The Tourist Information Center is officially closed for the 2010 season.  The center is funded by the Thayer Chamber of Commerce,  due to lack of interest by local businesses, city officials and residents it is no longer able to pay my salary so we are closing the doors.  We will open again April 15, 2015.  Our plans are to keep it open through Sept. 15.  Until we acquire state or local funding we will have to return to the 'all volunteer' staff.  Everyone have a safe winter, see you next spring. Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

July ended with just 331 visitors to the center for the month.  This brought our YTD total to 263l.  over 400 less than last year.  So we will be closing the center for the season September 30 this year.   Since I took over management of the center in 2007 I have had many interesting visitors and experiences.  Visitors - folk from all over America and the world.  Experiences - removing dead cats from underneath the caboose and Saturday helping execute and remove a rat from the grounds.  Now I ask you, have I had a fun job or what? My next message will let you know what the future of the center is.  Til then, thank you for visiting, and I hope you had a good time. Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

The TIC was closed yesterday afternoon.  A transformer had blown in the area leaving us with no electricity and of course no air conditioning.  Not a good day to sit inside the caboose so I took a rare Sunday afternoon off. Pat Johnson had a good day at the center Saturday.  She had 11 visitors and sold several post cards.  I certainly appreciate her allowing me to attend my family's reunion. The reunion was great.  67 in attendance.  Faye Frazier from Yukon, OK and is 94 was the oldest cousin there.   Two weeks left in July.  I' anxious to see if we top last July's attendance record. Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

We reached the middle of July with a great visitor count - - - 167 for July, 2567 since March 1. A lovely  couple from Oslo, Norway stopped in on their way to Branson.  It is always great to meet and welcome folk from foreign lands.   The rains have finally returned, and we are back to our beautiful green hills.  It is still very hot, but we are so very thankful for the rains. Today I will be attending the annual reunion of my mother's family.  Volunteer Pat Johnson will be on board the caboose today.  She has is really helping me out during this time of losing two of our volunteers.  I appreciate her so very much. Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

July has started off with a bang at the center.  137 visitors from the 1st until closing yesterday. This brings our YTD total to 2237.  If it would just rain, all would be great.   Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

June was a great month at the center.  464 visitors signed the guest book and 91 picked up maps during our closed hours.  This brings our total visitor count since March 1 to 2191.  A very good month.  Some of the states represented were Alaska, Delaware, Texas and Minnesota. Two couples from Australia on their way to Branson were our  visitors this month.  They were 'so enjoying your beautiful county.' Graduations at Fort Leonard Wood brought in several families going to or returning from the ceremonies.  Always a pleasure to be able to thank folk for the sacrifice they are making to serve our nation.   We're expecting a busy 4th of July weekend.  Car shows, tractor pulls on Saturday and the big annual fireworks display and K95 give away at the football field Sunday afternoon and evening will provide plenty to do and see.  Have a great 4th!! Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

June has been a busy month at the center.  Weekend visitor count was great. 58 on Saturday, 32 Sunday afternoon.   Yesterday afternoon a couple from Florida on their way to Ft. Leonard Wood for their son's graduation from basic training stopped in.  It is always a pleasure to meet folk who have sons and daughters serving our country.   Two couples from Australia stopped in for information on and directions to Branson.  Branson is certainly known all over the world.   Two young couples - one from Ravenden Springs, AR, the other from Springfield, MO - who have just recently moved to our part of the country, came in requesting information on MO.  They want to 'see what there is to see in this part of the world.' It is such a pleasure meeting folk and welcoming them to MO.   Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

50  visitors to the center yesterday.  A great way to end the month of May!  We hope all the folk traveling back to theirs homes after the holiday arrived safely. Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

Another busy day at the caboose yesterday.  30 visitors.  Among them folk who had seen the caboose from the highway and McDonalds several times but never taken the time to stop in, folk looking for cemeteries in this area (Our Oregon County map is a great tool in these cases.)  Several families were on their way to Branson.  Everyone enjoyed seeing inside the caboose, especially the children.   Everyone have a safe, fun holiday, and stop in to see us when you can. Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

