NEW PRESIDENT:
The new president of the Thornton Historical Society is Jim Wind. Jim has lived in Thornton for 33 years and has been a member of the Society for approximately 8 years. He served as Vice President for 3 years, and is the chairman of the Building & Grounds committee as well as the Program chairman. He was Instrumental in getting the handicap lift installed, and always willing to lend a hand wherever needed. Jim also has the distinction of being the first male president since the 1970s!
MUSEUM HOURS & DOCENTS:
The museum is Open May through October every Saturday, 1PM - 3PM. We are still in need of docents May thru October. If you can spare two hours on a Saturday please let Marge Loitz know at 877-6310 . If you are not able to make your assigned docent date it is your responsibility to find a replacement. Please be sure to wear a mask. No one is to enter the building without a mask on.
UPCOMING MEETING DATES & PROGRAMS: Once again, many of our programs depend on the status of Covid-19. We will update you as we get further into the year. Please remember to wear a mask to meetings!
June 28 @ 6:00PM. Annual Dinner Meeting – Tuscan Gardens, Glenwood, IL.
August 23 @ 7:00PM. General Meeting – Program: “Art Concepts” by Lea Goldman
September 27 @ 7:00PM. General Meeting – Program: “The 70’s: Bellbottoms, Disco & Nixon” by
Jim Gibbons
October 25 @ 7:00PM. General Meeting – Program: “Railroads & Music” by Steve Justman
November 12 @ 6:00PM. Heritage Dinner – St. Paul Church
December 5 @ 2:00PM -4:00PM. Holiday Open House – Museum
ANNUAL DINNER:
This year’s annual dinner/board installation will be on Monday, June 28 at Tuscan Gardens, 601 W. Holbrook Rd. (the old Busy Bee Nursery) Glenwood, IL. Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. The cost is $15 per person with a reservation deadline of June 19, 2021. Please fill out the form and return with your payment to: Thornton Historical Society, PO Box 34, Thornton IL 60476. The following buffet dinner will be served: Salad, Bread & Butter, Roasted Chicken, Roasted Pork, Fettuccine Alfredo, Vegetable, Roasted Potatoes, Coffee & Tea. Cash Bar for all Other Beverages.
FUNDRAISERS:
Due to Covid-19, we will not be able to hold our June Quarry Tour, but hopefully it will be safe enough for the October trip. We are looking for ways in which to raise some badly needed funding for the museum. Once again, your ideas are welcome.
ACQUISITIONS:
Village of Thornton – Large map of Thornton circa 1980
GIFT SHOP:
Our gift shop has many unique items for sale, including Thornton coverlets, t-shirts, Quarry & Brewery booklets, DVDs and more.
DIGGING INTO THORNTON’S PAST: The Tornado of 1904
On Palm Sunday of 1904, a tornado blew through Thornton, destroying several buildings. St. Paul Lutheran Church on Hunter Street, which had recently undergone costly repairs, was completely destroyed. The brewery and depot were also damaged.
The remains of St. Paul Lutheran Church after the tornado hit on Palm Sunday, March 27, 1904. On the original photo Templin’s Place tavern (Joe’s in our time) on the corner of William & Margaret can be seen in the background.
Brewery damage after the tornado. Pictured are: Top – John Bielfeldt (Tacky), Fred Zimmerman (brewer), Fred Bielfeldt & Donny Maxwell. Bottom – Constable Henry Blank, Walter, Ed & Raymond Bielfeldt.