In the late 19th century, Williamsport was known as the “Lumber Capital of the World,” and the lumber barons who created this great wealth owned and lived in beautiful and opulent homes that featured the outstanding architecture of that era. Many of these homes, which are a testament to our rich history, survive and will be the focus of the Victorian Christmas Celebration presented by Preservation Williamsport this weekend. In addition to these featured homes, there will be allied activities, including the Will Huffman Toy Train Expo, the Artisan Market, and others.
The Victorian Christmas 25th Anniversary Celebration, “Eras Tour: Past, Present and Future,” is a three-day extravaganza, packed with events to keep you entertained from Friday through Sunday, November 22nd, 23rd, and 24th.
Enjoy a historical talk and fashion show on Friday: “From Petticoats to Pillboxes.” This unique event will take you on a journey through time, exploring how architectural styles and decorative elements of homes changed over the decades due to societal changes and economic realities, just like fashion. From fichus to bustles, from stays to spencers, from hoops to sleek dresses, from linsey-woolsey to polyester, the conflicts between what has become commonplace and what is becoming popular have been ongoing.
During the evening, with the help of live models and authentic costumes, they will highlight how fashion reflected the change in Williamsport life from settlers to the early 1960s. This event will be held at the Community Theatre League, 100 West Third Street, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Before the show, visit the many shops downtown, and after the show, stroll through town to visit our many fine restaurants and breweries.
On Saturday, you can tour exquisitely decorated Victorian homes, churches, and historic buildings built by Williamsport’s Lumber Barons. Trolleys will transport you to and from the tour.
The recently restored Hartshorn House by Gloria Miele is just one of the magnificent Victorian Homes open for touring this year. Built in 1873 for $14,000 by Frederick Hartshorn, the house had many lives.
For Victorian Christmas’s 25th anniversary, a special performance of Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll will be held on the staircase of the Hartshorn House. You will be entertained by performances throughout the day. Professional local musicians will gather in the newly restored home to play as originally performed for the Wagner family on Christmas morning in 1870.
Enjoy strolling strings or a harpist’s serenade as live instrumental music is provided. Stories of the families that lived in the homes long ago are told. Special choral and organ performances are also performed in the churches.
There will also be a self-guided tour of Wildwood Cemetery Chapel. The entry structure is made of Pennsylvania white marble and features ornate carvings. Built in 1897 for $12,000, it also features marvelous multi-paneled chapel stained glass windows, which are excellent examples of Victorian Decorative Arts. The Village Green Brass Ensemble will entertain you at 1 p.m.
Continuing Saturday’s events, the finely curated Artisan Market will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the YWCA, 815 West Fourth Street, for a uniquely crafted holiday shopping experience. The wide array of lovely one-of-a-kind articles, including a Victorian Christmas ornament, will be on display. While shopping, take time to marvel at the beautiful rotunda decorated by Marguerite Bierman, accented in gold leaf, a dazzling chandelier, and breathtaking colors.
The 32nd Annual Will Huffman Toy Train Expo is also on Saturday. The sights, sounds, and smells of dozens of trains will delight the senses. The event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 800 Park Place and the Thomas T. Taber Museum.
Carriage Rides are available at the Rowley House Museum from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There will be a Victorian Tea at the Peter Herdic House Restaurant, and you can enjoy the sounds of Autumn Winds Sax Quartet at the Old Corner Hotel and Restaurant’s luncheon. You can also visit one of our fine restaurants or breweries in Downtown Williamsport.
Soup, luncheon, vendors and the Repasz Band at St. Joseph the Workers Parish takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Williamsport Symphony with the Billtown Brass will be at St Mark’s Lutheran Church on Saturday at 5 p.m. Admission is $10, or $5 with you Victorian Christmas ticket.
Sunday Events include the Artisan Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Toy Train Expo from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Celtic Wood & Wires from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Backhouse Café and Tea.
Victorian Christmas, a celebration that began at the Peter Herdic House restaurant, is steeped in history.
It was initiated by Nan Young, Gloria Miele, and Ted Lyon, who aimed to raise awareness about Williamsport’s Historic District. The first candlelight walking tour, which featured a few homes and began at dusk, was a resounding success.
Encouraged by this, an official Victorian Christmas committee of Preservation Williamsport was formed. Today, this event has grown into a three-day celebration, attracting nearly 2,000 visitors of all ages and earning recognition on the National Register of Historic Places.
The proceeds from this event are used by Lady Di to create, and maintain floral baskets and Christmas wreaths in the Historic District.
Victorian Christmas is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of our city’s rich architectural heritage and a commitment to preserving it for future generations.
Victorian Christmas Committee members: Brenda Paladino, Bethann Campbell, Dawn Astin, Nicki Nardi, Connie Phillps, Suzette Meyer, Dianne Peeling, Meg Smith, Susan Durrwachter, Doreen Decker, Caleb Hipple, Hallie Luppert, Mary Calistri-Geise, Dena Straub, Mary Holstein, Jill Confair, Valerie Lundy, Linda Sterling, Cindi Perry Rischar, Mary Jo Bower, Peachie O’Connor, Jen Shaible-Flint, Nan Young, Connie Phillips and Booker Riddick.
Tickets are available now through http://www.eventbrite.com. For more information regarding pricing and local ticket sellers and to view the video “Williamsport’s Holiday Tradition,” visit http://www.victorianchristmaspa.com.
