Press Release - Wednesday, December 06, 2006
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Holiday celebration and 150th anniversary Bryant Cottage Holiday Open House December 10
BEMENT - Period holiday decorations and music will highlight a Holiday Open House and 150th Anniversary Celebration to be held Sunday, December 10 at Bryant Cottage State Historic Site in Bement.
Bryant Cottage was built in 1856 for early Bement businessman and political leader Francis Bryant, a close friend of Stephen A. Douglas. The cottage will be specially decorated in honor of its 150th anniversary by the design team of Petals & Porch Posts, and guests may view the decorated cottage by candle and lamplight from 5 to 7 p.m. Mrs. Sarah Bryant, portrayed by Peggy Wells, and the Bryants' daughter Mary Eliza will greet visitors that evening.
Handmade Christmas ornaments will be given to the first 50 families to visit during the Open House (one per family). Period holiday music will be provided. Visitors are encouraged to view a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments made by local first graders. The Holiday Open House is free and open to the public.
The Bement Community Council will sponsor a luminarias event throughout the Bement City Park to coincide with the Holiday Open House. Free horse-drawn carriage rides, originating at Bryant Cottage and offering a unique view of the luminaria, will be available from 5 to 7 p.m.
On Saturday, December 9 visitors are invited to watch the parade with Santa at 1 p.m. and visit with Santa at Bement Township Library until 3 p.m. Friends of the Library will provide refreshments.
Bryant Cottage State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, is open Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for free public tours. The site will close as usual at 4 p.m. December 10, reopening at 5 for the Open House. Bryant Cottage will be closed December 25 and January 1 for the holidays.
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