The VTHS celebrates 50 years of history!

On Sunday, September 7, 2025, the Thornton Historical Society welcomed residents and visitors to a joyful celebration marking its 50th anniversary. The event took place at the Society’s museum on North Hunter Street and featured a free ice cream social that brought together generations of Thornton families and history enthusiasts.

From 2:00 to 4:00 PM, guests enjoyed scoops of classic flavors while exploring updated exhibits that showcase the village’s rich past. The museum, which has been a cornerstone of local preservation since 1975, opened its doors to highlight five decades of dedication to collecting, curating, and sharing Thornton’s story.

Click here to see a video of this great event.

50th anniversary ice cream social

The Village of Thornton Historical Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a free Ice Cream Social on Sunday, September 7, 2025, and everyone’s invited!

Come enjoy a scoop (or two!) while connecting with neighbors, sharing stories, and honoring the rich history of Thornton.

Location: Village of Thornton Historical Society

Open to: Everyone!

Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Cost: Free!

The Blast – Winter 2024

MUSEUM GRAND REOPENING/HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE:  We had a fantastic turnout for this event and everyone had a great time.  Many thanks to the St. Paul Singers who got everyone into the Christmas spirit!  The goodies and hot chocolate were delicious.  Many items were sold at the Gift Bazaar and this year’s raffle sold more tickets than ever!   It was a wonderful day of camaraderie and community. The raffle winners were:

1st PRIZE:  $100 Visa Gift Card – Donna Pinkus

2nd PRIZE: Thornton Distilling Gift Package – Elaine Egdorf

3rd PRIZE:  2 tickets for the next Thornton Quarry Tour & Book (value $80) – Camille Barton

4th PRIZE:  Hot Toddy Basket featuring Thornton Distilling Rum – Pat Rupcich

5th PRIZE:  JJ Kelley’s Gift Card – Kimberly Carlson

6th PRIZE:  JJ Kelley’s Gift Card – Jonathan Swetlik

Congratulations!  Many thanks to all who participated, and thanks to our generous prize donors. We appreciate you. 

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL:  Just a reminder that membership renewals are due by March 1.  Please print out our enclosed application and mail it along with a check to:  Thornton Historical  Society, P.O. Box 34, Thornton, IL 60476. Make checks payable to the Society. Feel free to encourage your friends to join.  We're always excited to welcome new members!

NOTE:  If you joined in the “ber” months of September, October, November or December, your 2024 membership is included.  There is no need to renew.  .

MEMBER NEWS:  Please welcome  Kevin Barron, Maribel Bledzycki, Mack Budzowski, Kimberly Carlson, Carmen Centeno, Vicki Diers, Betty Hoeffner, Amy House, Andrew Howell, Max Kraus, Jamie Mosher, Carol Mudryk, Beverly Mueller, Jayla Muse and Barbara O’Donnell to our group.  Happy to have you with us!  We have some exciting projects in the works.

OFFICER ELECTION:  It’s time once again to elect (or re-elect) board members and a president.  You will be receiving a call from one of the membership committee as to whether or not you would like to run for a position.  Nominations will also be taken from the floor at our next general meeting.

MUSEUM UPDATE:  Thanks to the efforts of our hard-working members, and spearheaded by Sue Hanson and Kim Atkinson, our museum restoration has been completed. Existing exhibits were updated and new exhibits were added.  Everything was cleaned and the walls were painted.

The museum will be open the first and third Saturdays of the month from 1:00 to 3:00pm beginning now through the end of April.  Starting in May, we will be open every Saturday from 1:00 to 3:00pm through October.  If you are available to be a docent please contact Pat Rupcich at 708-927-4522.  A docent provides a welcoming greeting and assists museum visitors to the best of their ability.

TIN CEILING TILES:  The beautiful tin tiles that were removed from our ceiling are for sale.  The cost is  $20 per 2x4 foot section  and $10 for a 2x2 foot section. Tiles are from 1904 St. Paul Lutheran Church making them 120 years old.  Please spread the word; contractors welcome.

ACQUISITIONS:  During our museum renovations we received numerous donations to add to our displays.

·      Thornton State Bank metal savings bank circa 1931; Bride’s Bowl circa 1880-1905;  Jane-Alex Tavern matchbook cover, Famous Thornton Lager Beer matchbook cover, letterhead/envelope White Bear Brewing Co.; White Bear Amberlite Pilsner beer labels for bottles; Old Fashioned Lager Beer Bottle Caps (2); Various photo postcards of Thornton Public School/children early 1900s. – donor Debbie Lamoureux

·      Beer Sign – donor Fred Walker

·      Wedding Dress of Vernelle Ellis circa 1947 – donor daughter Paulette Ellis Pearson

·      Bridal Bag – donor Kim Atkinson

·      Coat Rack from Nick’s Place tavern and Nick Rupcich’s walking cane – donor grandson Jim Rupcich

UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS:  See the enclosed calendar for 2024.  Please check our webpage, www.thorntonilhistory.com for special events and trips.  Historical Society members will be notified of trips before the general public, so if we don’t have your email address, be sure to send it to us at thorntonilhs@gmail.com.