By Lou Hunsinger, Jr.
One of the most highly anticipated annual events to kick off the Holiday Season in fine fashion will occur again this weekend, November 18 to 20, when the 23rdst Annual Victorian Christmas and related activities are held. The Victorian Christmas Committee presents the event under the auspices of Preservation Williamsport.
The event celebrates Williamsport’s beautiful, charming architectural heritage of vintage homes, mansions, museums, churches, and other public structures.
The Victorian Christmas Committee’s mission remains the same as when the first event was started — to build awareness and appreciation for the rich historical, architectural heritage of the greater Williamsport area and the importance of its preservation for future generations.
The beautification of the historic district with the spectacular floral baskets that grace the period light posts during the summer months and lighted wreaths during the winter months are made possible by Victorian Christmas ticket sales. The baskets and wreaths are created and maintained by Lady Di’s Floral & Garden Art.
Each year Victorian Christmas has a theme, and this year’s is “Arts of the Era ~ Music & Theatre.” This year’s educational talk will be held at Lycoming College in their new music hall. Also featured on Friday evening at 6:30 p.m., Ole Bull introduces the Repasz Band for a Christmas evening of music; this is a free event.
Victorian Christmas features events throughout the weekend. For more information and ticket purchases, visit https://victorianchristmaspa.com or https://facebook.com/victorianchristmaswilliamsport.
Victorian Christmas was founded by members Nan Young, Gloria Miele, Marcia Miele, and Ted Lyons Jr. This year’s committee members are Nan Young, Jill Confair, Mary Jo Bower, Jenny Broaddus, Bethann Campbell, Elaine Decker, Doreen Decker, Jen Flint, Mary Holstein, Valerie Lundy, Hallie Luppert, Nicki Nardi, Peachie O’Connor, Brenda Paladino, Dianne Peeling, Connie Phillips, Cindi Perry Rischar, Meg Smith, Linda Sterling and Tom O’Connor as treasurer.
Other related activities taking place this weekend include the Will Huffman Toy Train Expo on Saturday, November 19, and Sunday, November 20, at Park Place, 800 West Fourth Street, the Invitational Artisan Market at the YWCA, on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the DuBoistown Garden Club Display at the YWCA gymnasium, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nan Young, board member of Preservation Williamsport, told Webb Weekly, “This year, we will have three lofts open in the Pajama Factory owned by The Winklemans. This is part of our homes tour on Saturday. They have not been open to the public before. We will have two tickets. One for the house tour on Saturday and another for Sunday, where there will be eight churches open with concerts in some. And a trolley is added, which is included in your ticket cost. The ticket cost is $15 for church tours, $25 for the house tour, and a combined ticket for $35. There are student and children’s prices. Jill Confair has been our very able chairperson for several years. She wishes to add that houses are chosen for their diversified architectural merit. This year we have houses from the 1800s (Rowley Museum and John Ryan Brewery) plus the Pajama Factory built by Lycoming Rubber Company from 1883 to 1938. Lundy-Peace house at 810 Vallamont Drive. And, because our theme is Arts of the Era Music & Theatre, we have a concert and lecture in Trachte Hall, which will be open to the public and free on Friday, November 18.”
She continued, “And now we are 23 years old. Victorian Christmas is a three-day affair and draws people in from far and wide, including out of state. It is enjoyed by more than a thousand people. We are very grateful for the support that the community has given us over the years.”
Saturday’s Tour of Homes Includes:
– 1401 Campbell Street, The Swan
– 1420 Campbell Street, The Lowry/Bower House
– 810 Vallamont Drive, The Lundy/Peace House
– 915 West Fourth Street, The Eutermarks/Harrar House
– 606 Cemetery Street, Pajama Factory Lofts
– 151 East Third Street, The John Ryan Brewery
– 454 Pine Street, The City Hall Grand Hotel
– 707 West Fourth Street, The Rowley House
– Thomas T. Taber Museum, 858 West Fourth Street
– James V. Brown Library, 19 East Fourth Street (9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.)
– Community Arts Center, 220 West Fourth Street
– YWCA, 815 West Fourth Street
Sunday’s Tour of Churches Includes:
– St. Joseph the Worker, 700 West Fourth Street
– City Alliance, 380 West Fourth Street
– Covenant Central Presbyterian Church, 807 West Fourth Street
– Christ Community Worship Center, 436 West Fourth Street
– Trinity Episcopal Church, 844 West Fourth Street
– Christ Episcopal Church, 426 Mulberry Street
– First United Methodist Church, 604 Market Street
– American Rescue Workers Community Church, 25 Ross Street
You can find more information and details about the home and churches at victorianchristmaspa.com.
