Christmas at Surratt House

[RJNorton]

Many thanks to Laurie for sending these photos and information!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Surratt House always tries to add unusual Victorian touches at Christmas time. This year, staff recreated a mid- to late-19th century spiderweb room decoration based on the The Legend of the Christmas Spider. This legend has its origin in either the Ukraine or Germany (google it). Each ribbon represents a part of the spiderweb and runs from the top of the tree to a hidden package in other parts of the room. Larger homes with a central chandelier used it as the starting point if they preferred to have their larger tree elsewhere in the room.

Our hall table features an oyster shell tree - very appropriate for the deep, economic history of the oyster trade in Maryland. And the last slide shows a small part of an antique Christmas card collection that I have amassed from searching through the Huntt family home over the years. Never had to buy one.

Of course, there are eight rooms in the museum also decorated with displays and antique toys. Our holiday open house with Apple Cider Punch and cookies is this coming weekend, Dec. 10-11 from noon to 4 pm. We also have other events going on for entertainment in our meeting room section of the James O. Hall Research Center - everything from magicians to musicians and children's activities."