Victorian Christmas set for this weekend
Take a trip back to the Victorian era this weekend when the Catawba County Historical Association opens the Harper House, decked out in holiday finery.
The association’s staff and volunteers have trimmed the rooms in the three-story Queen Anne house with fresh greenery.
“We’ve been decorating for about a month, but the live things, we’ve just put out,” Site Manager James Anderson said.
A Christmas tree in the parlor is the centerpiece, but other touches make the house distinctive and unique. The railings on the wraparound porch bear wreaths made of magnolia leaves, taken from trees on the property, with real apples and oranges in the center. A large arrangement with magnolia limbs and other holiday greenery sits by the front door. The dining room table is set with towers of real cranberries as the centerpiece.
When the door of the house at 310 N. Center St. opens at 7 p.m. Friday, the festivities will include live music and food from the Victorian era, during which the house was constructed.
The food will include typical German goodies from that era. The theme, Anderson said, is a nod to Catawba County’s rich German heritage.
The museum will be open for tours from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday night. New this year, a Sunday tea will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
“Last year, we had three night tours, but we had requests for daytime tours for those who don’t drive at night,” said Jean Setzer, a docent with the historical association.
Tickets are $12 per person or $10 for historical association members. For tickets or more information, call 465-0383 or 324-7294.
By Dee Henry
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