The Rockport Journal, May 3, 1935

Judge Roscoe Kiper of Boonville, noted jurist, Lincoln scholar, writer and lecturer, will be one of the speakers at the big 4^th of July celebration in our city. With Judge Kiper will come in a body, 100 per cent strong, the entire Press Club of Boonville, states a letter from the club’s secretary, E. F. Dillingham.

This large group of southern Indiana citizens and the McGuffey clubs led by J. Roy Strickland of Owensville, noted writer of Parargraphy in the Evansville Courier, with the other well known people who have accepted invitations for the Lincoln Pioneer Village dedication, will bring to Spencer county the largest group of distinguished guests ever in the county at one time.

Letters and donations from loyal Spencer county citizens are being received almost daily, showing that the ties of the old home place have never been forgotten. One especially interesting letter is printed here:

675 Lighthouse Ave.,
Monterey, California
April 9, 1935

Mr.George Honig,
Rockport, Indiana.

Dear Mr. Honig:--We, the surviving children of the late George Thomas of Spencer county, feel a deep interest and pride in the work you have initiated in commemoration of the surroundings and conditions that helped to mold the character of our best loved president, Abraham Lincoln. His name was a household word in our family, for, as the older people know, our father was a volunteer in the Civil War, although at that time of middle age and with a growing family. He served three years in the war, until compelled by reason of ill health to return home.

So, in making this modest contribution ($15) of five dollar each to the Lincoln Pioneer Village fund, we do it in memory of our honored father as well as our greatest president.

Rockport should be proud of a citizen with the vision and practical ability to conceive and execute such an idealistic plan as the Lincoln Pioneer Village. We join your fellow townspeople and the many others interested in congratulations on the valuable contribution you have made to the appreciation of the character and achievements of Abraham Lincoln. It would be a shrine.

I am sending this for: Mrs. Belle Thomas Howell, Billings, Mont., George Thomas, Jr., Brownstown, Wash., and Ella Thomas, Monterey, Calif.

Signed: Ella Thomas

Some contributions since the last report are: Mrs. Anna Rhinehart Lowden, Bloomington, $2; Miss Ella Thomas, George Thomas, Jr., and Mrs. Belle Thomas Howell, each $5; a gift of $15 in memory of their father, the late George Thomas of Spencer county; Mrs. D. R. Cunningham, $1, in memory of her husband, D. R. Cunningham, well known former colored school teacher; Herbert Weil of London, England, $25, in memory of his father Ferdinand Weil; Mrs. E. W. Fee, New Mexico, $2; Business and Professional Women’s Club, $2; Agnes D. Harrell, California, $2; C. A. Veatch, Los Angeles, Calif., $5.

The Spencer County Historical Society calls a meeting of its members, all Lincoln Pioneer Village committees and all interested persons, at the court house at 8 p. m. Monday night, May 6. Attend and show your interest in the big July 4^th celebration.