Editor’s note: Minutes of the Thomson[, IL,] Depot Committee are reported below. There will be a one-day opening for public viewing of the School Exhibit, on Saturday, May 29, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Private museum tours can be arranged by appointment.
The anticipated sneak peek at the new School Exhibit was discussed at length, during the Thomson Depot Committee meeting on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. After a report from Treasurer Brian Balk and adoption of the minutes from the March meeting, the group called on Clint and Steve Stiles for an update on the new exhibit.
Steve also reported on his effort to find old railroaders to interview and possibly invite to sit at the Depot next year for conversations. A video is being investigated for production of some of the oral history that is being produced.
The map of the old Railroad routes which was donated by Gerry and Beth Bower was discussed. A motion was made to pay to have this valuable artifact framed and spotlighted in the railroad area of the Depot. It is hoped that this will be on display for the special opening.
Director Kathy Gray reported she received many donations. They include a great deal of Railroad memorabilia in memory of Robert Kappes; sports gear from Marla Hickey; an old cheerleading suit from the last year of Thomson High School, from Luanne Bruckner.
Under Publicity Jan, Luanne, and Kathy were interviewed by Jon McGinty, grandson of Charles and Salome McGinty, for an article on the Railroad Depot museums in Illinois, for “Northwest Illinois Living.” Jan will write an article about this interesting interview.
Clint volunteered to start a new Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Thomson-Depot-Museum-104539308457494/. It will allow items and information to be provided with more ease, as we attempt to remodel and update the Depot. He will address the website problem and link and update materials there.
Luanne will present the proposed matching funding project to the Thomson Alumni on May 29. The project will continue until next May 28, 2022, when the newly remodeled Depot will be open for the season.
It was decided the Depot display will open on Saturday, May 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., for the public and to receive any memorabilia items. After that date, private tours are available by contacting Luanne at 815-259-3168 or Kathy at 815-902-6064.
Clean up day is Saturday, May 8, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to help clean the Depot for the special opening on May 29. Volunteers are needed to dust, wipe down the furniture, pull weeds, etc.