Corn Chowder with Smokey Bacon and Thyme Scented Croutons

Name: Corn Chowder with Smokey Bacon and Thyme Scented Croutons
Ingredients: 4 - 6 slices Smoked Bacon (diced and cooked til crispy, drippings reserved); 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter; 2 - 3 Tbls Olive Oil; 1 large Onion (chopped); 3 cups Potatoes (diced); 1 Tbls Flour; 2 cans (15 oz Whole Kernel Corn, drained); 2 cans (14.5 oz Chicken Broth); 2 cans (12 oz Evaporated Milk); Salt to taste; Pepper to taste; 1 6 inch Baguette (white or multigrain), cut into 1/2 inch slices; Reserved Bacon Drippings; 1 - 2 pinches of Salt; 1/2 tsp Pepper; 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme