ORIGINALLY WRITTEN STAFF
The Christmas season unofficially begins in Hillsboro Sunday afternoon with the first public event: the Schaeffler House “Christmas Open House” from 1:30-5:30 p.m. at 312 E. Grand.
The event is held in conjunction with the “Holiday Open House” in downtown Hillsboro, where about a dozen businesses will be open from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
The Schaeffler celebration will feature the city’s historic Victorian mansion decked out for Christmas, according to Peni Ens of the Hillsboro Historical Society.
“This will be our fifth year decorating the house,” Ens said.
The house, built in 1909 by the William F. Schaeffler family, features leaded-glass windows, gingerbread fretwork, two mantels, an open staircase in front and a servants’ staircase in back.
This year’s decor will feature a homespun quilt display, provided by women in the community. Two Christmas trees will also be decorated, one with a Victorian theme and the other with an old-fashioned theme.
A 1917 overland touring car owned by the Historical Society will also be on display.
Ens said the decorations will remain throughout December, and said the Schaeffler House can be rented for special occasions during the holiday season.
Throughout the afternoon, refreshments will be provided, and area musicians will provide live entertainment. A tour guide will be available.
No admission is charged for the event, but donations will be accepted to help support the Hillsboro Historical Society.
The Schaeffler House will also be open every Sunday in December from 2-4 p.m. The cost to tour the building will be $2 for adults and $1 for students.
