Windsor Historical Society set to host Christmas tea, tour

By Nadine Armstrong

The Hants Journal/NovaNewsNow.com

There will be garland, glitter, fellowship and food -- as well as a hint of tradition -- when the West Hants Historical Society ‘Decks the Halls’ for the 17th annual Windsor Christmas House tea and tour Dec 2.

Three seasonally decorated sites will open their doors for this year's festive tour. So far the rounds include the Anglican Church on King Street, the Clock Maker's Inn and a historical farmhouse on the Chester Road.

Organizer Veronica Connelly said the purpose of the event is to raise funds for the Windsor Historical Society and add some Christmas cheer. “It's a very social event,” she said. Each year approximately 125 participants sign up for the tour.

“Its great because many of the same people return every year,” Connelly said. “They meet up with each other coming down the staircase or in the back kitchen and just start chatting.”

And the conversation usually revolves around the impending season. “They stop and ask each other if they're ready for Christmas yet, or if they have the decorated their tree. Its just part of the Christmas tradition.”

Connelly recommends participants stagger their visits so that no one home is overwhelmed at a time. “It's a lot of people at once,” she laughed. Visitors can take a break any time between 2 and 5 p.m. to partake of tea and sweets at the Historical Society. “We always have the room nicely decorated for tea.”

Volunteers from the society work that day to provide refreshments and ensure the tour goes smoothly.

“Oh boy, are we ever busy,” she said. But seeing as the society generally raises upwards of $1,500 from the event its certainly worth the energy and investment. “We really need to maintain the building and purchase genealogical material, that’s the priority; plus it starts the Christmas spirit for people.”

Connelly said there are many homes that participate annually and look forward to the event. “They usually pick a theme each year. People that decorate really enjoy it.” Whether it's teddy bears, crystal ornaments or rocking horses, each home is adorned with magical yuletide flavor. “Really there is something for everyone,” she said.

The Anglican Church for example will showcase their Georgian silver given to the church by King George the third. “It's nice because there is a historical element that adds to the tour,” Connelly said.

Although numbers are low this year many homeowners have already volunteered to participate for the 2008 season and the society would welcomes anyone interested in taking part this year. “Its not too late to sign up and we'd like to add more homes to the tour, the historical one's are particularity nice,” she said.

Tickets for the event are $15 per person and can be purchased at Daniels' Flower Shop and the Apple Blossom shop on Water Street; Tatum's fashions on Gerrish Street; or at the King Street museum between 10 and 4 p.m. each Wednesday.

“Please bring slippers,” said Connelly. It’s a mucky time of year and tour participants will need something to prevent tracking snow and ice throughout the homes. “And then just bring Christmas cheer,” she added.

For more information call 798-5212 or 798-1065