Holland/Springfield Township residents gathered at the Holland Springfield Spencer Historical Society Museum for the first of what museum members hope to make an annual event. Towncrier Michael Lieber kicked off the open house with an announcement to passersby and visitors about this “joyful occasion.”
Following his announcement, visitors were invited to step inside and back in time to Christmases past. One area of the museum was decorated in 1960s and ’70s fashion with a shiny aluminum tree that Lucy Van Pelt would have been proud to display in the picture window of her home.
Another tree was adorned with handmade ornaments made from recycled materials. Students at Holland Intermediate School who created the ornaments also filled three display cases at the museum.
A group of judges, including several museum board members, faced the difficult task of selecting winning entries for fourth and fifth grades. First, second and third place were awarded along with several for honorable mention.
“We really appreciate the generosity of our neighbor Fire Nation for providing first place: Copper Moon, who at one time occupied the museum for second place, and Acrisure/McClure Insurance Group for third,” said museum director Jane Welch-Maiolo, adding, “The students did an excellent job and were very creative, especially with pickleballs.”
The museum also displayed a handmade ceramic Christmas tree on Dr. Pollock’s desk, and the stairway featured snowmen who, like Frosty, surely enjoy this weather. Visitors enjoyed cookies and milk and children had the opportunity to make candy cane ornaments.
Clockwise from top left, Towncrier Lieber announces the start of the open house; winners of the art contest with their art teacher Kelly Nottingham, are, from left, Joshlynn Turner, Calista Neumeyer, Naomi Hunkapiller, Addison Armstrong, Mason Espitia, Jared Fann and Brooklyn Byersmith: These two youngsters couldn’t resist climbing the stairs to see the Snowman display leading to the second floor, and the museum was open in the evening for visitors to enjoy the decorations from outside or inside the museum. The museum closed for the holidays on December 11.
