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Mount Gulian Celebrates Holiday Traditions with Candlelight Tours
Mount Gulian Historic Site, the Dutch Colonial home of the Verplanck family, will hold its annual Candlelight Tours on Sunday, December 17th from 4 to 7pm and December 19th, 20th, and 21st from 1 to 5pm.
Mount Gulian was originally constructed in the 1730s with the family residing there until 1931 when it was destroyed by an arsonist's fire. It was reconstructed in the late 1960s-early 1970s, ironically a time when many old homes throughout the country were demolished to make way for things new and modern. The building was reconstructed to include architectural features characteristic of homes in the Netherlands that would have been evident in the house in the 18th century. Visitors will see the original Dutch jambless hearth, not affected by the fire, as well as a reconstructed divided entry door, known as a Dutch door.
Many nineteenth century Verplanck family decorating
traditions will be followed with the use of lady apples, oranges, pine over the doors and berries of the biter-sweet in various places. Each room, of course, will be lit by candlelight.
Members of the Civil War reenactment group, the 150th New York, will be at the homestead on December 19th, signing Christmas carols and speaking with visitors about the ways in which the holiday was celebrated during the War. Also on this day, visitors will be invited to enjoy holiday sweets and punch.
The gift shop, filled with items reminiscent of the 18th through 20th centuries, and appropriate for children and adults, will be open during the Candlelight Tours for shoppers looking for something different.
Admission for all tours is $5/ adult; $3/children. Reservations are not required. For further information call 831-8172.
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