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Allaire Gives Visitors An Historic Christmas
By Joseph Kienzlen
 | | --Photo By Joseph Kienzlen Kevin McMinn of Allentown, takes a break from his trek through the woods in his horse-drawn carriage during last weekend’s Historic Village at Allaire 19th Century Christmas weekend. McMinn, of Greyhorse Carriage Company, built the carriage in 1999. |
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It was a Christmas for the senses, with the sounds of church bell’s toll echoing through the park and the locomotive’s whistle signaling its arrival to holiday guests as it pulls up to the Allaire Village train station.
In the distance the joy of laughter could be heard as young visitors enjoyed a visit with Father Christmas and volunteer carolers dressed in period attire sang holiday favorites.
Yes indeed, the holidays are a very special time in The Historic Village at Allaire.
Before it became an historic tourist destination, James P. Allaire operated the Howell Iron Works Company. It was a melting pot of nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. Village residents, no doubt, continued to practice their old world customs in celebration of the season, all contributing to the developing American culture.
Throughout the weekend historic interpreters recreated those traditional holiday customs and activities in the historic buildings of the village.
“I think this is great for the kids,” said Jackson resident Debra Tatorro, who attended the event with 8-year-old Rebecca and 5-year-old Brandon. “They had a lot of fun meeting Santa on the train and really liked the ride on the wagon,” she said. “It’s something a little different for them. I think the whole idea about meeting Father Christmas was something they will both remember.”
While carolers wandering the streets of the Historic Village help set the proper holiday mood, guests enjoyed the activities at the Historic Christ Church. Many featured period music, both vocal and instrumental.
Later, visitors were invited to tour the annual display of “Christmas trees through the Ages,” featuring a Tree of Paradise, a Pyramid Tree and many more or take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park.
“The horses are beautiful,” said 11-yearold Caitlyn Teague stepping down from her carriage ride. “I like the bows they are wearing in their hair. If I had a horse I would put a bow like that on them for Christmas.”
Other special programs throughout the weekend included Mummer Plays, puppet shows, hearth cooking, cider pressing, story telling and children’s games.
A special feature of the event was the annual re-opening of the Allaire Station Post Office in the General Store Museum Gift Shop. Visitors were invited to bring their stamped holiday cards for mailing. Each item mailed was hand post-marked with the latest US Postal Service Allaire Christmas Cache Cancellation Stamp. In addition, the Village craftsmen spent the day demonstrating their skills in the arts of blacksmithing, carpentry, tinsmithery and wheelwrighting.
For those looking for a little something sweet to nibble on, a stop at the home of Howell Works Company Manager, James Parshal Smith was the place to visit. Its delicious aromas of exotic spices came compliments of the ladies of the Village Food Ways Guild, who demonstrated the art of 19th Century Hearth Cooking.
Finally, a visit to the bakery for a cup of hot mulled cider and some tasty holiday treats baked in a restored 19th Century Beehive Oven was a perfect way to round out a historic holiday.
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