During late December until January 5th, Friends of Bronte Creek Provincial Park invited the public to experience a Victorian Christmas as if it were the year 1900. Henry Breckon’s Spruce Lane farmhouse, built-in 1899, was elegantly decked out with boughs of pine and sliced oranges.
Staff were clad in 1890s garments for an authentic look, to create gingerbread ornaments and cranberry-popcorn garlands. In a nearby barn, tables were set up encouraging visitors to try various activities, such as the giant ‘checkers game’ table. Hot chocolate, apple cider and other treats were offered for sale, as well as maple syrup and jams. A few farm animals huddled together outdoors while a huge turkey gobbled, beckoning visitors to check out the chicken coop. The whole experience made for an enjoyable learning experience for young people.
Written by Leslie Styles
