Hearthside - The House That Love Built

VISITORS FLOCK TO HEARTHSIDE DURING HOLIDAY SEASON

Hearthside truly shines during the holiday season, when Christmas decorations are found in every room throughout the house. During December, over 400 visitors got to enjoy the warmth and beauty of a traditional Victorian Christmas in the historic setting of Hearthside.

On December 3 rd, the Town of Lincoln’s weekend-long Festival of Lights Celebration ended with Open House events held at the town’s two historic homesteads, Hearthside and the Valentine Whitman House, which were both beautifully decorated in style for the 1700s and 1800s. The theme of this year’s Celebration was “Education Through the Years.” Visitors to Hearthside got to see a replica of the 1850’s one-room Pullen Corner Schoolhouse, and got a glimpse of what types of information an 8 th grade student had to know at the turn of the century. A sampling of some of an 8 th grade test questions include:

  • Name events connected with the following dates: 1607, 1620, 1800, 1849, 1865.
  • What are the following, and give examples of each: Trigraph, subvocals, diphthong, cognate letters, linguals.
  • Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided.
  • Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the sources of rivers.
  • What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft. long at $20 per metre?
A visit with Santa Claus, holiday tunes played on Hearthside’s antique piano, and soothing melodies played by a harpist were featured along with the self-guided tours.

Then, on December 10 th, some 75 holiday revelers enjoyed a Candlelight Tour and Reception as Hearthside hosted a “Christmas Carol Celebration.” A traditional Wassail bowl, hot hors’deuvres and delicious sweets added to the enjoyment. Guests were treated to guided tours and Christmas carols performed by ladies in period costume.

Hearthside was also the site selected by many to hold their holiday gatherings. Despite a mild and snow less December, Hearthside still offered an ambience that put everyone in the holiday spirit. Be sure to click here to view a sampling of photos from these events.

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