Fall River Christmas House Tour 2006
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- Shelley
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Fall River Christmas House Tour 2006
With the weather as balmy as a Spring day and temperatures nearly reaching 60 degrees, the 2006 Preservation Society Christmas house tour got off to a grand start at 11 a.m. yesterday. On the front lawn of the Historical Society on Rock Street, a vintage car with a calliope attached filled the air with Christmas tunes as city carollers decked out in Victorian finery burst into song near the steps of the new tea house next door. Throngs of city residents and those from farther afield strolled the streets or cheered and waved from the horse-drawn carriages clattering up and down the streets.
A large marquee tent was pitched on the lawn with costumed waiters serving teas and Christmas fare while inside the tea house it was reservations -only for merry flocks of ladies in hats clinking porcelain tea cups.
The McWhirr exhibit enjoyed an appreciative audience as did the re-creation of McWhirrs' candy counter upstairs in the old Brayton manse. Vintage morsels such as licorice whips, candy buttons and clove drops flew off the shelves and the gift shop was packed with eager shoppers. There was hardly time to take it all in with so many properties on view, but I did manage to get around to most of them and take some photos to share with Lizzie friends here.
The Borden house was on the tour this year, even though it was a bit of a walk from the Hill section, and LeeAnn had a toothsome array of petits fours, scones, cookies, fruit, cheese and eggnog for the many guests who came through to admire "Lizzie's" little parlor tree. A good time was had by all, young and old, and a goodly sum taken in for benefit of Preservation Society projects. First, here is the program of properties and a little bit about each of these Painted Ladies. I am hoping my interior shots will do credit to some AMAZING homes up on The Hill.
A large marquee tent was pitched on the lawn with costumed waiters serving teas and Christmas fare while inside the tea house it was reservations -only for merry flocks of ladies in hats clinking porcelain tea cups.
The McWhirr exhibit enjoyed an appreciative audience as did the re-creation of McWhirrs' candy counter upstairs in the old Brayton manse. Vintage morsels such as licorice whips, candy buttons and clove drops flew off the shelves and the gift shop was packed with eager shoppers. There was hardly time to take it all in with so many properties on view, but I did manage to get around to most of them and take some photos to share with Lizzie friends here.
The Borden house was on the tour this year, even though it was a bit of a walk from the Hill section, and LeeAnn had a toothsome array of petits fours, scones, cookies, fruit, cheese and eggnog for the many guests who came through to admire "Lizzie's" little parlor tree. A good time was had by all, young and old, and a goodly sum taken in for benefit of Preservation Society projects. First, here is the program of properties and a little bit about each of these Painted Ladies. I am hoping my interior shots will do credit to some AMAZING homes up on The Hill.
- Shelley
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- Shelley
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The little map was very helpful. The team of white draft horses in the upper left were the stars of yesterday's wagon tour. I hope they did not have to pull up and down some of those hills in the city! Dr. Lorenz was dressed in a magnificent elf costume and seemed to be having the best time of all. Santa also made appearances all over town in a very handsome red velvet suit and convincing whiskers and beard. I wanted to give it a tug, but contained myself.
- Susan
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Kat, that sounds like it belongs in your only in Florida thread. I can recall seeing a Santa of color once in New York collecting money in one of those pots outside of a department store.
Thanks for sharing, Shelley, can't wait to see the pics! That sounds like an absolutely lovely way to enjoy the holidays.
Thanks for sharing, Shelley, can't wait to see the pics! That sounds like an absolutely lovely way to enjoy the holidays.
“Sometimes when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways it can change someone else's life forever.”-Margaret Cho comedienne
- Shelley
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The last house I visited was 192 Lincoln, not too far from Maplecroft. This house featured many inlaid floors, glorious Victorian antiques and a spectacular table set in heavy Victorian silverplate. This was my second favorite. The owner also has a fabulous singing voice and treated us all to O Holy Night in the parlor, ably accompanied by a friend on the pianoforte.
- Shelley
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- Shelley
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- Shelley
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The highlight for me of 192 Lincoln was the entry hall and grand staircase. There was a window seat at the top of the stairs (all walnut) topped by stained glass. The newel post had a stately bronze figure bearing a torch. This photo was taken by Father Robert from Taunton, a Catholic priest who has an interest in Lizzie too! The house was filled with candy and bon-bons. Here is my Nutcracker "Sweet"!
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- Shelley
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This was my very favorite house on Rock Street, the home of the Jacobsens. The couple are antiques collectors and this house must be seen to be believed- magnificent. Upon entering, a "sprite" of Christmas Present with a wreath of holly greeted me while in the background a piano was playing carols. The daughter of the house, Miss Charlotte, lovingly restored the multi-colored ceilings, taking up to 4 months to do just the diningroom. I exclaimed and swooned at every turn as I have never seen anything like this house before. It is pure heaven for a Victoriana buff. I needed smelling salts to recover from terminal bliss. This is coming down the main staircase- oh, what sublime interiors. Were this MINE- I should never leave my house. I can understand Lizzie perfectly. What girl would not crave The Hill with all its splendors of velvet portieres, tufted upholstery, tassels, and damask and miles of fringe? I wanted to sing that old favorite "I dreamt I dwelt in marble halls, with vassels and serfs at my side"
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Thanks for the tour photos, Shelley. The insides of those houses are magnificent. Its nice to know that they are occupied and still being maintained. Now to get Mr. Dube to include Maplecroft some day.
