Morrison Garden Club members jumped aboard the 2017 Chamber of Commerce Christmas Walk theme, “The Polar Express,” and designed their most clever display to date. Eight installations adorn the southeast corner of U. S. Highway 30 and IL Route 78 in Morrison, IL. Park nearby and walk through the space to appreciate the details, like china cocoa cups personalized with the Polar Express emblem.
Wreaths at the bottom of the displays were made by Mary and Vern Latwesen.
Hot Chocolate Cups was fabricated by Sharon Moore and Sabrina Statzer. Half a dozen are stacked in “tree formation,” accented with floating marshmallows and ascending wafts of steam. A tall Pole/Polar Tree was engineered by Diane Garcia and assembled by Garcia, Cheryl Christianson, Jan Kelly, Moore, and Patty Nice.
Polar Express Engine #1225 curves along the edge of the sidewalk. Coupled to it are a coal tender and two passenger cars, designed and built by Garcia. She noted the word “Minion” was misspelled. You might recognize the faces in the windows.
Billy with the Present is a character from the film adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg’s 1985 enchanting book, The Polar Express. It is about sustaining belief in Santa Claus and the miracle of Christmas. The boy’s nightshirt forms the three shape, and his unexpected present tops it. Four members designed the display: Kathy Anderson, Jan Mayes, Dee Morgan, and Nice. A pair of “punched” Golden Ticket Trees are the handiwork of Moore. She also built a chalkboard Passenger List Tree. Add your name to the list when you visit the display.
Conductor (portrayed by Tom Hanks in the film) was built by Nice; he holds a lantern and ticket punch.
After the 5:00 p.m. Tree Lighting ceremony, on Saturday, December 2, 2017, two, real-life, Morrison Engineers joined him for a photograph. Both work for the Union Pacific Railroad. At left is Patrick Moore, holding a ticket punch. Eric Phend, who led the singing of carols, is at right. He holds a pocket watch and authentic railway lantern.
