March 28, 2024

Christmas Walk home tour Saturday

Fives homes, decorated for the holidays, on display

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Fives homes, decked out in Christmas decor, are welcoming visitors inside to take a look during the first Christmas House Walk. Sponsored by the Monroe Parent Teachers Associations, walk goers can peruse the homes from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday.

"This is a great opportunity for our community and the surrounding ones to come together and enjoy these beautiful homes our Christmas Walk has to offer," organizer Kasandra Lynch said. "I brought this idea to the PTA and they loved it. It gives adults an enjoyable afternoon with family and friends viewing beautiful homes, and most importantly it raises money to give back to our kiddos' education and fun at school."

Featured homes include Greg and Michelle Edgett, Trent and Jen Kain, Jeramy and Kim Pettyjohn, Larry and Carol Diekema and Jim and Natalie Pendroy. Each home, distinct in character, will provide a unique view of the holiday season.

Wristbands for the event are available for pre-purchase at Monroe Elementary, the Monroe Public Library and Leighton State Bank for $20. House walk maps will be available the library starting at 9 a.m. Christmas goodies and beverages will also be provided at the library at 1 p.m.

The Edgett House:

The house was one of the first built in The Meadows housing development. It boasts an open floor plan and high ceilings.

Some of the holiday decorations on display have been handed down two generations, including two nativity scenes. The Christmas tree is elegantly decorated of 112 feet of sparkling ribbon and simple decorations.

The Pettyjohn House:

New to the family, who moved in about four months ago, this house has given them a chance to do more decorating, after moving from a smaller home. This year, they chose to go with a classic Christmas theme with a little bit of everything.

Only the main floor is decorated, but it was a family affair by borrowing items and enlisting the help of extended family member for the decorating process. In total, four Christmas trees will be displayed, staring with a tiny one at the front door which was given to the family by a friend 20 years ago for their first Christmas together.

There is a small tree in the entryway, a large “family” tree in the bar and the “classic” tree in the family room. The “family” tree in the bar is decorated with family favorite ornaments; there are some passed down from grandparents, the ornaments they loved as kids from their tree and now the ornaments the kids love from their tree. The “classic” Christmas tree in the family room is what they imagine when they think about Christmas — red, gold and the Reason for the Season.

Also at the house is a handmade quilt by the homeowner's mother and a hand painted ceramic nativity scene.

"I remember my mom always setting it out when I was kid and she passed it on to me a few years back. It’s not completely Christmas until the nativity scene has its place," Kim Pettyjohn said.

The Kain House:

In the main level of the home two trees are placed, each with unique themes. The "big tree" shows off the family's love for the Hawkeyes and is decorated with more of a traditional Santa red and green look. The second tree is decorated with special order ornaments that represent big events in each of the family member's lives along with ornaments from the owners' childhood.

The lower level boasts a tree decorated with multi-colored lights and decorations from the kids' imaginations.

The Diekema House:

Larry and Carol Ann Diekema purchased their home at 401 S. Buchanan in 1995 and begin remodeling. They added on all four sides of the "farm home" located on five acres.

Enter the front door and see the living room on the left with an angel tree. A small office on the right will greet visitors with duck decoys, mugs and lanterns displayed. A nativity scene sits on a dresser from Larry's family and a cardinal tree is at the bottom of the stairs.

Journey upstairs and discover the doll collections featuring Richard Simmons dolls depicting senior critics, a Princess Diana doll and special Bob Macki Barbies. The "doll room" features cigar and candy cupboard from Rex and Mickey Nolin's service station and a large display case from the Newton movie theater.

In the baby and toddler room, an eight-piece bedroom suite is featured. Made in Michigan in 1875, it is Cottage Victorian style. Also upstairs are many family pictures gracing the walls, a hat collection and vintage clothes along with baby and toddlers dolls.

On the main floor, Royal Copenhagen Danish plates are displayed reflecting Carol Ann's father's heritage. His and her bathrooms keep the home in harmony and several old magazine ads are displayed on the walls.

The master bedroom has a P. Buckley Moss tree while the sunroom features ads from the Monroe movie theater and a feed sack from the Lester Pfister corn plant, where Carol Ann grew up next to. P. Buckley Moss dolls and Hummel figurines are on display in an antique display case of Carol Ann's grandparents. The oak dinner table, which once belonged to Larry's grandmother, is set for Christmas Eve dinner.

While touring the house, themed trees of angels, cardinals, Danish, reindeer, dolls and kitchen will guide the way with many handcrafted ornaments. Nativity scenes can also be seen throughout the house.

The Pendroy House:

Settled more than 166 years ago, the farmland on the west skirts of Monroe became the home to the large, white home at 116 N. Taylor S. 20 years later in 1872. With only seven owners during this time, the Pendroys have made it their home since 1979.

This home has a unique setting as you exit town and has undergone numerous renovations by various owners but continues to have that welcoming Iowa farmhouse feel. Each room in the home is its own, from the flooring to the paint colors adorning the walls.

The open staircase is what made this the home the Pendroys wanted as their own. They raised their four children, 12 grandchildren and even one great-grandchild within the historied walls.

The banister of the staircase has a wobble from many rides down it by each family member that has called it home. Ten foot double doors with teardrop glass windows are a pleasant surprise to guests.

The Pendroys have an open door with many planned and unplanned family and friends gatherings. The inside and outside are decorated for all seasons throughout the year to be enjoyed by both family and guests.

There are nine decorated Christmas trees, each room with its own theme. Look for the homemade ornaments, family heirlooms, special gifts from friends and family to make up many of the decorations. The grandchildren see their names on customized decor, which they look for at each visit.

The second floor has four bedrooms with the master not having changed in more than 100 years. The same wallpaper and flooring can be seen making this room a step back in time.

Guests are also welcome to come back once the sun has gone down and drive through the property to see the outdoor light display.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com