40 visitors to the center yesterday!  A great start for the holiday weekend.  I expect the rest of the weekend to be as busy. Lacy is developing into a great volunteer.  She has the personality that fits right in.  I am glad we have her 'on board.' This week we had visitors from Switzerland and New Zealand.  We so enjoy welcoming other nations to our little corner of the world.  They are alway complimentary of our nation, state and area. Our visitor count for May at closing time yesterday is 366.  Since March 1st we have welcomed 1170 visitors.  We are 'on track' for another good season. Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

Welcome aboard Lacy!! My Great-Niece, Lacy Cozort came on board yesterday as our newest volunteer.  She is going to be a great addition to our crew.   We really miss volunteer Viola Scallions.  She is contending with a very serious health condition right now.  She needs your prayers. Chris McIntosh has resigned volunteering at the center.  He too is having health problems.  Please pray for him. Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

Yesterday morning, May 16 at 9:45 am we welcomed our 1,000th visitor to the center for the 2010 season!!  We normally don't open until 1:00pm on Sundays, but I had gotten ready for church early so decided to open the center for an hour before I left for church at 9:50.  (I worship at the Thayer church of Christ which is just across the street/parking lot from McDonald's and the center.)  I was getting ready to lock the north end of the caboose and put up our sign 'We will return at 12:30' when I heard a child say, 'They're open!'  I opened the door to a mother, grandmother and two children.  The grandmother was from Doniphan, the mother and children from Ohio.  The grandmother said she just wanted to show her children 'this part of the country.'  She even bought a souvenir Missouri key ring to send back to Ohio to a daughter who 'didn't get to come.'  Anyway, when they came in our visitor count was 996. When they signed the guest book, our total reached 1,000!!!  I had planned to make a big 'TaDa' moment, but they were in a hurry to get on with their day, and I had getting to church on time.  So now since I missed making a splash out of that landmark, I will do my best to make a big deal when our 1050th visitor stops in.  So if you are around the center in the next couple weeks, come in, you could be a winner. Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

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We closing in on another landmark at the TIC.  We are going to welcome our 1000th visitor for the 2010 season  sometime this week.  That will be a 500 a month average.  Our '10,000' goal is getting closer.  Chris had the brilliant idea for us to provide free bottled water for mothers for Mother's Day yesterday.  We had 16 visitors which was good for a Sunday afternoon.  We will have free water for fathers on Father's Day.   I was on duty at the center yesterday and had the honor of welcoming a honeymoon couple to the center.  They had married Saturday, are staying at a B&B in Hardy and had been told to come see Mammoth Spring State Park and Grand Gulf State Park.  They are a lovely couple and I wished them a long and happy life together.  Just another 'perk' of our 'job.'     It is raining this morning so the center won't be too busy today, but the Triple Knock-Out roses around McD's and the Angel Trumpets in the flower bed on the west side of the caboose are going to love it.  Our corner will be a traffic stopper this year.  Come see us.  Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

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Daddy will like this!!

Looking out the Cupola...

All Aboard!

The TIC Director

Just to let you know - if you are visiting 'Caroline's Corner' from the thayerchamber.org website and wish to return to the chamber site, click on the 'back arrow' at the top left of 'Caroline's Corner,' and you will go directly back to the chamber site.  (I'm sure you already know this, but just in case . . . Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

We've had a busy start to the month.  I've been busy at the center and in my personal life so am behind in updating the 'corner.'  The pictures I promise of the young lady from Mississippi were lost.  I hope she will send me copies of the pictures we took with her camera.  (Or better yet, maybe she will stop in again.) Most of the Dogwood Daze activities were cancelled or postpone due to expected rain last week.  However most of the yard sales went on, and those I've spoke to tell me they had a good response and sales.  The golf tournament will take place this weekend.   Thank you for 'stopping in.'   Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

