The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Holly Willdrick, Quill Staff
Celebrating 100
February 1st was a day of celebrating. The kindergarten class celebrated the 100th day of school. They made special crowns and necklaces to wear and were asked to bring a collection of 100 items from home to share with the class.
They had special 100 stories that they read and also shared in a snack of 10 pieces of 10 different items. After counting their snacks they were able to enjoy a 100 pieces of peanuts, crackers, M&M, cheerios, and many others.
The cold weather didn't allow for the class to take a little field trip over to the La Harpe Davier Health Care Center to wish a Happy 100th Birthday to Ms. Marie Atkins. Marie turned 100 on February 1st and had a wonderful celebration in the dining hall. Marie was born northwest of Stronghurst and attended the Stronghurst school until the 5th grade when her family then moved to Roseville.
After graduation she went into nurses training at the Monmouth Hospital and upon completion did some private care before becoming the second floor supervisor at Monmouth Hospital. She worked there for around 10 years before returning to private care.
She married Tommy Atkins in 1934 and became the mother of 3 teenage children. It was at this time that Marie decided to stay at home. In 1952 they purchased a farm northwest of Disco, now owned by the Bartlett family.
Marie was a member of the Disco United Methodist Church for 65 years, when the church was closed. In 1985 sh e moved to La Harpe and became a member of the Union Church. Over the years Marie has enjoyed doing embroidery work and planting flowers. At one time she would plant over 1000 glades.
Marie has been blessed with 8 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 32 great great grandchildren, and 1 great great great grandchild.
Marie has received over 180 cards, letters from Rep. Myers from the Illinois House, President and Laura Bush, and Senator John Sullivan. She says that there will probably be more coming from out of state yet.
Along with the celebration at the center she was taken out to lunch at the 1850's House Bed and Breakfast in Dallas City. Many of her friends from church attended and enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship.