The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The weather was absolutely delightful as people strolled down Broadway Street to participate in the Stronghurst Booster Club's annual Christmas Walk. It was three hours of music, food, meeting old friends, and just enjoying the beautiful evening.
The Hall of Trees was definitely one of the most popular places to visit. One could vote for their favorite tree. It was a hard decision as all the trees were unique in their own way. The first place ribbon went to Elaine Cortelyou, second place ribbon went to Gawdy Gals, and third place was the Small World Preschool.
Diana Taylor of Media spent days at the Doran & Tate building, decorating the front windows with beautiful displays to add to the festivities.
On the north side of the Christmas trees, the beautiful music of the Civic String Quartet from Monmouth was enjoyed. It was a true vision looking in the window of the Doran-Tate building to see the beautiful instruments played with such elegance.
Walking north down the street, the next stop was 100 cherished nativity items on display at the American Legion Building with over 300 viewing, it was reported. It always is a favorite and every year there are more to see.
At the Senior Citizen building was Rhoda Burgdorf of Biggsville baking the most delicious smelling bread while Paula Stull of Raritan played beautiful music on the piano. Hot chocolate was given away by the Christian Church as well as food in almost every business.
Carla Gardner at Broadway Cafe and her staff served a "soup buffet" to a packed crowd. No one left hungry when the night was over.
Children gathered in the back room at The Antiquity to have their faces painted. Also out in front of The Antiquity and Bygones and Buds, a cake walk was held.
Down the street the Ecumenical Singers from Monmouth serenaded visitors at the Bank of Stronghurst. Up and down the street a Barbershop Quartet sang Christmas carols.
Bob's Home Furnishings played hosts for the crafters and displayers in their west building. Nineteen tables were set up amidst carpet and appliances.
Santa and Mrs. Claus were also present to listen to the requests of children. Next door at The Quill, Dan Ashton portrayed Dr. Isaac Harter, the first landowner and doctor in Stronghurst.
Carriage rides were on both ends of the street. Security Savings Bank was the starting point for the stagecoach while Bob's Home Furnishings hosted the romantic carriage ride.
Also a decorated carriage sat out in the street where toys for Toys for Tots were collected.
The luminaries all along the walks, lighted trees in pots, and businesses decorated in and out, helped make the evening a complete success and a night of memories and traditions.
Sue Lyon, Dr. Todd Lange, and Jim Blender (right), display the sleigh full of items for Toys For Tots that were received during the Christmas Walk. Dr. Lange is chair of the Toys For Tots which will be distributed at Christmas to needy children. Sue, Jim, and Todd were the organizers for the Stronghurst Booster Club of the annual Christmas Walk.
One of the most popular places to visit during the Stronghurst Christmas Walk was the festival of trees. One could vote for their favorite tree. Each tree was unique in its own way, but the first place ribbon went to Elaine Cortelyou of rural Blandinsville.