HR0050 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0050 LRB094 06090 HSS 36812 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois wish to congratulate Elvesta Topp, an esteemed resident of Shumway, on the occasion of the celebration of her 100th birthday on January 23, 2005; and

WHEREAS, She was born on January 23, 1905, the daughter of John and Mary Wetherall Knierim; she was the seventh child born and is today the only living child; she still owns the farmhouse built by her parents and her brother in the late 1800s; and

WHEREAS, Elvesta Topp has a wonderful family history; her grandfather was born in Germany and came to Illinois in 1853; he served in the Civil War, as did her Grandfather Wetherall; and

WHEREAS, Elvesta Topp received her education in a one-room schoolhouse, where one teacher taught eight grade levels; there was a daily walk to school for the children, except when the weather was bad and the smallest children were given a ride in the buggy by an older brother; and

WHEREAS, There were no toys, only rag dolls made by Elvesta and her sister; mud roads made life hard, with even the horses having a rough time going through; laundry was done in tubs and with a wash board; kerosene lamps provided the only source of evening light until the 1940s; and

WHEREAS, Clothing was made from chicken feed sacks; the chores included milking the cows, feeding the chickens and ducks, helping in the field, and collecting eggs; during harvest time, she would help with the raking, hauling, and stacking of hay; she remembers that the neighbors would unite to help one another; and

WHEREAS, She remembers when the family doctor made house calls, neighbors were neighborly, and life was easier; and

WHEREAS, Elvesta worked as a cook at the Central Grade School for many years, as well as at the Steak House in Effingham; and

WHEREAS, Elvesta is most proud of her large collection of several hundred elephants that represent her passion and lifelong loyalty to the Grand Old Party; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we extend our heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Elvesta Topp on the occasion of her 100th birthday; that we commend her for achieving a long and fulfilling life, and we wish her continued happiness and good health in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Elvesta Topp as an expression of our respect and esteem.