Supporting History

Home for the Holidays

Are you wondering how to entertain out-of-town relatives during the holidays?  The State Historical Fund, which has participated in many restoration and rehabilitation projects on buildings that lend themselves to holiday festivities, would like to help.  Several of these sites offer enjoyable events and a cheerful holiday ambience that are sure to delight your family and friends.  Here are a few programs held in cities across the state where you can enjoy a special holiday experience in a historic setting and see the State Historical Fund’s positive impact as well.

Burlington
Though normally associated with warm summer days, the Kit Carson County Carousel will be open on December 7 for Christmas at the Carousel, from 1 to 4 P.M.  The wonderfully restored carousel animals will be decked out in holiday finery for this special event.  Call the Kit Carson County Fairgrounds, 800/825-0208.

Durango
Once an automobile dealership, the Hocker Motors Building now houses the Durango Arts Center.  Artists from throughout the region display their wares inside the structure.  The Spirit in Hand Holiday Boutique will take place on December 16 and December 24.  Throughout the month, the Gallery Shop will offer special handmade one-of-a-kind ornaments made by local artists and citizens, all donated for this fund-raising effort.  Located at 802 E. 2nd.  Call 970/259-2606 for details.

Evergreen
Throughout December, the Hiwan Homestead will be decorated with vintage holiday accessories from the museum collection.  On Friday, December 5, stop by the complex while strolling through the holidays during Jefferson County’s Holiday Walk and sample chestnuts roasted over an open fire.  On December 8, servers dressed in poodle skirts will host a Christmas Soc-Hop Tea starting at noon (fee is $12).  Or drop by on December 13 for the facility’s open house.  The Hiwan Homestead is located at 4208 S. Timbervale Drive.  Call 303/674-6262 for details.

Georgetown
Walk into Historic Georgetown, Inc.’s Hamill House at this time of year and you will be transported to a magical place jeweled with period holiday decorations.  This elegant home will be a stop on the Victorian Christmas Living Room Tour on December 6, 7, 13, and 14.  And don’t miss Christmas at the Hamill House, held December 12, 13, 19 and 20.  The evening receptions feature a traditional lighting of the Christmas tree candles—a truly rare experience—as well as carol singing and a Christmas toast.  Located at 305 Argentine Street.  Call 303/569-2840 for details.

Grand Junction
The Whitman Education Center (formerly Whitman School) will host An Old West Christmas on December 18, from noon to 1:30 P.M.  Hear Old West holiday stories about cowboys who worked the lonely range and families who used tumbleweeds as Christmas trees.  The school will be decorated throughout December.  The Whitman Education Center is located at 248 S. 4th Street.  Call 970/242-0971.

Longmont
The members of the St. Vrain Historical Society work hard every year to make the Hoverhome shine for the holidays.  Special tours will give visitors a glimpse of Christmas from other times.  Dates for the tours are December 7, 9, and 12.  Cost is $5 per person.  A Victorian Christmas Presentation on December 14 will feature costumed presenters portraying what Christmas was like for a Victorian lady.  Refreshments and home tours are included in the $14 per person cost.  Hoverhome is located at 1309 Hover Road.  Call 303/774-7810.

Steamboat Springs
Skiers and ski jumpers have honed their skills on Howelsen Hill since 1914.  Situated at the bottom of the hill, the Howelsen Hill Tow House has had a role in this history as well.  The hill and tow house (currently undergoing restoration) will sport festive decorations throughout the holidays.  Other city structures, including the historic Carver Power Plant, rehabilitated as the Steamboat Springs Town Hall, will also be decorated.  The Tow House is located at 845 Howelsen Way; the Carver Power Plant is at 116 10th Street.

Pueblo
ElectriCritters, an annual holiday extravaganza held at the Pueblo City Park Zoo, features specially designed lighted animal figures.  Hot chocolate and other goodies enhance the stroll while observing live animals, as well as those that are lighted and animated.  And speaking of animated, the monkeys will be on good behavior and are proud to show off their Monkey Mountain, currently going through restoration, that will be specially decorated for the event.  Sneak preview November 28, other nights December 5–7, 12–14, 19–23, and 23–30 beginning at 5:30 P.M.  Cost is $3.50 per person.  The zoo is located at 3455 Huckolls Avenue.  Call 719/561-1452 for more information.

The staff of the State Historical Fund would like to extend our holiday greetings and best wishes for the coming new year.  Your support during the past year has been invaluable.  Thank you.

BY LYLE MILLER, State Historical Fund Technical Advisor