November 24, 2021
Dear Village Resident,
happy_thanksgiving_card.jpg
 
The Municipal Centre will be closed tomorrow and Friday, November 26 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Still Time to Fill out Survey
Thanks to everyone who responded to the Village Events Survey posted by the Spring Grove Community Engagement Committee. If you haven't yet filled out the survey there is still time to do so. They want to hear from you! Please take a couple of minutes to view the and fill out the survey today on the village's website under "News and Resources".
Overnight Parking
In preparation for the winter months and snow removal, SGPD will be enforcing the parking ordinance. There is no parking on village streets between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. unless permission is obtained from the Police Department. 
Small Business Saturday
business_owner_open_2.jpg
The Saturday after Thanksgiving is dedicated to supporting and celebrating small businesses and all they do for our community! Small businesses create jobs and help boost our local economy. Please support Spring Grove businesses on November 27 and throughout the holiday season. Thank you to all the small businesses in Spring Grove for supporting and enriching our community!
Nature's Feed Black (lab) Friday and Small Business Saturday
Shop local this Black (lab) Friday & Small Business Saturday for your pet supply needs at Nature's Feed! There will be exclusive sales so be sure to keep an eye on their Facebook page and website for details. PLUS! The first 20 customers who make a purchase on Small Business Saturday will receive a FREE goody bag which includes a 5lb bag of Nutri Life dog kibble - limit 1 per household. Thank you for supporting small business and shopping local this holiday season & all year round! Located at 2440 Westward Drive.
17th Annual Christmas Gift Sale
Come to the 17th Annual Christmas Gift sale located at 1856 Red Oak Lane in the Red Oak Estates subdivision. It's a shopping experience you'll truly enjoy! 12 crafters with creative baskets, beautiful crafts, gift items and more! Starts Thursday, Dec. 2 from 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Friday & Saturday December 3 & 4 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Entrance to subdivision is opposite the Village Municipal Center on Meyer Road - look for signs on Route 12.
Holiday Drive/Letters to Santa now 2 nights!
The Holiday Drive-thru and Letters to Santa will be held on Saturday, December 4 and Saturday, December 11 from 5 - 6 p.m at Horse Fair Park! Drive slowly through the park to see the beautiful holiday lights and displays. You can also bring letters to Santa for the elves to place in his mailbox, then wave to Santa and Mrs. Claus. Choose a Santa letter here, here or here, or make your own! View the flyer here. (Vehicles only, please. No walk-ups.)
Toys for Tots Collection Locations
It's time for the annual Toys for Tots! You can help less privileged children have a happy Christmas by dropping off new, unwrapped toys or books for kids of all ages at one of these locations:  Eclipse Hair Salon - 2020 Route 12 Suite U, the Spring Grove Fire House - 8214 Richardson Road and New Leaf Home Furnishings - 2449 Pierce Drive. Thank you!
Photo of the Week
Mr. Squirrel having an early Thanksgiving snack in Nicole Meade's yard, compliments of Richardson’s farm. If you have a photo of Spring Grove you would like to share, email it here.
Basketball Registration for Grades K-8
Youth recreation basketball registrations are still taking place for grades K-8. They are also looking for volunteers for various positions. View the flyer and registration forms. Once filled out, you can e-mail the registration form to the Recreation Director here.
Open House Holiday Sale
Visit Theresa & Lance at T's Toffee Seventh Annual Open House Holiday Sale on Saturday, December 4 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. You can pre-order by phone or email and pick up on the day of the sale. Watch Facebook for updates. Located at 8815 Hidden Trail. View the flyer with more information here.
Richmond Township to bring Santa & Reindeer to RBCHS
Richmond Township is excited to bring Santa from Santa's Village and two of his reindeer to the Richmond Burton Community High School Parking Lot on Saturday, December 11 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.. Pet the reindeer and take your photo with Santa. View the flyer with more information.
Operation Feed 33
The Jake Vinyard Foundation is hosting it's annual Food Drive to help and support families in need this Holiday Season. Donations accepted November 5 - December 15. View the flyer with donation suggestions and drop off locations here.
Recycle Holiday Lights
If your lights have lost their twinkle, don't throw them away - recycle them at the Municipal Centre! Collection box located in the vestibule at 7401 Meyer Road, Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Click here to see which kinds of lights and cords are accepted.
Landscape Waste
Landscape waste will be picked by Flood Brothers on your pickup day through Wednesday, December 1. View more information here. See burning regulations here. Raking, blowing or otherwise allowing leaves or grass to be deposited upon or left on the streets or sidewalks of the village is prohibited by Village Ordinance.
Blast from the Past - Robert & Eleanor Richardson
Robert Richardson 1811-1878
Robert completed the brick home in 1863
Eleanor Richardson 1822-1894
Richardson Monument in English Prairie Cemetery
Glen Esh, the Wieland Dairy Inspector we learned about last week, was also a Richardson through his mother, Esther Richardson, one of 13 children of Robert and Eleanor Richardson.

Robert and Francis (Frank) Richardson were brothers who were born in Yorkshire, England. Robert was born in 1811 and Francis was born in 1813. They left their parents and nine siblings at a time when things were bad in England and came to America by way of Canada in 1834. They were brick masons by trade.

Robert came to the U.S. first and worked in Wisconsin. Frank stayed in Toronto and married Elizabeth Myass, (who was also from Yorkshire) and they joined Robert about 1835. In 1836 Robert was one of the first settlers here, homesteading a part of Burton Township where other Englishmen staked out their claims. They called the land they claimed English Prairie.

In 1842, Robert rented out his farm and he and Frank went to Milwaukee where they built the first brick building in that city (razed about 1939). The family lore says as Robert was busy bricklaying, a piece of mortar fell and hit Eleanor James, who soon became his wife!

Robert and Eleanor lived in Milwaukee for the next three years and then returned to English Prairie to make it their home. They built a log cabin "near the spring" first and then, in 1863 moved "toward the road" and Robert built their home out of Milwaukee brick that was hauled in by oxen from Kenosha. (It still stands today and is occupied by Richardson descendants.)

In 1874, with their family grown and their farm prospering, Robert and Eleanor went to England to visit family they hadn't seen in 40 years (Eleanor was also born in England). Four months after their visit, Robert's mother, Tamar Richardson died (she was in her 80s).

Robert only lived another four years and died in 1878. His funeral was "one of the largest ever seen in Burton...not less than 225 teams, by actual count, were in the procession. Mr. Richardson was one of the earliest settlers on English Prairie, and was a man widely honored and much respected."

Eleanor, known as "ever cheerful, always trying to do something to gladden other hearts" lived almost another 20 years, dying in 1894. They are both buried in English Prairie Cemetery, along with Frank, who we'll learn more about next week...
Other Quick Links