CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Each year, the historical home and grounds of Ohio’s former Governor Thomas Worthington is donned in holiday decoration as if it were 1807. According to Kathy Styer, Executive Director of the Adena Mansion and Gardens for the past 12 years, about 500 tourists are expected to visit over this weekend and next.
“Many people come from Columbus, but they come from all over,” she commented. The mansion boasts natural greenery from Pine throughout. A docent greets visitors on the tour of the mansion, every thirty minutes at the wreath-bound door. The life and history of the family is explained. An interesting fact the docent shares is that the Worthington family, despite being Christian, “did not celebrate Christmas the way we do now.” She continued explaining, “On January 1st of each year they would put out greenery in the house because they saw it as a sign for perpetual life.”
A lot of festive activities were taking place other than just the tours of the mansion, over this past weekend. The nearby Tennant House was a fun-filled location for kids. They were able to eat German cookies, drink mulled cider, and make a craft. The museum center hosted a wreath-making session; pine greenery shaped as wreaths were available to each participant.
“I think I’m going to put my wreath on my driveway gate,” commented Charli Montaron, one of the wreath-makers. Numerous natural products, like Holly berries, were available to adorn wreaths alongside the ribbon.
Additional workshop and holiday event information are available at on the Mansion’s website.
