Holiday cheer at St. Charles open house
Nineteenth century-style holiday cheer will prevail at the 1843 Durant House Museum's Candlelight Open House from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, and Sunday, Dec. 12.
Celebrate the season and make merry while discovering the many charms of local history. Admission for the event is $3 for adults and $1 for children. No reservations necessary. The Pioneer Sholes School also will be open from 2 to 5 p.m. each afternoon.
Costumed docents will welcome visitors into the enchanting, candlelit prairie homestead adorned in authentic period décor, complete with hot cider and baked treats, including ginger cakes made from a circa-1840 Illinois recipe.
Fragrant evergreens, a roaring fire on the hearth and an old-fashioned Christmas tree will re-create the heartwarming spirit of Christmas' past, while the special museum tours will present an extraordinary opportunity to savor and explore Durant House's “Winter Wonderland.”
This annual celebration also features music and performances of holiday stories and poetry for persons of all ages.
The Durant House Museum is located in the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve on Dean Street, about half-mile west of Randall Road in St. Charles. The Living History programs at the Durant House Museum are sponsored by Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley, with support from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.
For information, visit ppfv.org, call (630) 377-6424, or e-mail duranthouse1843@yahoo.com.