By DORIS COOK
Staff Writer
dcook@starbeacon.com
BURTON - - "Christmas in the Village" holiday design show and luncheon on Nov. 18 at Geauga County Historical Society's Century Village Museum blends past and present traditions.
Partnering for the fourth year with Nancy Bonnema and son Thom of A.H. Christiansons Floral Studio in Burton, the museum's historic 1846 Auburn Church is the setting for the 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. event, said Judy McDowell, committee chairman.
"A lot of work goes into this event fundraiser each year. Nancy and Thom will share holiday decorating ideas for everyone attending, which can be used in our homes today for the Christmas season," McDowell said.
Tickets are $40 with $15 tax deductible for the program and special luncheon with reservations needed by Wednesday. Reservations are required by calling the society office at 440-834-1492.
McDowell said the holiday event luncheon will be in the church basement. Since last year the church lower level has been completely painted and redecorated with new window trimmings.
Following the luncheon, persons can buy an additional $10 ticket to tour seven homes in the Burton-Troy area including three on the museum grounds. House tour tickets are being sold at the museum office, Burton Log Cabin, Coffee Corners Antiques and A.H. Christiansons Shop.
"We are decorating three of the museum houses in different time periods. This year there will be costumed people inside preparing for traditional holidays. We are trying to bring the houses to life showing past Christmas traditions from the 1800's to the 21st Century," Nancy Bonnema said.
Artisans will be baking cookies, quilting, rug hooking, and making special ornaments. Each house will have a guide explaining the scenes inside with everyone interacting with tour guests, Bonnema said.
The 1838 Hickox Brick will have a Victorian theme and the 1824 Hitchcock House will feature simple 1800 era Christmas decorations. The 1834 Boughton House will reflect today's holiday decorating themes in yesterday's setting, Bonnema said.
The historical society's fundraiser is part of Burton Chamber of Commerce's Country Hearth Christmas celebration being held for three weekends this month starting this Saturday.
Since last year's historical society holiday program, the Auburn Church has a fresh coat of paint and redecorated in the lower basement level, McDowell said.
The Bonnemas and McDowell's volunteer committee have been busy tying together the special invitations, table decorations for the "Village" theme boxed lunch and dessert table.
The separate Burton chamber's home tour is from 1 to 8 p.m. Nov. 18. In addition to the museum's three historic homes, Burton-Troy area homes featured include the Jonathan Brooks House built in 1809, the 1828 era Goodwin House Bed & Breakfast inn, the Brooks House Assisted Living on Route 700 in Troy Township, and the "Hillside" House built in 1890. Chairing the home tour event is Connie Bartholmew. Sue Wayman, owner of Coffee Corners Antiques, is coordinating the Burton Village Country Hearth Christmas three weekend events.
Star Beacon Print Edition: 11/10/2006
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