The center started yesterday the way we like it. I opened the doors at 10:00 and by 10:15 Chris and I were both 'entertaining' guests.  My guest were a couple from Minnesota who had come to the area planning to camp on Spring River, but after the weather forecast on KKountry 95, decided to go to their 'plan B.'  They came to the center looking for directions, information and recommendations on Branson.  They were excited to learn they'd be in Branson for Silver Dollar City's 50th Anniversary celebration this weekend.  They left with smiles and thanks. My next guest was a beautiful young lady from Mississippi who had just spent time with her biological father in Springfield. They had never met, he works for BNSF in Nebraska.  Springfield was a central location for them to meet.  As she was traveling through Thayer on 63, she said she looked over and saw the Burlington caboose, turned around and came back for a better look.  She was such a joy for me to entertain.  She wanted to know and see everything!  I had her to myself for 30 mins or so then Chris came in, and we really wowed her (and she us. Chis will give his comments and add pictures when he checks in.  These are the kinds of visitors we enjoy.  We get more than we give at these times. The bad weather has dampened Dogwood Daze, but looks like most of the yard sales will go on.   Our total visitor count yesterday was 11 bringing our YTD count to 810. 9190 to 10,000. Have a good weekend. Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

The foreigners are comin'! The foreigners are comin'!

Yesterday, as I filled in for Caroline while she and her granddaughter were dining (ok, they were simply having lunch!), I was blessed with a visit from a German couple who are touring the United States.  They were just passing through... but had never been on a train before -- much less a caboose!

They were excited as I explained to them the use of torpedoes and fuses.  Their excitement, in turn, caused me great contentment.  They had brought their camera and, as I am wont to do, I offered to take their photographs.  They obliged my photographer instincts and also -- gasp!  -- gave me permission to post their pictures on here.  (We sincerely appreciate your kindness, dear visitors!)

They come all the way from Cologne, Germany; and, were quite impressed to learn that our little ol' caboose had, indeed, been commissioned before being removed from the tracks.  It still amazes me (to no end) about which trinkets of knowledge can impress the masses!  ROFLMAO ;)

It was an excellent day (as Caroline has already noted here); today is the last day of the month... time for a follow-up PR to the SMN!

Kind Regards,

Chris McIntosh

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The English language was carefully, carefully cobbled together by three blind dudes and a German dictionary.
  - Dave Kellett

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Two pictures of our German visitors yesterday.  Enjoy. Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo --- On Fri, 4/30/10, 4172805265@mms.att.net <4172805265@mms.att.net> wrote: From: 4172805265@mms.att.net <4172805265@mms.att.net> Subject: Multimedia message To: scaroline46@yahoo.com Date: Friday, April 30, 2010, 1:04 PM

46 visitors to the center today.  The Head Start class of 21 precious boys and girls made my day.  They were so thrilled to 'be on a train.'  They were a very well-behaved group of children.  Their teachers and aides are doing a great job.  I enjoyed their visit as much as they did.  I will post their picture later. While I was picking up my granddaughter from school this afternoon, Chris had the honor to showing off the center to a lovely couple from Germany.  He will tell you more when he checks in.  He took pictures he will be posting.   Today's 46 visitors brought our April total to 522 and season total to 799.  Just 9,301 to go to reach 10,000. Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

The TIC is chugging right along.  At closing yesterday afternoon our total visitor count for April is 476 making the season total 753.  Making our daily '10 a day' average goal.  The 2009 season started with '10 a day' quickly jumped to 20 and by August we were averaging 30 a day.  We anticipate another good season. The 'Dogwood Daze' city wide yard sale participant number is increasing daily.  I will forward the names to Howard Mainprize at noon today so he can add the locations to the city map available on-line at the chamber of commerce website.  Folk are still planning yard sales even though rain is predicted for Saturday.   Pat and Viola had a quiet day at the center yesterday, but those times just give us more steam for the rest of the trip.  Chris is taking a few days off from the center.  He does a great job when he is on board, but sometimes you just need to switch onto a 'side rail' and take a break.  He won't be just sittin however.  He will be busy filling ToshLand Dessert orders. "You can't keep a good man down." Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

