The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Bundled & Merry

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner

November 25, 2008

It was a little nippy Friday night for the Holiday Walk in downtown Stronghurst, but everyone was bundled up and merry!

The Stronghurst Quill office had around 300 to 400 guests in to visit with President Abraham Lincoln making for an enjoyable evening. He (Dan Ashton) was shocked when the first man in the door introduced himself as "John Wilkes Booth."

Many families came from out of town - Chicago, Des Moines, Pella, Danville, as well as nearby communities and all were enjoying the festivities.

There were fresh pies and baked cookies being sold by Ellen May at Bob's TV, and beautiful Harp music in Wilson's Insurance office, the Ecumenical singers at the Bank of Stronghurst, and the Doran-Tate building was full of beautiful trees and wreaths as a string quartet played lovely music. Santa's elves were performing and Santa himself was on hand.

There was kettle corn, a walk-by parade, and many wonderful items on sale at Bygones and Buds flower shop. Doran's Insurance was just one of the places that over-loaded your plate with good eating and it was especially nice to hear the Christmas music sung by the Prairieland Barbershop Chorus.

They will be performing their 17th Annual Singspiration of Christmas at 2 p.m., December 14 at Macomb 1st Presbyterian Church on the corner of Dudley & Carroll with admission by a non-perishable food or money to support their food pantry "Loaves & Fishes" which my friend, the late Weyman George, was so active in.

This Saturday, La Harpe is hosting their annual Christmas Open House and will offer refreshments, discounts and a 3 p.m. parade.

They also have their annual Festival of Trees put on by the United Methodist Church with over 40 trees that you will not see the likes of. It is open on Sunday, too. The La Harpe Historical Society will be displaying dolls.

One thing, I hope, the higher gas prices has done is brought us all back home to enjoy each other. It seems like there is plenty to do and see close to home.

As you gather with family, pray a blessing on our small towns and those who live within who bring their sparkle to our communities and merriment to our lives.

God bless each and everyone. Happy Thanksgiving!