THE PUBLIC MIND: LONGVIEW OWNER THANKS FOR SUCCESS OF CHRISTMAS TOURS

Dear Editor:

When the Bicentennial Commission appointed me chairman of the Historic Christmas Tour, I quickly decided to include in the tour my historic ancestral home, Longview, which was built by my great grandfather, Col. G. C. Thilenius, circa 1870-73.

After some consideration, I contacted Patty Mulkey of the Cape River Heritage Museum, Doris Dace of the Glenn House and Marie Howell of St. Vincent's Church. These gracious ladies said they would serve on the committee and open their respective historic places.

I want to say a special "thank you" for your wonderful cooperation.

My special golfing friends spent hours helping decorate Longview and as a result the old house was beautiful and no one was more pleased than me and my family. Needless to say, living in a home and opening it for tours is a bit stressful. However, the enthusiasm of our guests made any sacrifice into abundant joy and thankfulness that we could share our wonderful heritage.

Over 150 school children from Franklin and Jefferson schools toured. These children were an absolute delight and their questions and obvious interest surprised me. The class of Mrs. Rhodes at Franklin School sent "thank you" notes, which contained unbelievably charming drawings and thoughts. I shall keep and treasure them.

In all, over 500 people toured the house.

This was well within my hopes but beyond my expectations. To those that could not find the time, you missed an opportunity that may not be repeated - a private showing of quite a bit of Cape Girardeau history.

It saddens me that my great-grandfather isn't given more attention for his contribution to Cape Girardeau. He won a medal from the Austrian World's Fair in 1873 for the best flour in the world - come on folks, that's not too shabby. Maybe I'll write a book someday about his accomplishments.

My very special thanks to my family, my many golfing friends who decorated the house and were hostesses for the three weekends, and to Foseter's Nursery which donated the lovely poinsettia and plants, thank you Claude and Dorothy. The news media gave us great coverage and we thank you also.

Marjorie H. Thompson

Chairman of Bicentennial

Historic Christmas Tours ~