Sixteen visitors to the center yesterday. Matthew Kantola CPRP at Grand Gulf State Park had stopped in to show off some of his pets from the park and got to expound on his territory to a visitor who stopped in while he was there. (I'd like to keep him as a volunteer) He did a great job and  helped our guest while I answered a phone call and assisted another visitor    One of our 'sometime' volunteers will no longer be coming in so if you or anyone you know would like to  'come on board' we could certainly use you.  Call me at 264-7324 or 280-2575 and we'll set a time for you to come by the caboose and show you what we do. We are planning to have two people on duty at all times because there are times visitors are coming in both doors of the caboose( as happened when Matthew was in yesterday)0,) and it is difficult for one person to give proper attention to the visitors.   We are looking forward to a group from a private school in Jonesboro, AR coming to the center and visiting our area this weekend so I'll get off here and go 'catch the train.' Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

We have established a new season record!!

Today, we continued our "extended-hours" hypothesis. The hypothesis is that, if we open earlier and stay later, we can achieve 10,000 visitors for the 2010 Season. If today was a good indicator, the hypothesis will prove valid!

We had 55 visitors today with 2 volunteers present. We opened at 7:30 am. and closed at 5:30 pm. This is well above our targeted average of 10 daily visitors (based on a six hour day).

Among the visitors today we welcomed teachers, aides and students from Thayer Kindergarten. In addition we welcomed representatives from McDonald's and from the Thayer Area CoC! We were very pleased.

The 42 kindergarteners enjoyed hearing the train sounds, exploring the rock display (which we purchased from the State of Missouri Department of Natural Resources), and listening to the tour guides as we explained the history of the caboose. The 40 children were on their best behavior throughout the tours, and a pleasure to have 'on board.'.

There were 2 classes from Thayer Elementary. Ms. Jennifer Crawford and Mrs. Garrison brought their kindergarten classes to visit McDonald's and, while there, decided to show the kids The Thayer Tourist Information and Community Resource Center/Railroad Museum. We were very happy to show them the inside of a caboose. During the tour for Mrs. Garrison's class, one student (A.J.) stood out. As a reward for being so knowledgeable about trains, he was rewarded with one of our new t-shirts.

Regarding the T-Shirts, we've had a great day there as well! The t-shirts are now on display at the following:
Fun & Friends Senior Center
For Ladies Only
Joyce Boehm's Photography Studio
JW's Barber Shop
Los Potrillos Mexican Restaurant
Oregon County Ambulance Service
Paladin Computing
Travis' Barber Shop
Two River T's

We will let you know when and where new locations are added.

One of our most faithful volunteers, Viola Scallions is having health issues this week and won't be on board tomorrow, but we hope and pray she'll be back next week.

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The tooth fairy teaches children that they can sell body parts for money.
- David Richerby

PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE
Contact
Caroline Sutherland - Director
417.264.7324 (caboose)
417.280.2575 (mobile)
scaroline46@yahoo.com
http://thayertic.blogspot.com


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2010


Thayer TIC & Railroad Museum establishes a new record!!

The Thayer Area Chamber of Commerce announced that the Tourist Information Center & Railroad Museum established a new record yesterday (April 20, 2010). Located at the intersection of U.S. HWY 63 and S.R. 142 East, the Center welcomed 55 visitors for a record-breaking daily total.

The Center, located inside a retired Burlington Northern caboose, can be found on the west side of McDonald's restaurant in Thayer, Missouri. Funded by the Thayer Area Chamber of Commerce, The Center offers Missouri state maps, Missouri vacation planners; Branson vacation planners; Missouri State Park brochures; camping, canoeing and boating brochures; an outstanding brochure featuring the many beautiful springs, falls, mills, and river-ways in Oregon County; and cards & information featuring the Grand Gulf State Park. A display box containing rocks and minerals found in Missouri (our newest and most popular attraction) is popular because it is a hands-on exhibit.

