Winchester

Winchester Voulenteer of the Month--Thelma Fairbanks



Thelma, her husband Joe, and children Ellen, Ed, and Ann lived in Metamora, IL before moving to the Northwoods. In 1951 they purchased property in Winchester, and moved here in 1955 to run the Pleasant Point Resort which is now Cabins on theDivide.

The decision to move north was for health reasons, a suggestion to her husband by his doctor. It was a big adjustment for Thelma moving from a larger town and awayfrom extended family.

In additionto running the resort, Thelma and her husband did whatever they could do to make ends meet. Joe drove school bus and did electrical work. Thelma worked forthe Koller Cranberry Marsh sorting cranberries for 65 cents an hour, filled in for driving school bus, and later worked at Tru Flight feather factory where she operated a die cut machine.

In 1960 Joe and Thelma bought the hardware store where Ed's building is today. In addition to selling hardware the post office was also located in the store. They sold the store to Ed in approximately 1968 when he returned home from service in the military. Thelma continued to work in the store with Ed until it closed.

Thelma will soon be 92 years old and is active in the Women's Civic Club, Pine Tones,Friends of the Library, Mercer Auxiliary, Election Board and helps each year at the annual boat parade. In her spare time she loves to embroidery, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

When I asked what she likes best about working at the library she said it gets her out of the house, and she sees many people she would otherwise not get to see.

Thelma, Winchester residents would like to thank you for a job well done.  Congratulations for being the volunteer that has been at the library the longest.