie Cronister
A . Houzenga
E. Holland
G. Smith
B. Halfman
J. Brinkman
M. Bronkema
D. Zenk
L. Prins
Coach Cross
Halfman
Bronkema
Housenga
Baptist Sunday School
Bere
Lyle Greeley
Victor Fenley
Riverview
Melvin Brocious
James O’neal
Maud Sater
Donald Smith
Laure Daehler
Brand
Dean Robinson
Edwin Wade
Herred Miller
Maud Sager
Mairne
B. J. Bowden
Frances Sager
Ivan Miller
Louis Shelly
Ernest Lashelle
Leland Housenga
Fred Miller
Lanark
Henry Knapp
Melvin
Robert Atherton
Lyle Williams
Leonard Stage
Ed Smith
Wacker
Russell Albert
Marjory Lee
Ruth Ann Gilbert
Port Byron
Richard Bad‘ke
Cecil Frosch
Gilpin Stagg
David
Thomson Briers
Thomson Briefs
Peggy Feraway
PTA High School
Andrew Bielemas
Rockham
S. Dakota
Miller, S. Dakota
Daugher
Ed Maleweicki
Winona
Minnesota
Michael C. Knight
Carl Korbar
Korbar
Arthur Thompson
Mervin Marshall
Ebc
Hemmer
Merle Cate
Gladys Cate
Jennie Kiswold
St. John's Church
York
James W. Gillespie
Harold Wilts
John Carpenter
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!