It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas … everywhere you look at the Cooke-Kuhlman House in the Heritage Sylvania Historic Village.
The new Director Samantha Ayres, and Assistant Director Tristen Turkopp, have re-established the long-held tradition of “decking the halls” and “trimming the trees” for the community to enjoy this holiday season.
“We wanted to go really big with Christmas decorating for our first holiday,” Ayres stated. “We would like the entire community to enjoy this historic home all dressed up for the season. We owe so much to former Curator Joy Armstrong who began the tradition of having a decorated Christmas tree in every room of what had been known as the Heritage Museum. We are fortunate to have all of the items she collected over the years.”
According to Ayres and Turkopp, the entire historic home is filled with decorations loosely based on the story, “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” And, “All through the house…,” the theme continues. “The fireplace area is decorated with creatures who are not stirring. The focus for the upstairs involves ‘sugar plums, “dancing through their heads,”’ of course,” Turkopp chuckled.
A winter wonderland awaits visitors looking into the doctor’s office and the dining room tree is decked with “golden” fruit. “Marilyn’s tree, named in honor of the last living member of the Kuhlman family to grow up in the home, is in the foyer. This tree is done in a very traditional style,” Ayres said.
“Santa will greet children in the parlour amid the appropriately dressed trees,” she added.
According to Turkopp, the library has a special surprise for young guests to view as they make their way to the parlour and their visit to Santa.
“Tristen has really taken the lead on putting all of this together,” Ayres said. “However, we owe a huge thanks to our volunteer Claire Achen who has spent countless hours working on this project, with help from Deb Chaney.”
The Cooke-Kuhlman Home will be open for visitors during Miracle on Main events with Santa in the parlour on Friday evening Dec. 1 from 6:30 to 8 pm and Saturday, Dec. 2 from 1 to 3 pm.