Jasper County Historical Museum plans to host holiday open house

Betty Snook of Newton puts final touches on the Spirit of 76 Questers display at the Jasper County Museum. Snook will tell visitors about what Christmas was like in the Victorian Era during the museum’s holiday open house Saturday and Sunday. Jessica Lowe/Daily News

E-mail this story

Print this story

Share

This year, the members of the Jasper County Historical Museum will give the community the gift of a very special Christmas Open House on Dec. 1 and 2. For the first time, all the towns in Jasper County were invited to participate in the museum’s celebration of “A Jasper County Christmas.” As of Tuesday afternoon, the holiday open house will feature displays provided by the residents of Baxter, Colfax, Mingo, Lynnville, Kellogg, Monroe and Reasnor Sherman Van Zee will act as the official “Town Crier,” announcing the events of each day. Betty Snook and Susan Grigsby will act as guides through the Victorian rooms, while Ron Grigsby will help visitors relive a 1930s Christmas. Adding to the festivities, the Chapel, General Store, School House, Barbershop, Post Office, Millenary Shoppe and almost every room in the museum have been decorated by Jasper County Questers, local clubs, and individual residents. A full schedule of local groups will provide entertainment in the museum theater, starting at 1 p.m. each day for everyone’s listening enjoyment. Melody Unlimited, Harmonettes, Grace Notes, Cul-de-Sac, Fidler Sam Hall, and Barry Hurto will perform on Saturday. Accorz, Harmony Dulcimer, BETCHAW and Friends (Newton Children’s Choir), Kim and Kimberly Schnell, Skunk River Singers and Sounds of Inspiration will perform Sunday. As has been the tradition every year, the Holidays Hospitality Table will provide treats, and the Old Museum Shoppe and Mrs. Claus’ Bake Shoppe will be open to satisfy any shopping needs. “What is special this year is that we’re featuring Jasper County towns and local talent,” Museum Director Bev Cross said Committee chairperson Jean Schnell hopes this year’s theme will encourage residents to attend the Christmas Open House. “We want to show the community what the Jasper County Museum has to offer because so many people have never been here before,” she said. Residents are invited to bring their families and friends and to celebrate the holiday season with them at the open house. The event will be from noon to 5 p.m on both Saturday and Sunday. Admission to this event is free. The museum is located at 1700 S. 15th Ave. W. and is visible from Highway 14. For more information and scheduling of events call 792-9118.