Souvenir hunters will find Missouri and Thayer post cards; Missouri and Thayer key-rings; Missouri magnets, collector thimbles, spoons and shot glasses. Children will find wooden train whistles, engineer caps, candy and free gifts. New this year are T-shirts for both children and adults. Several locally-made souvenirs (e.g., necklaces, cookbooks, novelty rings, handmade note-cards and stuffed animals and CDs by local artists Bob Ross & Gene Boren) are available for purchase in the Museum.

The Museum not only serves tourists and visitors to our area, but serves community members and those considering locating to our area. A plethora of information is available from the University of Missouri, Drury University, Ozark Medical Center and local commercial enterprises. The Attorney General's office has furnished The Center with literature pertaining to landlord-tenant laws, domestic violence, and consumer fraud to name a few.

The 2009 season was a record year, bringing in over 5,000 visitors to The Center/Museum. Since March 1, the visitor count is over 650. With the record-breaking count set yesterday, we anticipate welcoming more than 10,000 visitors for the 2010 season.

Another great day!

Today was an exciting day!  In the past we haven't opened on Sundays until 1:00 p.m.  Today we opened at 10:00 and got 5 visitors during the first hour.  We ended the day with 15 visitors and T-Shirt sales of $10!  This brings our total visitors for the month to 315, with 12 days (not 14, Caroline ... ahem!) remaining!

We had YAGPS (yet another good planning session) concerning our marketing the Railroad Museum to the community.  I am very excited about all the ideas discussed.

For example, our business neighbor (Los Potrillos) has agreed to display our T-Shirts in the restaurant.  We have put the request in for McDonalds to do the same.  Also, I traded Ernesto (the owner of Los Potrillos) a T-Shirt for himself in exchange for a Los Potrillos T-Shirt when he has them done!

Also we secured another benefit for our volunteers:  Free water from McDonald's and Los Potrillos while the volunteer is on duty.  I wonder what benefits we might secure from our other commercial neighbors.

I discussed with Larry (the owner of Thayer Jewelry and Pawn) the possibility of starting a petition drive to address the issue of cars speeding into and out of the communal parking lot (shared by Los Potrillos and 4 other commercial ventures) on Risner.  I am working on a petition to place in the TIC to encourage the City Council to address the issue of preventing a fatality in that narrow stretch just to the south of the Caboose.

Please stay tuned for more news from Caroline's Corner™.

Chris McIntosh,

Volunteer
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Look wise, say nothing, and grunt. Speech was given to conceal thought.
 - Sir William Osler

At closing time yesterday our visitor count for April is 300, and we have 14 days left.  May be another record breaker. We are daily adding information to benefit folk in our community and area.  Because we are funded by the Thayer Area Chamber of Commerce, we will be contacting businesses and service clubs in Koshkonong, Couch, Alton and Myrtle to inform them of what we do and encourage them to visit the caboose.     Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

Yesterday was my 'day off,' but the center was well tended by Pat Johnson from 10:00 til 1:00 and Viola Scallions from 1:00 til 4:00.  Chris McIntosh opened the center at 9:00 to get the day rollin.  We are starting a new routine:  Chris or I will open the center at 9:00 and go back at 4:00 and close at 5:00.  We will be able to meet and greet the early/late travelers by extending our hours.   Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

Another busy day yesterday.  12 visitors brought our total over 400 since March 1.  Every day more local folk are stopping in and discovering how we are representing their town and area. My granddaughter Maddison  and I were working on a special project yesterday afternoon d so kept the doors open longer.  During the time the center would normally have been closed a couple from Minnesota who had been 'wintering' in Florida stopped in.  They still had a week before needing to be in Minnesota so wanted information on MO state parks with camping facilities.  We were able to send them on their way with a MO state map and information and locations of several areas they could reach 'before dark.'  These kinds of visits always make my day.  Helping someone and watching them leave happy is our daily goal.   When you see me wearing me picking up trash and cigarette butts from the TIC and McDonald's area don't think I'm a 'bag lady.'  Having been at the center starting four years now, I believe the area is as much my duty to keep clean as the surrounding businesses.  I see our town through visitors eyes and don't want them thinking 'what a trashy place.'  I am hoping to inspire others to be aware of and help keep our city clean.   Have a good day.  See you tomorrow. Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

April 12, 2010 @ 6:00 p.m.

