The Thomson[, IL,] Sesquicentennial Committee held their last meeting Wednesday, November 4, 2015, and discussed the final events for the “Year to Remember.” Faithful members discussed the Halloween Party and the prizes awarded from the Committee. Appreciation was expressed to Beth Balk and LouAnn Hoch for the fine job in organizing and feeding over 200 participants at the Fire Station, with the help of the Fire and Police Departments. Games and a cake walk were sponsored by the group, with cakes provided by the Thomson Women’s Club and others. Free wristbands were given to all, and shirts were given to lucky winners by the Sesquicentennial Committee. A final merchandise sale was held. Best Parade entry went to the West Carroll Band who marched in costume. Best telephone pole decoration was won by T.A.C.O. Best lawn decoration went to Tom and LouAnn Hoch. Best pumpkin grown from seed, given by Bim and Deb McGinnis, was won by Julie Lindstrom. An adult bonfire was enjoyed after the party. Steve and Tina Wilkinson and Steven and Julie Lindstrom hosted the blaze, with the help of the Thomson Fire Department. Grant Stiles provided instrumental music.
The Carroll Jo Daviess chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, in conjunction with the Thomson American Legion and the Sesquicentennial, are hosting a tribute to Thomson veterans–with special emphasis on the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam Conflict. The committee voted to provide cake and the servers. This event is open to the public and will be held at the American Legion in Thomson from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., on Wednesday, November 11.
Discussion was held on the Festival of Trees. The York Township Public Library will host the event on Saturday, December 12, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in conjunction with the Christmas festival. Information is to be published in the local papers. The Committee is offering $200 in prizes for this event. Additionally, caroling will be held that afternoon starting at 4:00 with participants meeting at the Fire Station. The strolling carolers will end at Casey’s General Store with free refreshments and cookies.
The time capsule was displayed by Co-chair Lawrence Bruckner, who stated that it had been generously donated by Law Jones Funeral Home. Discussion ensued about the contents for the Time Capsule and everyone was urged to contact Bruckner with suggestions. The time of the burial of the capsule was set for Saturday, December 12, at 1:30 p.m., by the flagpole in the newly named Thomson Lions Club Park, adjacent to the York Township Public Library on Main Street. The capstone is being donated by Kin Stoneworks of Clinton, IA.
Further business included discussion of the Sesquicentennial Rifle that was voted to be purchased and publicly displayed. Lawrence Bruckner was designated to talk with Babe Tipton, to make sure that the firearm was ordered. The rifle has the Sesquicentennial logo on the stock with pictures of other items of Thomson’s history.
The committee voted to give the library $100 for use in the Genealogy Room; $500 for the Veterans Memorial; $1000 to seed the coming Thomson History Book; money to purchase the Sesquicentennial rifle and a case for display.
With no further business to discuss and all monies designated, the Committee adjourned. Co-chair Luanne Bruckner thanked all for the hard work and success of the two-year effort to celebrate Thomson’s 150th birthday.