Trees and halls can be decked this season with a new decoration that also supports a future, local museum.  Eureka Historical Society members created a sesquicentennial ornament to offer this year. 

Proceeds from the ornament sales all go toward the development of a historical museum, said Dee Savory, 88, who was born in Eureka and lived in the city her entire life.

"This is the first time we've had an ornament, and we planned it to start a series of ornaments for the next few years," Savory said.

Savory has been in the historical club since it started in 2003. 

Millie Steffe, president of the club, said the ornament incorporates several elements that were pivotal in Eureka's development over time:  U.S. Route 66, trains, trees and rivers.

Marilyn Leistner, club member and city board of aldermen official, said the ornament will be available at the Eureka City Hall, or by contacting a club member directly. 

Only 250 ornaments currently are available.  Shannon Britt, community president and senior retail lending officer at First Community National Bank in Eureka, was the first to purchase an ornament.  It hangs on the Christmas tree in the bank's lobby.

The ornament sells for $15, and designates the commemorative dates of 1858 to 2008.  Call Eureka city hall at 636-938-5233 for details, or the society's representatives:  

• Dee:  636-938-5342
• Millie: 636-938-6430
• Marilyn 636-938-4428