The Maumee Valley Historical Society has been celebrating its 150th anniversary all year. The theme for this year’s special holiday exhibit highlights Christmas traditions and decorations of the mid- to late 1800s.
Walking into the Wolcott Heritage Center’s “150 Years of Christmas by the River” exhibit is like walking out of a time machine into a winter wonderland.
Each room features decorations from a different era. One room shows the simple trappings of the early settlers while another shows lavish decorations from the Victorian period.
The Judge’s Room represents the 1840-50s, the parlor the 1850-70s, the dining room the 1870-90s and the second floor the 1880-1910s. The exhibit features toys, handmade items, Christmas cards and elegant gowns from the Toledo area — many of which were donated.
Curator Marilyn Wendler said that’s what makes the exhibit special.
“A lot of Toledo families are represented here,” she said. “It’s important to keep local items.”
The exhibit also features a number of nutcrackers, which are hidden around the various rooms. Wendler said they are hidden for children to discover.
The Wolcott House was named for James Wolcott, a 19th century businessman from the area. It was built as a log cabin for him and his wife, but later evolved into a 14-room, Federal-style mansion.
The house was later owned by Mary Ann Wolcott Gilbert, Fredrica Gilbert Hull and Rilla E. Hull.
The displays will be up until Dec. 28, and the house is closed only on Christmas Day. The center is open Thursday to Sunday with tours at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
Special tours can be made by appointment. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $2 for students. Members of the historical society can visit free of charge.
For more information, contact Wendler at mvvw1@aol.com or Amy Denforth at (419) 893-9602.
