History Center’s annual celebration slated for this weekend, next weekend
BY GENNA HOFFER
Examiner Contributor
The Logan County History Center is brimming with activity in recent weeks as preparations are being made for the annual Christmas open house Dec. 4, 5, 11 and 12, from 1 to 5 p.m.
Curator/Director Todd McCormick said the anticipation is building among staff and volunteers as the decorations come together throughout the Orr Mansion, Logan County Museum and Transportation Museum, 521 E. Columbus Ave.
Being able to gather together again in person is worthy of celebration, as last year’s Christmas open house was a virtual event only because of pandemic concerns.
“We’re so excited to welcome everybody back,” McCormick said. “Last year, I had people tell me it didn’t feel like Christmas without coming to our open house.”
The hallway will be lined up with a total of 21 Christmas trees. Guests can cast their votes for their favorite trees created by area adults and children.
The adult trees are made up of the following organizations: Lulu Photography, OSU Alumni, Hilliker YMCA, Zanesfield Petanque, Bellefontaine Lions Club, Junior Fair Board, AmeriCorps, The Homestead at Logan Acres, Art League, Logan County Visitors Bureau/Chamber, Eastern Star, The Studio, Ledley Farms, Top of Ohio Patriots. The children’s trees are decorated by the following groups: Ben Logan kindergarten, Ben Logan first-grade, Ben Logan second-grade, Ben Logan third-grade, Ben Logan fourth-grade, LoCo Art and Home Strings Dulcimers.
In the Transportation Museum, there is a beautiful 12-foot tree underneath the airplane.
“Thank you Walmart for your generous donation of the 12 ft tree and the ornaments for it,” McCormick said.
In addition to the variety of decorated Christmas trees, area groups also decorated rooms in the Orr Mansion. On the first floor, The Logan Piecemakers, Logan County Genealogy, Logan County Library and The West Liberty Garden Club provided decoration assistance.
The second-floor bedrooms, Orr office and ballroom of the mansion are decorated with Christmas song themes, such as “Blue Christmas” and “Santa Baby” by The History Center Christmas Committee. Members include Pam Ark, Alexis Butterworth, Don Corwin, Elaine DeMarsh, Jill Hill, Jeannie Jenkins, Ryan McCormick, Amy McCormick, Jody Nolin, Pat Ortli, David Saxby, Judy Snyder, Sally Stephan, Tam VanNess, George and Diana Wackerman, Leslie Warne, Kit Wehe and Beth Marshall, chairman.
Each room will have background music to accompany the theme. The virtual tour will still be up in The Logan County History Center website, loganhistory.org.
For all four days of the open house this weekend and next weekend, there will be live music playing from various bands and student groups.
Children in attendance will receive goodie bags to take home with crafts inside. The center will not be offering any refreshments in the basement due to a storage project.
The center asks guests to social distance and wearing a mask isn’t required.
