The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Christmas open house set for this weekend
Light is the theme of ‘Radiance & Glory’
CROMWELL — “Light brings a quintessential beauty to the Christmas season,” said Richard F. Donahue, president of the Cromwell Historical Society, in announcing the society’s annual Christmas open house this weekend.
“Radiance & Glory: The Light of Christmas” is being held Saturday and Sunday at the society’s Stevens Frisbie House, 397 Main St.
Preparation for the event has involved the cooperation of a number of groups in addition to the society’s members. They include the Friends of the Cromwell Belden Public Library, the Central Connecticut Women’s Club and the Cromwell High School History Club, Donohue said in a statement.
Members of the various groups were given individual rooms in the Stevens Frisbie House to decorate, said Donohue, with an emphasis on light.
The intent of “Radiance & Glory” is “to explore the many ways that light and Christmas go hand in hand,” Donohue said. “For centuries, light has been an essential part of Christmas observances both spiritually and practically,” he said.
“For Christians, it represents the ‘Light of the World’ coming to earth in the form of the Christ child. For others who celebrate Christmas, it is a way to brighten the longest nights of the year,” Donohue said in his press release.
It was against that background that the society began decorating the House, Donohue explained.
“Juleps and & Viragoes, the society’s living history department, will present ‘Christmas by Gaslight’ in the parlour, while other rooms will display candlelight, luminaries and starlight,” Donohue said.
“A lighted Christmas Village will brighten the dining room,” where complimentary refreshments will be served. In the Ranney Library, the high school history club will present a timeline of Christmas lights.
The second floor will feature a special tribute to Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, and literary references to Jesus and the light of Christmas,” Donohue said.
The gift shop will be open with gifts of both seasonal and historic interest, along with products of Connecticut artisans, Donohue said.
“Radiance & Glory” will be presented Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. and from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free, although donations to benefit the work of the Cromwell Historical Society will be taken. For information, see cromwellhistory.org or call 860-635-0501.