JERSEY: Historical Society Will Host Christmas Tours This Holiday Season
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Submitted photo
The parlor of the Cheney mansion glistens in all its Christmas splendor, complimenting the original mantel.
Nearly a dozen dazzling Christmas trees will grace Jerseyville’s oldest home as the Jersey County Historical Society opens the doors of the historic Cheney House for tours this holiday season.
“We are so excited to be able to host Christmas tours this year,” says Beth McGlasson, vice-president of the historical society. “Last year, the house was completely decorated and ready for holiday tours when we had to cancel due to COVID.”
But this year, the tour is back and the Historical Society will open their doors on six dates to help accommodate hectic holiday schedules.
Submitted photo
The dining room is part of the original 1827 structure and reveals a more wintertime theme. The original French Provincial china set that belonged to Prentiss and Edith Cheney adds a touch of warmth to the scene.
“This year, we’ll offer two Saturday daytime tours,” McGlasson explained. “But, we’re hosting the majority of our tours at night, when Christmas lights really shine and are their most beautiful.”
The self-guided tour combines two subjects that many people enjoy – Christmas and history.
Each room shares a historical Christmas story or examines the history of Christmas traditions, such as kissing under the mistletoe, how poinsettias came to be associated with Christmas and the tradition of placing candles in windows.
In addition, each room is decorated differently. For example, the inspiration for the office decor is a photograph taken in 1912, when Prentiss Dana Cheney, the last member of the Cheney family to live in the house, celebrated his first Christmas. The room features a modest, table-top Christmas tree decorated with candles and glass ornaments and surrounded by children’s toys
Miss Dorothy’s room, with its aluminum tree and color wheel, will transport guests back to the 1950s.
The Cheney House can be toured Saturday, Dec. 4 and 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. Night time tours will be offered Dec. 7, 9, 14 and 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are $5 per person and will be sold at the door during tour times.
Questions regarding the tour can be directed to McGlasson at 618-498-3824.
