- April 24, 2024
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The Casements' will 100th Christmas Gala will be held Dec. 6-8.
BY EMILY BLACKWOOD | STAFF WRITER
On the days leading up to The Casements Centennial Christmas, the insides of the mansion were something straight out of a holiday book. Trees were lit; garland was wrapped around staircases; and wreaths hung on the doors.
It was prep time.
Pat Reynolds, Casements Guild Christmas chair, said because it's the event's 100th anniversary, they want to pay tribute to John D. Rockefeller, who resided in the house until his death.
"During this time, we really are giving thanks to Mr. Rockefeller," said Reynolds, who has been volunteering with the guild for three years. "Christmas was his favorite holiday, so we honor that by decorating the house."
The three-day fundraising event starts Dec. 6 and includes a tree lighting, ice cream socials and carriage rides.
"It's just a fun place to be," said Reynolds. "I love Christmas myself, so Rockefeller is a person I can appreciate."
Also celebrating the 100th anniversary is 100-year-old Elsa Wiedemann, who has been volunteering with the guild since it began in 1979. She said the founding mothers met at a bank and sold potted plants to start the guild, in order to raise money to restore The Casements.
Wiedmann was a former president of the guild and is now an honorary member.
"People don't take it serious," said Wieddmann. "They join a couple of years and quit. I start something, I never quit."
Now Wieddmann takes her reign as Snow Queen during The Casements Centennial Christmas. She also continues to donate items to the house and delivers a thought of the day at guild meetings.
"You don't get old; you just get older," said Wiedmann.
Visit www.thecasements.net.