April 12, 2010

Today we had 16 visitors to the caboose.  There were visitors passing through to Branson, Missouri, from Alabama. One group, of 8 individuals (3 adult women, 2 adult men and 3 children) consisted of a family from Washington state and another family from London, England who were visiting relatives/friends in Missouri.

The tour went well as I pointed out the "red button" and asked one of the adults to invite one of the children to "push my button."  LOL  A young boy pushed the button and was happy to "hear the train a-comin'!"  The children were happy with the free gifts (e.g., bookmarks, candy, and miscellaneous toys) which the caboose offers to visitors their age.

The gentlemen were amused by our "Hooters calendar" which has been placed in the caboose as an objet d'art.  Equally amused were the women when asked to press Mr. Wonderful's button causing him to woo women with phrases like "Darling, take all the time you need getting ready.  I'll be waiting right here."

At the end of the day a helium-filled balloon was presented to one of our guests, Mr. Dilip Argawal of London, England for being the season's farthest traveler to-date.  Mr. Argawal left a note which read, in part, "...visiting family in Missouri.  A great exhibit with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide.  Thanks!"

Overall, we were excited to end the day by surpassing our daily goal by 6 visitors!  We anticipate having 10,000 visitors this year!!  This should not be too difficult since we had more than 6,000 guests in the 2009 season.  We are proposing and implementing several new and different attractions (e.g., geocaching) to better serve our guests.

There were 200 visitors to the center the first 10 days of the month.  Our goal is to average 20 visitors each day.  We did it!! Our 'foreign' visitors included two couples from Canada and two couples from England.  These were four separate visits which made it more interesting to us because we visited it folk from two different provinces of Canada and different areas of the United Kingdom.   We are having more and more 'local' visitors coming in saying, "I've never been in here.  Just decided to 'check it out.'  This is another goal - for folk in Thayer and the surrounding areas to see what out of state and out of USA visitors see when the stop at the Thayer AreaChamber of Commerce Tourist Information Center and Railroad Museum. Thanks for visiting,  Caroline Caroline Sutherland Laus Deo

The Thayer Tourist Information Center (TIC) had over 6,000 visitors for the 2009 season!

Visitors came from all lower 48 states plus Canada, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Germany, France and England.

Area visitor count increased this season due in part to folks staying closer to home for attractions. Directions to the Grand Gulf State Park has been one of the top questions this season. As an example, folks took 'Day Trips' from nearby communities like Poplar Bluff, Doniphan, Mountain View, West Plains, Springfield, MO; Jonesboro, Mountain Home, Hardy, Paragould, Pocahantas, Batesville, AR.

More visitors from the Thayer and Mammoth Spring area have dropped in to "see the picture" -- referring to the mural which used to hang in McDonald's from 1995 to 2008. This mural was painted by Mountain View resident Wanita Bright and depicts the Thayer, Mammoth Spring area along the railroad, Warm Fork and Spring Rivers in the early years. This mural has become a part of area history and residents are pleased to know it remains on display.

The TIC, being located in an actual caboose, is intriguing to children and adults alike. Children are interested because "it's a train" -- adults because it is part of history that they miss. Many have said, "Trains just don't seem like trains without the caboose bringing up the rear. Several pieces of railroad memorabilia are displayed in the TIC.

State, Oregon County and Thayer maps, visitor guides to Missouri and Branson, guides to local and area attractions are available at no cost. A variety of Missouri and local souvenirs and post cards also are on sale inside.

The TIC is operated by volunteers who are proud to assist you and help you get acquainted with our part of the beautiful Ozarks.

Look for the caboose on the parking lot of McDonald's restaurant at the intersection of US Highway 63 and State Highway 142. Come in, look around; we'll tell you where to go.

Caroline Sutherland
Director, Tourist Information Center