The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
A Wonderful Way To Start the Holiday Season
by Jennifer Dance, The Quill Staff
Picture this, downtown Stronghurst was a "Thomas Kinkaide" happening Friday evening, November 19th.
Between all the hunters in their trucks lined up to drop off their "catch of the day" at Vancil's and the Open House on Broadway, it was the place to be.
Committee chair, Jo Stull, was ecstatic about the turnout, the participation, and the activities going on throughout town.
Starting from the southwest corner on Broadway, the old (Ivan Jacobs) hardware store owned by Doran and Tate was filled with booths and crafters selling their hard work.
Santa and Mrs. Claus paid a visit to the hardware store as well. Children lined up, ready to jump in his lap to let him know what was on their Christmas list. Even Art Kane was seen telling Santa what he wanted this year.
Pictures were available with Santa and Mrs. Claus (Bruce & Leota Caldwell) taken by Ernie Waterman.
Other participants inside were:
Judy Roessler crocheted items and Jennifer Dance- postcards
Dawn Sparrow - scrap booking, skin testing and skin care items
Doris Olson - Travel agency service
Sheryl Sewell - Homemade candles
Becky Bechtel - Interior decorating
Jenny Carnes - Homemade bag holders
Donna Poweless - Craft items
Annette Morgan - Craft items
Carla Williams - Homemade candles and accessories
Larry Lambert - Church food pantry promotion
Cristy Potts - Mary Kay cosmetics
Small World Preschool - icing cookies - posters
Schar's Veterinary Service - two cats to pet - pet supplies - drawing
Brenda Bielser Pet Grooming Service - free grooming
Payment for the space inside the building was a donation to the U.S. Marine campaign - TOYS FOR TOTS which were being collected inside.
Outside the store, the horse drawn carriage sponsored by Security Savings Bank was busy taking riders on tours around town every seven minutes. It was a perfect night for a carriage ride! Refreshments were served inside Security's lobby.
Further north on Broadway, over seventy nativity sets were beautifully displayed in the American Legion building. There were no duplicates and none were the same as displayed last year. Some were handmade, others were keepsakes handed down, some were from foreign countries, and all made for a delightful display.
Delmar Jacob had a state ö of ö the - art flat screen television in the window of his store.
Mrs. C. and her Puppet Pals was a smashing hit at the Senior Citizen's building provided by The Quill. People of all ages were enjoying the entertainment, and food (Antiquity popcorn and apples from Weir's). Mrs. C kept busy for three solid hours and made sure everyone had fun and no one left without a smile! The show included a turkey who didn't like Thanksgiving, The Grinch, Bingo the dog, and a dozen other puppet friends. Mrs. C (Marilyn Champaign of Burlington, IA) used music, jokes, stories and even some exercises which tested your comprehension and quickness set to a tune while touching your head and shoulders, knees and toes, eyes, ears, mouth and nose.
Guests were greeted at the door of the Doran Insurance building and treated to a wonderful, festive spread of goodies in the back. There was a comfortable place to sit and visit while you enjoyed your munchies. A little further down, past the beautiful wreath hanging in the post office's window, many gathered at the On Broadway Cafe for some great soup, cheese and crackers and vegetables.
Everyone was working hard inside, making sure all the guests had what they needed and that they were enjoying themselves. It was so nice to have supper there. Too bad it doesn't happen on a regular basis (hint, hint!).
Further north and across the street, Bob's TV and all their crew displayed their beautiful and fun accessories along with their lovely furniture and appliance items. There was something for everyone.
People were being treated to refreshments at Wilson's Insurance office, Fisher's Food Center, Stronghurst Implement Co., RIVERLAND FS, MST Fire Station, Dr. Pogue's office, Stronghurst Village Hall, and Neff's Realty.
Visitors at Jo Jo's Korner had a great time making their own sundaes! Jo gave away 125 sundaes and visitors deposited $152 in a collection can for Toys For Tots!
Leo Ramer and a select group of the Ecumenical Singers sang in the bank lobby at The Bank of Stronghurst and delicious refreshments were depleted by the crowd of over 200 guests that circulated the town.
The Prairieland Barbershop Chorus caroled throughout the stores and along Broadway during the night and made everyone feel warm and welcome.
The Antiquity's night was a whirlwind! People filled the store. At the end of the night, Sue Lyons thrilled, but a bit weary recalled, "I don't know if there is anything left, we've been full all night!"
Next door, at Bygone's and Buds, Jim, Sammy and the girls were quite busy as well. The store was beautifully decorated with accessories for Christmas along with some fall decorations. Donna was sure to remind everyone that, "everything is 20% off." There was a special Christmas greeting for shoppers as they walked through the door, a motion detector kept the snowman bouncing and singing.
The Raritan Baptist Church had goodies for a free will donation at the old extension office.
It was a great First Annual Village Open House for Stronghurst. The town is sure to build on it and make it even more and more successful every year.
Much appreciation goes to everyone that worked so hard in putting it together. It is great when everyone comes together for an old fashioned holiday, and there is no better way to say it than... a good time was had by all!
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived in a horse drawn carriage Friday evening but was seen after the Village of Stronghurst Open House ready to take advantage of Peggy Bigger's "Chauffeur One" limo service.
Ali Postle helps Mrs. C with her puppets