April 26, 2024
Shaw Local
NewsSubscribePrep SportsFriday Night DriveObituarieseNewspaperStarved Rock CountryLocal EventsGames and Puzzles

Reddick Mansion in Ottawa to host Christmas by Candlelight Open House

Mansion takes on a ‘special glow’ in Christmas splendor, RMA president says

By Shaw Local News Network
Leland Elementary fourth grade students pose in front of the two Christmas trees they decorated at the Reddick Mansion in Ottawa.

Leland Elementary fourth grade students pose in front of the two Christmas trees they decorated at the Reddick Mansion in Ottawa. (Photo provided by Lorraine McCallister)

The Reddick Mansion Association in Ottawa is inviting the public to visit between 6 and 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, and Friday, Dec. 9, for its Christmas by Candlelight Open House.

Entry costs $10 per person and $5 for students kindergarten through 12th grades and no reservations are required. Parking will be reserved for guests on Lafayette and Columbus streets.

“While I think the mansion is beautiful at any time of the year, she takes on a special glow in all of her Christmas splendor,” said Reddick Mansion Association President Lorraine McCallister. “The Reddick Mansion Association Board is especially excited this year because our guests will be seeing the two newly restored third-floor bedrooms for the first time.”

Secretary Larry Swanson said visitors will chat with and learn from volunteers as they wander through the candle-lit mansion.

Two of the trees were decorated by students from Leland Elementary School, who took part in the Christmas Tree Decorating Competition sponsored by Prairie Fox Books. The students chose the Leland Panthers and library books as their theme for the trees.

“The effect is stunning. The mansion takes on a glow at Christmas that never, ever fails to move me. I consider her a beautiful lady, but at Christmas time she really shines,” said Lorraine McCallister, Reddick Mansion Association president. Activities will begin Friday, Nov. 22, with a holiday preview party, followed Tuesday, Dec. 3, with a Christmas tea, and holiday candlelight tours Fridays, Dec. 6 and 13. “It’s a good time to catch your breath and meet up with your friends before Christmas,” said Donna Nordstrom, board member and marketing committee chairwoman for the mansion, located at 100 W. Lafayette St.

The Reddick Mansion Association in Ottawa is inviting the public to visit between 6 and 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, and Friday, Dec. 9, for its Christmas by Candlelight Open House.

Father Christmas also will be making an appearance for pictures.

All money raised is used for the preservation and renovation of the Reddick Mansion, located at 100 W. Lafeyette St.