Wednesday, December 6, 2006 · Page 13 Homestead highlights changing traditions of Christmas BY DANIEL SCHWAB The John R. Park Homestead and Conservation Area was transported back in time 150 years Dec. 3, for the re-creation of an 1850's Christmas. With the house decorated with fresh evergreens, feathers and popcorn on strings, homestead staff treated visitors to a very different holiday celebration. "It wasn't a commercial event like it is today," said Janet Cobban, curator of the homestead. "If you wanted to decorate your house you ould have to go out in the oods and look for greenry or berries and you'd ave to chop down your ree because there'd be no ne selling Christmas trees. n fact, most families didn't ave Christmas trees in heir houses. Usually you ent to a public place like a hurch or a hall to see one." Not everyone exchanged ifts either, Cobban said of ld-fashioned Christmas elebrations. When they id, they were usually omemade. But Cobban said some hings have always emained the same, such as big meal, religious servics and getting together with family. "That doesn't change too much over time," she said. With vegetables boiling in brass pots, bread browning in a bake kettle and a goose roasting in a reflector oven, a re-creation of a typical Park family Christmas feast showed the affluent family didn't skimp on the delicacies of the day. Their Christmas Eve dining room spread included fresh citrus, pomegranates and pineapples, which indicated their wealth, said homestead staff member Steven Szakaly, who was dressed in 1850's style clothing for the event. The Parks would also have crystal glasses and bone-handled silverware laid out across the dinner table for a feast that included creamed potatoes with mint, buttered parsnips and mulled cider, Szakaly said. "It was a different time," said homestead staff member Nancy Hager. "There was no electricity, central heating or plumbing. It was so new that people were just starting out their traditions." The annual Christmas in the Country event has been celebrated at the homestead since the museum opened to K OF C PICKEREL 1 pc. Fish 2nd Piece of Fish $5.00 Children's Meal $10.00 Friday, December 8th Holy Name of Jesus Hall Essex · 4:30-7:00 pm Use Entrance off Fairview Parking Lot Rear Entrance TAKE OUTS AVAILABLE (under 10) Hot Dog, Pop & Chips $2.50 Cabbage Rolls $7.00 $8.00 PRISTINE CLEANING SERVICE A Merry Christmas & Happy New Year · Commercial · Residential · Licensed Ph: 519-738-2780 Cell: 519-259-2918 12th Annual Jingle Bell Run Raffle Winners with proceeds to Community Living Essex County 1ST PRIZE: Wine Cooler - Pam Young 2ND PRIZE: Suchiu Art Print - Paul Haworth 3RD PRIZE: 6 month Gym Membership - Kevin Lebert 4TH PRIZE: $50 Gift Certificate - Ted Burdette John R. Park Homestead staff member Nancy Hager stands in front of a replica of a 19th century Christmas tree during Christmas in the Country, Dec. 3. The annual event featured live holiday music and a tour through the Christmas-themed Park home. the public in 1978. Other activities included roasting chestnuts, caroling to the sounds of live holiday music and creating ornaments for a replica of a 19th century Christmas tree. 372 Talbot St. N., Essex, Ontario N8M 2W4 Phone: (519) 776-6483 Fax: (519) 776-6972 or visit us on the web: communitylivingessex.org Carrefour des Femmes du Sud-Ouest de l'Ontario C.P. 774 London, Ontario N6A 4Y8 Tél. 519-858-0954 Téléc. 519-858-4762 INTERVENANTES EN AGRESSION À CARACTÈRE SEXUEL DEUX POSTES À COMBLER - TEMPS PLEIN Carrefour des femmes du Sud-Ouest de l'Ontario, un centre francophone d'aide et de lutte aux agressions à caractère sexuel, est à la recherche de deux travailleuses dynamiques pour l'offre des services directs aux femmes d'expression française du Sud-ouest de l'Ontario ayant subi des agressions à caractère sexuel. Qualifications et compétences requises - Formation collégiale/universitaire dans le domaine du travail social ou dans un domaine connexe. - Solide expérience dans le domaine du travail social ou dans un domaine connexe. Lieu et heure de travail: London et toute la région du Sud-Ouest Ontarien, 35 heures/semaine. Le salaire est de 35 000 $ à 40 000 $, selon expérience en plus des avantages sociaux. Veuillez faire parvenir votre curriculum vitae avec lettre de présentation en français par courriel au plus tard le vendredi 15 décembre 2006 avant 16 h 00 au: comite_embauche@carrefourfemmes.on.ca Note: nous ne communiquerons qu'avec les personnes dont la candidature sera retenue.