This nostalgic photograph of E. Main Street, Morrison, IL, was taken in December, but the date written on the back is incorrect: 1967. The view focuses on the South side of the street. It was taken from the northeast corner of Main and Cherry Streets, where the dental office of Dr. John Tomasino, Jr. is located.
It might be fun to get out your magnifying lens to read store signs, identify new businesses in these earlier locations, determine the make or model of cars, and count the parking meters. There is a Christmas tree in the intersection of Main and Genesee Streets! Older family members might enjoy a virtual walk along Main Street with younger ones.
Enjoy Main Street in December 2020. Details follow.
Although the Reverse Christmas Parade was cancelled, Morrison Chamber of Commerce will host the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, on Saturday, December 5, at 5:00 p.m., at the southeast corner of U. S. Route 30 and IL Highway 78. The event will be live-streamed on the Chamber of Commerce Facebook page, for those unable to attend.
Share that new feature with family and friends who live away or are unlikely to venture outside. Click here for the Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
Another Chamber initiative is a lighting contest for businesses or residences; the theme is “Winter Nights and Magical Lights.” First-through-third place money prizes will be awarded, and winners receive a yard sign stating so.
Register below. The deadline for entry was extended through Saturday, December 12. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-morrison-christmas-walk-winter-nights-and-magical-lights-tickets-124293275533.
Mayor Everett Pannier will offer his annual Christmas welcome address. During the week of December 1 through 4, Jack Frost and Suzi Snowflake will be selected from Northside School students, via a coloring contest. During the December 5 community ceremony, these children bring the tree to light. Christmas carols will be led by Eric Phend. Children who attend the event will receive a goodie bag.
Chamber Director LeAnn Schaefer said, “We are inviting Main Street businesses to bring some festive joy, decorate their windows, be open, and offer specials the evening of…December 5.”
She added children may bring their Letter to Santa that night–placed inside an envelope addressed to “Santa Clause, North Pole.” Be sure to include a return address. Letters should be placed into the new, North Pole mailbox. It will be located next to the Santa House, in Millikan Park, beside the Chamber of Commerce Office, 221 W. Main Street, Morrison.
Letters may be dropped off Saturday, December 5, through Monday, December 21.