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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2007
Contact: Molly Dannenmaier
Galveston Historical Foundation
502 20th Street
Galveston, TX 77551
409-765-7834
molly.dannenmaier@galvestonhistory.org
Historic Houses Host Nostalgic Celebrations During Dickens on The Strand
GALVESTON, TEXAS – Galveston's premiere pre-Civil War homes, decked out in holiday splendor reminiscent of Christmas' past, set the stage for nostalgic celebrations during Dickens on The Stand, Galveston Historical Foundation's annual Victorian celebration, held the first weekend every December.
Christmas by Candlelight will be held at the 1838 Michel B. Menard House, 1605 33rd Street. On the evening of Saturday, December 1, guests can take one-hour tours of the house, which will be decorated for a Victorian Christmas. The dining room will be set for a special caroling party as it might have happened in 1850. Tours will be conducted by costumed guides, and will include live seasonal music and refreshments. Reservations are required. The house will remain decorated through the holiday season during regular tour hours of noon to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
The 1859 Ashton Villa, 2328 Broadway, will be decorated in high Victorian style for the holidays. Evergreen garlands and bright bows ornament banisters and mantels throughout the house. A large Christmas tree fills the parlor and smaller trees will be placed in second floor rooms. Historic toys are displayed in the children’s bedroom and brightly wrapped presents are tucked away throughout the house. In the elegant Gold Room and the large dining room, Galveston Historical Foundation staff will recreate the setting for one of Miss Bettie Brown’s famous holiday parties.
Ashton Villa will host the Dickens festival’s English Country Breakfast in its ballroom. Tours of the 1859 Italianate mansion and music of the season are also included. There will be three seatings available: Saturday, December 1 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., and Sunday, December 2 at 10 a.m.
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