That shot of Maplecroft from Belmont St. is cool. It's rare that you can see that much of the back of the house.
It was nice to see that 92 Second was included in the tour. You and Lee-ann look great in your costumes!
That shot of Maplecroft from Belmont St. is cool. It's rare that you can see that much of the back of the house.
It was nice to see that 92 Second was included in the tour. You and Lee-ann look great in your costumes!
I know I ask perfection of a quite imperfect world
And fool enough to think that's what I'll find
And fool enough to think that's what I'll find
- Shelley
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Thanks! How I wish I had more film that day. I still do not trust myself with the new digital camera so this was the old-fashioned kind. Many of the interiors are quite dark and so the photos do not do justice to these beautiful old homes. I do hope the Preservation will repeat this next year, and perhaps do a secret garden tour or something like that this summer. I never knew the riches lurking behind these old facades, nor the real enthusiasm there is in preserving the past exhibited by so many of the house owners I met.
Jeff- I am so sorry you did not see my post last week about this event! I kept looking for you around town and at the house. Maybe we can have a cemetery jaunt next week? Say, that Jacobson house on Rock street has an apartment for rent! It is all I can do to keep from packing up my suitcase now!
Now, we are all looking forward to the demolition of the bus station and rebirth of Second Street coming soon! Always something exciting going on. With all the foliage gone, it is easy to photograph some of the great details on the buildings which are usually so covered up in the summer. The Fall River in the snow issue of the Hatchet is my favorite.
Jeff- I am so sorry you did not see my post last week about this event! I kept looking for you around town and at the house. Maybe we can have a cemetery jaunt next week? Say, that Jacobson house on Rock street has an apartment for rent! It is all I can do to keep from packing up my suitcase now!
Now, we are all looking forward to the demolition of the bus station and rebirth of Second Street coming soon! Always something exciting going on. With all the foliage gone, it is easy to photograph some of the great details on the buildings which are usually so covered up in the summer. The Fall River in the snow issue of the Hatchet is my favorite.
- theebmonique
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Shelley, you pictorial essays are quite delightful, and your added writings make it seem like I have my own personal travel guide for all things Fall River !
They just could not pay you what you are worth to be the "promotional director" for the City of Fall River. We are lucky to have you with us. THANK YOU for ALL that you do !!!
Tracy...
They just could not pay you what you are worth to be the "promotional director" for the City of Fall River. We are lucky to have you with us. THANK YOU for ALL that you do !!!
Tracy...
I'm defying gravity and you can't pull me down.
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Though I missed the tour of those wonderful buildings this weekend Shelley I have seen more than most.
I have worked inside well over 50 percent of the historical homes on the hill including the FRHS and 92................ walked, climbed, crawled in Cellars, attics, crawl spaces, bedrooms, closets and countless nooks and crannies.
Been inside every house you guys toured, except 1051 Highland; could have, but can't remember.
Took most of it for granted. Now that I can greatly appreciate historical architecture much more, I discover a squandered and missed opportunity.
Some of the most impressive houses I worked in were the CARR OSBOURN HOUSE, across the street from the FRHS, the DAVOL HOUSE at 252 High Street, the REMINGTON HOUSE at 511 Rock, considered by many as the most beautiful house in Fall River, the SEARS HOUSE on 72 Belmount, and the JOHN BRAYTON and JENNING HOUSES to name a tiny few.
I missed so much. With a hand full of work and countless houses to visit all I wanted to do is complete the work assignments and get home.
- Shelley
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Thanks, Tracy. I first loved the city for its mills and steamboats long before I had my Lizzie Epiphany. It is a city, not so large you feel dwarfed, like Boston, but small enough to feel intimate and familiar, and to discover the rich cultural diversity and sense of history there.
I often hear so many stories of growing up there and am envious of of those who lived those long ago days and simpler times. I live in the midst of so many grand old mill towns, but none quite like Fall River. Every visit brings some new delight and image, no matter what the season. MB- you are lucky to have seen so much history from the inside out! Lizzie is just the icing on the cake of an already fascinating place, and yes- I could work for the Chamber of Commerce any day of the week!
I often hear so many stories of growing up there and am envious of of those who lived those long ago days and simpler times. I live in the midst of so many grand old mill towns, but none quite like Fall River. Every visit brings some new delight and image, no matter what the season. MB- you are lucky to have seen so much history from the inside out! Lizzie is just the icing on the cake of an already fascinating place, and yes- I could work for the Chamber of Commerce any day of the week!
- shakiboo
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- Kat
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I'm sorry- but this just sounds like a very busy Santa Claus!mbhenty @ Tue Dec 19, 2006 2:08 pm wrote:
Though I missed the tour of those wonderful buildings this weekend Shelley I have seen more than most.
...
Been inside every house you guys toured, except 1051 Highland; could have, but can't remember.
Took most of it for granted. Now that I can greatly appreciate historical architecture much more, I discover a squandered and missed opportunity.
...
I missed so much. With a hand full of work and countless houses to visit all I wanted to do is complete the work assignments and get home.