CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS IN CHADDS FORD
Saturday, December 1, 2007, 1 to 6 p.m.
21st annual tour, sponsored by the Chadds Ford Historical Society. Both historic
sites and private homes are on this drive-yourself tour.
Please note that we cannot accommodate group tours.
Candlelight Christmas in Chadds Ford ushers in the holiday season with a festive tour of several of the Brandywine area’s finest private homes and historical sites. The Chadds Ford Historical Society will welcome visitors to their historic properties with holiday traditions in 18th century settings.
The Andress House Through Wyeth Eyes
Home of the Snelling Family
20 Old Orchard Road, Chadds Ford Township
The original stone house on the property was built in 1790, its "twin" addition in 1893. After N. C. Wyeth built a home for his family nearby, the Andress house became a natural subject for local artists, teachers, and students alike. Visitors will see copies of many of these paintings of the house, the 1840 barn, and surroundings, as well as other historic memorabilia. In celebration of the musical contributions of Chris Sanderson, there will be fiddlin’ music in the air, courtesy of professional fiddle player, David Poland.
Owned by Donald and Sandra Weiss
U.S. Route 1 & Webb Road, Chadds Ford Township
Originally owned by the Scheidt family, Stonebridge is a superb example of an early 20
th century house built during the heyday of the gentrification of Chadds Ford. For the holiday tour, the Georgian Revival mansion will be filled with decorated trees and delightful, collectible Santa figurines matching illustrations by Franklyn Margasak. In addition, the Historical Society is mounting a photographic display of Chadds Ford houses that were part of the gentrification scene. Tourgoers will be treated to a complimentary glass of wine from Paradocx Vineyard and refreshments from Brandywine Prime @ Chadds Ford Inn.
Let it Snow at Christmas Cottage
Home of Judy and Dave Murtagh
1159 Meetinghouse Road, Birmingham Township
A large antique snowman once featured in Macy’s New York Christmas display will greet visitors to Christmas Cottage, a reproduction English cottage nestled in a picturesque rolling landscape. The family transforms all three floors of their home each holiday season and this year’s snow theme features snowballs, snowmen and snow children in a wintery wonderland. The Murtagh’s legendary vintage Santa collection plus antique holiday items and decorated trees will be on display throughout the house.
Holidays at the Tenant House
Home of Howard and Patricia Mattson
Pennsbury Township
This gem of an 18
th century tenant house has a handsome 20th century addition that was the first commission of John Milner, the internationally known local restoration architect. The owners’ collection of Russian Santas will be on display, and there will be several family-decorated trees. The house was in the path of action during the Battle of Brandywine; battle-related objects and pottery shards have been found nearby. Please note: Visitors are requested to take the short shuttle ride from the Barns-Brinton House due to limited parking and heavy traffic.
Christmas Memories
The Barns-Brinton House*
U.S. Route l, next to Chaddsford Winery, Pennsbury Twp.
The Barns-Brinton House will transport visitors to another era with its crackling fire and low-ceilinged rooms. This colonial tavern once sheltered travelers on the road between Philadelphia and Baltimore and visitors will enjoy sampling 18
th century food and drink. A nostalgic look at the history of the Teddy Bear and Raggedy Ann doll will feature rare vintage books, dolls and games. Oyster shell wreaths and greens will decorate the tavern thanks to the Brandywine Gardeners.ADVANCE TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE SPECIAL PRICE OF $16. Pick them up in person at the Historical Society Barn Visitor Center, or First Keystone Federal Savings Bank through Saturday, December 1. Or order by mail until November 17. Print out ticket form. Tickets are nonrefundable.
THE DAY OF THE EVENT, TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED AT ANY OF THE SITES. Adults, $20. Children 12 and under, $5.
Any cancellation announcement will be available by 9 a.m. on December 1 at 610-459-3342 or 610-388-7376 and on KYW 1060 radio. If event is cancelled, all requests for refunds must by made by December 31.
Warm clothing and flat, sturdy footwear recommended for all sites. A flashlight is suggested for seeing the special displays.
Stop by the Chadds Ford Historical Society Barn Visitor Center for refreshments and unique gift ideas from the Museum Shop. Public restroom facilities are available here, too.
Start early so can you see all the sites. There will be directional signs to all sites with this symbol:
