By Megan Hess
Review Staff Writer
Ever wonder what Christmas was like before we had strings of colored lights, the Home Alone movies, and crowded shopping malls? Here is the perfect opportunity to explore Christmas as it was in the 1920s.
For the second year in a row the Scripps Estate is opening its doors to the public during the holiday season for ‘Christmastide at Scripps.? The local pre-Depression era mansion will be open for limited tours, available only by reservation, over Thanksgiving weekend and again in mid-December.
Two local designers helped bring holiday splendor back to the estate, creatively utilizing decorative donations from the community.
May Huerner and Patricia Hermans ‘have a special appreciation for the challenges of decorating architecturally magnificent homes like the Scripps house,? said Leslie Pielack, Executive Director and Curator of the Scripps Estate. ‘Their magic touch has transformed the house with simple but elegant holiday charm reminiscent of the Scripps? era of the 1920s and 1930s.?
‘When you come to the house, the theme is reflected in the main tree. This theme is ‘Peace on Earth? and this year we need it more than ever.? Liepack said.
She also mentioned the toy area in the Flower Room is ‘something to look forward to,? as is the new village set of ceramic collectables.
Proceeds from the tours will help support the high costs of the preservation and restoration of the estate, which was formally listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. The mansion is ‘considered nationally significant for its art, architecture, the importance of its landscape design, and its association with an important American, William E. Scripps,? who built the estate, was the heir to the Detroit News.
Tours on Nov. 29-30 are available at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. Tours from Dec. 7-21 are available at 11 am and 3 pm, Tues.-Fri., and 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. Sat.-Sun.
Tours are priced at $25/adult, $15/seniors and children 5-11 and last approximately an hour and a half.
A very limited number of private Holiday Teas will also be available at the Scripps Estate. The Teas will include a private tour of the estate and a 3-course traditional afternoon tea served in the mansion’s dining room. Packages begin at $50/person, and 5-course English high teas are also available for an additional charge.
Reservations can be made by calling 248-391-4445, ext 1104 or 1100.