An Edwardian Christmas - 2012
From mansion to movie palace
When King Edward VII assumed the English throne in January of 1901, the Edwardian Era began and the Victorian Era was officially over. While customs didn’t change overnight, the Edwardian Era did usher in new attitudes during an era of great opulence, invention and change in Britain and America. Christmas during the Edwardian Era was an exuberant time with many changes that we still embrace today. While the Christmas tree was well accepted by the 20th century it became widespread during the Edwardian Era. Electric Christmas lights also began to be used. New toys came on the scene including the teddy bear, Lincoln logs, the erector set, tiddlywinks, tinker toys, Crayola crayons, Lionel trains and tin wind-up toys. Other cultural additions from the era include Peter Pan which first debuted in 1904 in London and O’Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi” first published in 1909.
The spirit and exuberance of an Edwardian Christmas has come to life at the Van Orden mansion in Baraboo, WI. The Van Orden Mansion was finished in 1903. Twelve fresh Christmas trees are displayed in various rooms each one decorated by area designers, businesses and volunteers with “a few of my favorite things.” From “raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens” to “silver white winters that melt into spring”, each tree displays some element from the beloved song. Participating decorators include Amber Moon Floral, The Village Booksmith, Bekah Kate’s, the Sauk County Humane Society, Mona Larsen, Diane Thomas, Paul and Ann Wolter, Bruce Ley and Cindy Weber, June Schumacher, Carol Kratochwill, and Dave Saloutos of Baraboo. Saloutos once again created an entire Christmas room – this year showcasing Christmas in the 1960s and 1970s including an aluminum tree, a mod 60s tree and a typical 70s tree. The room also highlights the advent of animated Christmas specials and music from the era.
The museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, noon until 4 pm. There is no admission charge.
