Historic homes decorate for family-friendly holiday nostalgia

An old Victrola plays holiday music, electric candles twinkle on a tree, large gold, green and red baubles hang from garland. The decorations are quite different from the modern inflatables of Santa being pulled by flamingoes, or laser projections of lights swirling on houses and trees. At several historic homes in Collier and Lee counties, decorations harken back to the olden days, giving families a look at an old-fashioned Christmas while also teaching children history.

The Naples Historical Society’s Christmas at Palm Cottage invites families to see what the holidays were like in the late 1800s and early 1900s during their 20th annual holiday event. The oldest house in Naples, built in 1895, was constructed of tabby mortar and handmade concrete consisting of sand, shells and water.The 3,500-square-foot, two-story home was built by one of Naples’ founding residents Walter Haldeman.

December 3-28, Palm Cottage is decorated for the holidays and hosts special presentations. There are tours of the cottage Tuesday through Friday. Then, during the free 10 Days of Christmas special event, guests can see a variety of special attractions 4 to 7 p.m. December 10-14 and 17-21. On Tuesdays, there’s Christmas piano music. On Wednesdays, longtime residents tell stories of the holidays long ago. On the last evening, in front of the fireplace, Ray Carroll reads “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” more commonly known as “The Night Before Christmas.”

“On the 19th, they will talk about the Victrola, and the kids love that program,” says Nancy Holcomb, events coordinator. “What they would enjoy about visiting during the day is there are four or five Christmas trees.”

Children also enjoy seeing some of the items from the olden days. They are often fascinated by the typewriter,stereoscope and especially by the white and pink porcelain chamber pot. They also get to see what life was like when there was no air conditioning, plumbing or electricity. They learn about the parlor, a real fireplace, how clothes were washed on an old washboard and more.

In Fort Myers every year, the Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club decorates the Burroughs and Langford-Kingston homes. Holiday House began in the 1950s when club members would decorate their own homes and invite the public to view them. About 15 years ago, the festivities were moved downtown. This is the event’s 63rd year.

Paige LeBoutillier says the event is great for families with children.

“Santa is there every evening,” she begins. “Mostly for families it is the value. It is only $5 for adults and children 10 and under are free. It is a way for them to see beautiful decorated homes, visit with Santa, and it is an affordable price.”

The tours are self-guided, which makes it easier for parents with small children who don’t want to linger too long in each location. Paige says the decorations are done in traditional colors of shiny blue and purple and orange and deep green colors.

At the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, also in Fort Myers,the 44th annual Holiday Nights is a chance to not only see the decorations but to learn about the men who made history with their inventions.

“Most people know about the lightbulb, but they might not know that they had a lab trying to find a natural resource to produce rubber,” says Lisa Wilson, public relations director. “There are some demonstrations inside the museum that are on a kid’s level, talking about things we make out of rubber, like a rubber super ball or tires on a car. Even little kids can learn about that. That is something really interesting for kids especially kids that are a little older and have an interest in science.”

This year the decorations will have a nautical theme, such as boats, boat rope and aquatic life.

“During Holiday Nights, it is very pretty,” Lisa says, “but anytime visitors come here they can learn the history of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.”

IF YOU GO

Palm Cottage

  • When: The Palm Cottage is open noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday, December 3-28; the 10 Days of Christmas takes place 4 to 7 p.m. December 10-14 and 17-21
  • Where: Palm Cottage, 137 12th Ave. S., Naples
  • Cost: Tours are $13 for nonmembers, free for members and children younger than 10. The 10 Days of Christmas event is free for everyone. Reservations for tours recommended.
  • Details: 239-261-8164, napleshistoricalsociety.org

Burroughs and Langford-Kingston Homes

  • When: 5-9 p.m. December 13-22 (Santa visits 6 to 8 p.m. nightly)
  • Where: Burroughs Home & Gardens, 2505 First St., and Langford-Kingston Home, 2500 First St., Fort Myers (across First Street from each other at the corner Fowler Street and First)
  • Cost: $5 for adults, free for ages 10 and younger and military with ID
  • Details: 239-931-0997, fmwcc.net/house

Edison and Ford Winter Estates