\n The Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum of fers an enchanting and historic view of holidays past. December 15 through January 6\, 2013\, holiday tours at WDS demonstrate with fascinating detail how the American holiday season evolved over the past three centuries. Delighting the senses and captivating the imagination\, t he 60-minute guided tours include the museum’s three meticulously restored historic houses.
\n\n In the Silas Deane House\, c
irca 1770\, New Year’s Day was the main holiday—due to the Puritanical cus
toms that still lingered in New England—rather than Christmas. The house r
eflects the preparations for the Deane’s “New Years’ Day Calling\,” when p
rominent gentlemen in the community would call on the lady of the househol
d. It was also the day when individuals who owed the family money would me
et privately with the master of the house to settle their debts or make a
New Year’s resolution to provide goods or services to settle their account
s in the coming year.
\n The Isaac Stevens House is decorated t
o depict the holiday celebrations of a middle-class household during the e
arly to mid-1800s\, when many of the Christmas traditions known today were
adopted in New England. The best parlor features a charming table-top tre
e decorated with candles\, gilded eggshells and edible treats\, in keeping
with the era. On the second floor a fascinating children’s exhibit featur
es a range of toys\, dolls\, and games of the period.
\n At the
Joseph Webb House visitors are dazzled by decorations typical of the earl
y 20th century\, a period of stunning decoration and celebration. The home
is prepared for a Christmas open house that was typical of the times\, in
cluding a sumptuous buffet in the dining parlor. The culmination of severa
l weeks’ work\, the lavishness of the dessert and decorations could make o
r break the hostess’ reputation. Decorations include three Christmas trees
\, 200 feet of evergreen roping\, fresh greens\, fruit\, period ornaments\
, a fine collection of antique iron toys from the late 19th and early 20th
century.
\n Following the tours\, visitors are i nvited to explore the Webb-Deane-Stevens Gift Shop\, which offers a bounty of timeless treasures\, from elegant household items to jewelry\, books\, stocking stuffers\, hostess and children’s gifts and more.
\n\n Three Centuries of Christmas Tours - Decemb er 15 - January 6\, on Mondays\, Wednesdays\, Thursdays\, Fridays and Satu rdays\, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.\, Sundays\, 1 - 4 p.m. Holiday tour admission - $10 per adult\; $9 per senior over 60\, AAA member and active military\; $ 5 students and children (5-18)\, $25 per family (2 adults + children).
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\n\n\nPhone: 860-529-0612 x 12\n\n211 Main St.\nWeth ersfield\, CT\n06109\n\n DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20121215 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20121215 LOCATION:Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum PRIORITY: RRULE:FREQ=DAILY;UNTIL=20130106;INTERVAL=1 SUMMARY:Glittering Tours Demonstrate the Evolution of Christmas at Webb-Dea ne-Stevens Museum URL:http://www.webb-deane-stevens.org END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR