NEWS RELEASE
November 3, 2007
For Immediate Release

Contact: Mayor Luther Lewallen
304-445-2916
 

Alderson Main Street has announced its Fifth Annual Christmas Homes Tour which will be held on Sunday, December 2, 2007 from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 and are available on the day of the tour at the 1896 C&O Depot in the Historic Business District of Alderson.

Featured this year are four homes, a display of model trains, the exuberant singing of the Praise and Worship Team, and hot drinks and cookies. It promises to be a wonderful afternoon of Christmas spirit, decorating ideas, and good company.

The inviting home of Jim and Betty Johnson is a1970’s ranch style with an open floor plan. It was built by Murel Robertson., a Lewisburg contractor. The Johnsons recently moved to this house from their farm, “Eastview” and brought with them their marvelous collection of antiques. With the help of Lesia Campbell Interiors, Betty Johnson has arranged her antiques beautifully in this more modern setting. She plans to have several Christmas trees, including one with all natural decorations, and will feature Thomas Kinkade items. Her 1800’s Staffordshire ware will be on display in the kitchen and dining areas.

The former home of Elvin Keadle is being decorated by his daughter-in-law, Becky Keadle and her partner, Valerie Warren, co-owners of Discount Decorating. This Craftsman style house was built in 1927 by Emmett Taylor, and later purchased by his daughter, Elizabeth Taylor Keadle, This house will be a designer showcase of Christmas ideas and displays including traditional, country, and even a “recycled” approach.

The house in which Joe and Shirley Lusk live was built in 1876 in the Greek Revival Style with Victorian details, by M. M. Ogg. He purchased the land from George Alderson for $200. The Lusks have all of the deeds for the house from the early hand-written ones to the current one. According to “The Rise and Fall of Alderson” by Thomas W. Dixon, Mr. Ogg came to Alderson in 1872 along with the railroad and worked as an engineer until he retired in 1906. He had been a Confederate soldier, was a Mason, and helped organize the Alderson Presbyterian Church. Art by Gertrude Lusk, grandmother of Joe Lusk, decorates the house. For the holidays, Mrs. Lusk plans a souvenir ornament tree, a natural wildlife tree, a kitchen tree, and many other decorations.

The home of David and Margaret Hambrick was built circa 1915 for J. Albert Rigg. It is a Colonial Revival style with neo-classical elements and has been enlarged over the years. Originally it sat among vegetable gardens and had a clay surfaced tennis court in the side yard. The Hambricks plan a different Christmas tree for every room from ceiling grazing size to miniature trees with woodland birds. Abundant fresh greenery will delight the nose as well as the eyes.

Shiloh Baptist Church will host the Praise and Worship Team from the Federal Prison Camp for performances at 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30 p.m. Shiloh was built circa 1880. in the Greek Revival style with the later addition of a bell tower. Reverend Robert J. Frazier, Sr. and the congregation will welcome visitors with warm hospitality.

The Praise and Worship Team will add their exuberant music with traditional carols and more modern gospel selections. Their excitement is infectious and they will have everyone standing, swaying, and clapping along with them.

A model train exhibit will be held with several exhibitors and enough trains to cheer all those who are a child at heart. Coordinated by Lee Skaggs and with the addition of trains from the collection of the father and son team of Rick and Zachary Burns, this exhibit will be larger than in previous years. The Christmas tree in this area will have a train running on its branches!

Other features will be silent auction items and quilt raffle tickets. Refreshments will be provided by the Alderson Women’s Club. The $10 ticket includes all the events and is necessary for entry.

Mayor Luther Lewallen said, “We look forward to this every year. It is a great way to start the Christmas season. Come, join us.”