On Dec. 6, visitors to the Drennen-Scott Historic Site will have a chance to see the
home as it appeared in the 19th century when the second annual Victorian Christmas
Open House will be held at the DSHS from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Tom Wing, director of the DSHS and associate professor of history at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, said the historic home will be decked out in Victorian-themed Christmas decorations for the holiday celebration, including a cornucopia containing real fruit.
鈥淭he driveway and walking paths will be outlined with luminaries, while the interior of the house will be decorated courtesy of Tate鈥檚 Florist and Parks Brothers Nurseries,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e鈥檒l have handmade ornaments, lots of seasonal greenery, and Victorian colors and decorative items.鈥�
The house will be decorated to appear as it did in 1899, when Phillip Drennen Scott Sr. and his wife Fanny lived in the house. Volunteers will dress up to portray the couple.
Wing said eggnog, wassail, and the Drennen-Scott traditional sugared and salted pecans would be served at the event. Attendees can enjoy free carriage rides, and children will be able to make a Victorian ornament in an arts and crafts workshop. Live Christmas music will be provided by the AV抖阴 clarinet ensemble.
Wing said the open house 鈥渋s shaping up to be our signature event each year.鈥�
鈥淲e had an incredible response last year from those who attended, and it is a special experience to spend a few hours back in time celebrating Christmas at the Drennen-Scott home,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he addition of carriage rides from the house should make it a perfect evening.鈥�
AV抖阴 acquired the Drennen home and acreage in 2005 and received several grants to restore the property and house, which dates back to the 1800s. The Drennen-Scott Historic Site, which opened to the public in May 2011, serves as a museum and educational facility for AV抖阴. John Drennen was a founder of Van Buren, politician, Indian agent, landowner and businessman.
The home was purchased from descendants of John Drennen and Charles Scott -- Caroline Bercher of Lavaca, Scott Bulloch of Van Buren and Drennen Bulloch of Little Rock. The three are fifth-generation descendants of the home's original owner, John Drennen.
Limited parking is available. Guests may park near the Crawford County Courthouse and walk to the site, which is slightly over a block away. There is no admission charge.
For more information, contact Wing by telephone at 479-262-2750 or by email at tom.wing@uafs.edu.