An old-fashioned Christmas at John R. Park Homestead

Story and photos by Deanna Bertrand

There were no cell phones or laptops, PlayStations or XBoxs under the Christmas tree in the Victorian era, but you could find many handmade wooden toys, hand-strung homemade garlands and even real candles for lighting on the freshly cut Christmas tree. A bucket of water would be placed beside the tree, ready for extinguishing any unruly flames. 

That was just some of the history being shared by volunteers at this year’s Christmas in the Country event at John R. Park Homestead Sunday, December 1. Many Christmas scenes from long ago were recreated from the 1850s style decorations to the customs, food and more.

Kris Ives, curator of the museum, said that more than 400 people visited the homestead for the event which saw the reopening of the main 1842 Park Family home for the first time since it was closed for restoration a year ago. 

She said they plan to have all restoration completed for a grand reopening in May to coincide with Museum Month.

The day-long event had over two dozen vendors showcasing holiday goods for the Holiday Makers Market, along with fresh hot apple cider and chestnuts roasted on the open fire, ladies making a traditional Christmas dinner over the fireplace in the main house, a blacksmith, live music, Shetland ponies and more.