Editor’s note: Click the link to see a short video created by Rich Criss and Mick Welding. Criss stated, “This video shows a route to get from home-to-home, as well as a description of the décor in each home. It is an amateur video that, unfortunately, ends abruptly at 30 minutes. hope you enjoy it!” https://youtu.be/OSXmzd5LAZg.
Rich Criss introduces the third residence that will be open for viewing, during the MCH Foundation’s First Annual Holiday Tour of Homes 2021. Titled “The Halls Be Decked!” this fundraiser features four Morrison, IL, homes. Each will be lavishly decorated and open for public viewing on Thursday, December 2, through Saturday, December 4, 2021.
Thursday night, $100 donation tickets entitle you to stroll through homes without the crowds; this “evening of tidings and candles” is limited to 100 persons. Any time during your tours of the four homes, go to the Morrison Community Hospital new Conference/Board room. In this “Kaffee Haus,” enjoy festive meat and cheese trays, meat wraps, and charcuterie boards, plus delectable desserts, such as chocolate-dipped strawberries and many others. In addition, Thursday night guests will receive a commemorative Christmas ornament. Thursday tour hours are 4:00 p.m. to 8:00. The “Kaffee Haus” will be open until 9:00.
Friday/Saturday $12.50 tickets entitle guests to tour homes from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00, on Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on Saturday. Any time during your tours, go to the MCH Conference/Board room “Kaffee Haus.” Christmas cookies and coffee, hot chocolate, and hot apple cider will be served. The “Kaffee Haus” will be open for one hour after the tours close on both days. Ticket holders may choose to split the four tours over two days.
Our third featured dwelling is the home of Loren and Connie Tenboer, 15199 Hillside Road. Located on Hillside Road, between Prairie Center and Garden Plain Roads, this nearly 100-year-old farmhouse has been lovingly preserved and expanded over the years. Built in 1923, this farm was owned and occupied by the Shirk family for many years, before being sold and occupied by the Elston Knox family. In 1969, Loren’s parents, Whitey and Ruth Tenboer, purchased the farm and moved into the farmhouse. They made their home with their children attending the Prairie Center School, just south of the farm, now converted into a single-family home. Whitey and Ruth moved into town in 1988, and Loren and Connie moved onto the family farm at that time. Over the years, additions have been added, including a large great room in 2003 with high vaulted ceilings. It boasts a 12′ Christmas tree in front of a huge window, facing western sunsets over their field. A beautiful, modern kitchen was installed in 2008. The home will showcase collections of family members’ Christmas decorations and ornaments held dear over the years, including a teddy bear, the very first Christmas gift Connie’s mother, Noord, received from her parents 80 years ago.
Those is attendance will revel in the decorated large Great Room with beautiful fireplace and 12′ Christmas tree, the Kitchen, large Dining Room, Sitting Area, and enclosed Porch. This is a home that will be worth the short, ten minute drive outside of Morrison.
Connie will not be the only one preparing for this walk. Loren will be showcasing some of his John Deere memorabilia, including a tractor, grain cart, and antique gas pump. This will truly be an enjoyable time as one tours this farm home.
This home, in addition to the homes of Dale Belt and Lori Neighbour, Jean Decker, and Rich and Lynelle Criss, will be featured during this inaugural event.
For tickets, send a request with check made payable to “MCH Foundation.” Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Rich Criss, 603 Diamond Court, Morrison, IL 61270. Specify which day to order tickets.
Stop at Emmanuel Reformed Church, 202 E. Morris Street, to purchase tickets, or go to the front desk of Morrison Community Hospital, 303 N. Jackson Street.
We would love to see you at this premier Holiday Tour of Homes event! Contact Mick Welding at 815-772-5510 with questions.