My mother recently became a member of the Colonial Dames Society, and as such she invited me to be her guest at the Webb-Deane-Stevens Holiday Preview Party, a series of historic homes which have been run by the society since the 1950's. Each home featured live music, appetizers and wine. We began by touring the Silas Deane House. The home was built circa 1770, and due to the lingering Puritanial customs in New England they did not celebrate Christmas, but rather prepared for New Years's Day Calling. This tradition was when promiment gentlemen of the community would call on the lady of the household and was additionally a time for outstanding debts to be paid to families. Individuals were invited over and would meet privately with the head of the house to settle accounts, or make a resolution to do so in the New Year.
 |
| Mrs. Deane welcoming guests to her home. |
We also took time to tour the kitchen, upper bedrooms (those beds were certainly small and uncomfortable looking!) and to enjoy a glass of wine while we strolled through.
Next we traipsed back out into the cold winter night to the Isaac Stevens House. This museum was decorated to show the holiday celebrations of the middle-class from the early to mid-1800s, recognizable as many of the Christmas traditions known today in New England. My favorite was what awaited us in the best parlor. The room was laden down with historically accurate treats and fancy. I admit, it did make me yearn to have been able to attend a Christmas party in the 1860's.
I would have wanted to be a guest, certainly. Working in a kitchen from that time to prepare of that food is another story entirely.
The last house that we visited was the Joseph Webb House, typical of the early 20th century and prepared for a Christmas open house that was typical of the times. Apparently, "the culmination of several weeks’ work, the lavishness of the dessert and decorations could make or break the hostess’ reputation."
If you are looking for an entertaining activity this month, I would suggest checking this museum out. While my photographs and experience was centered on the food and it's preparation, there are many other parts of the homes to discover.
TOURS AND OTHER INFO:
"From December 15 through January 6, 2013, public holiday tours at WDS demonstrate with fascinating detail how the American holiday season has evolved over the past three centuries. Designed to delight the senses and captivate the imagination, the 60-minute guided tours unfold throughout the museum’s three meticulously restored historic houses."
About the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum
"Located in the heart of Connecticut’s largest historic district, the Museum consists of three authentically restored 18th-century homes that bring Wethersfield’s rich history to life, from the American Revolution to the early 20th century. The museum includes the 1752 Joseph Webb House, which served as George Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters in May 1781, when he met with French General le comte de Rochambeau; the 1770 Silas Deane House, built for a delegate to the Continental Congress and America’s first diplomat to France; and the 1788 Isaac Stevens House, which depicts life in the 18th and 19th centuries through original family objects and includes a new children’s museum."
Three-house Tour (1 hour): $10 per adult; $9 per senior over 60, AAA member and active military; $5 per student and children (5-18), $25 per family (2 adults + children). Group rates are available.
Hours
December - Open for tours daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with the exception of Tuesday; Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Note - The museum closes at 2 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
