Experience a pioneer Christmas in St. Charles

Posted December 08, 2011 10:00 pm

Submitted by Pioneer Sholes School

Start your holidays with a step back in time by visiting the one-room school house at the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles. Pioneer Sholes School will host its Christmas Open House from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11.

Visitors will see the one-room school house that dates back to 1872 decorated for the holidays. Local children have made decorations similar to those of the turn of the 20th century. Enjoy a skit, songs and poetry performed by junior docents at 3:30 p.m. each day.

Materials will be on hand for children to make an old-fashioned Christmas craft of their own to take home. While enjoying some refreshments, visit with students who had attended the one-room school before it closed in 1947. Admission is free, but donations are always welcome.

After your visit to the school, stroll down the road to the Durant House Museum. Your old-time Christmas experience continues in this 1843 home. The warm fire, candlelight, Christmas carols, and refreshments will make your day complete. The Durant House also is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11.

Both museums are in the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, just off Dean Street, west of Randall Road and north of Route 64 in St. Charles. Call (630) 762-9746 for more information.

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