Thalheim (Valley Home) was a bustling small town back in the day. Some of the businesses that were here are Volkmann Mattress Factory, Soehls Hardware, Pioneer Hotel, Key Store, Ben Aker Store, a Branch Library and the Literary Club. Many of these businesses burned down in the early days, but the two churches remain. They are St. John’s Lutheran Church and Valley Home Missionary Baptist Church.

Thalheim’s first Post Office was in the Pioneer Hotel, being established with the help of Judge J.C. Needham, a member of congress. Fred Volkman was appointed postmaster and kept that office for 13 years. After the hotel burned in 1916, the post office was moved to the Volkman’s two story home. Mr. MacLaughlin served as postmaster for a while, and in 1916, Clara Weiber Aker was appointed to the job. Soon the Post Office was moved into a room next to Ben Aker Store. LeRoy Aker was appointed to replace his mother when she retired. Lawrence W. Michener was the first rural mail carrier beginning in July of 1921.

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The school board will be meeting on Tuesday, April 9 at 5 pm and the Valley Home MAC, Municipal Advisory Council, will meet on Wednesday, April 10 at 6:30 pm at the school, 13231 Pioneer Ave. We hope you will do your best to attend these meetings.

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Have a great week and send me anything you want to share. If you have items you want to include in our Valley Home News, my email is: bestemor-1@msn.com.