The Queen Anne’s County Historical Society and Crossroads Community are co-hosting a Holiday House Tour and period presentations of “Ought It Not Be A Merry Christmas?” in Centreville, on Saturday, December 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Queen Anne’s County Historical Society’s 2010 Holiday Historic House Tour will include homes of historic significance in Centreville and Queenstown. About ten homes are scheduled to be on the tour.
Queenstown was established in 1707 and served as the county seat for Queen Anne’s County until the seat was relocated to a more “central” part of the county in 1782. Centreville grew on that site and has remained the seat of government for the county since that time.
Myra Reichart
Each town still features houses that display the architectural and design details of the Colonial and Victorian eras. The homes to be included on the yuletide tour will be decorated for the holidays, many in period style.
In the midst of that Victorian era, the Civil War tore families apart and holidays often were filled with despair. A Harpers Weekly article from December 26, 1863, asked, “Even with all the sorrow that hangs…over so many households; even while war still rages…ought it not to be, and is it not, a merry Christmas?”
In that spirit, Crossroads Community, which offers mental health recovery services and support to a five-county region, is partnering with the Historical Society to offer special presentations by Civil War re-enactor Myra Reichart of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, at the 104 Kidwell Bed & Breakfast in Centreville. The 1880s Georgian Colonial home will be featured on the tour and serve as a stage for “Ought It Not Be A Merry Christmas?”
The Ozmon House
Reichart will read journal entries and letters from the front, written by both Union and Confederate Civil War soldiers to their loved ones at Christmastime. Appearing in period dress, the award-winning living history interpreter from Places Through Time Living History remains in character as she speaks, finishing with what is known of the fate of each correspondent. There will be three presentations the day of the House Tour, at 10:30 a.m., and 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
The readings will take place in authentic Victorian Christmas style thanks to the artistry of Cille Cumings, owner of Dutch Blooms Special Events in Chestertown, who has volunteered her services for Crossroads Community. Popcorn and cranberries, dried fruit and spun glass were all hallmarks of Victorian holiday décor and will be featured along with table-top decorated trees, which became popular during the time of Queen Victoria.
Volunteers to help with the Holiday House Tour are welcome. Those interested may call Doris Pullman at 410-758-1578 or Ellen Norman at 410-758-3047.
Tickets for the event are $25 per person and include both the House Tour and presentation. They may be reserved by calling the Queen Anne’s County Historical Society at 410-758-3010 or by email at [email protected]. Tickets will also be available the day of the event at Tucker House and Wright’s Chance in Centreville. Proceeds benefit both the QAC Historical Society and Crossroads Community. For more information on the House Tour, visit www.tinyurl.com/QACHS-HouseTour.
Crossroads Community serves the mental health needs of residents in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties. For more information, to make a donation or to volunteer, contact Crossroads Community at 410-758-3050 or visit its website, www.ccinconline.com.
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