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We’re counting down to this year’s Christmas Candlelight Tour! Please enjoy the full text of the Tour House descriptions by the Christmas Candlelight Tour Committee released on our Facebook and Instagram pages on a weekly basis, and be sure to follow us for updates on this year’s Tour!
Skinner-Paxton House, ca. 1798. 115 West King Street
This home has been on many Edenton tours but this is a first Christmas Tour for the current owners, Elizabeth and Russell. Known as the most stylishly finished side-hall plan house in Edenton, the decor is equally stylish. An inclination for many things French results in the unique environment assembled by Elizabeth and Russell. The Candlelight Tour affords an opportunity for them to showcase their Louis XV1 furnishings and 19th century landscape paintings. The parlor and dining room are a sophisticated backdrop for traditional florals and greenery designed for Christmas. Russell, a noted gardener, hopes the Christmas designs give visitors ideas to recreate in their own homes.
Touring through the home visitors are greeted from the side hall staircase by a collection of Nutcrackers. Five were gifts to Russell. In support of his daughter’s dancing, he participated in the opening party scene of the ballet for several years. The parlor’s large Christmas tree echoes the colors in the upholstery and floor covering. The dining room’s formal setting is punctuated by a floral centerpiece constructed by a local designer. A relaxed feeling in the family den has elements of whimsy and another large tree.
Elizabeth enjoys the interior Christmas decorating. Candles in the windows, an Advent wreath with candles, and a Christmas tree until Epiphany are family traditions she continues. Russell is in charge of the outdoors with lights in trees and landscaping. The back fence of their property lights up West Water Street with an enormous wreath on the brick wall.
Both enjoy Christmas in this home and town: “You really see and feel the spirit in Edenton. It’s a real community,” says Russell. Elizabeth chimes in: “The community is joyous and welcoming at Christmas and throughout the year.” Both look forward to welcoming Candlelight Tour guests….and introducing them to Uncle Barnard!
Beverly Hall, 1810. 114 West King Street
A staple on Edenton Tours for the past thirty years, Beverly Hall (circa 1810) has charmed visitors to Pilgrimages, Easels in the Gardens, and Christmas Candlelight Tours. Asked why they continue to be involved, the owners acknowledge their love and support of Edenton as their motivation. This year’s Christmas Tour is no exception. As owner Gray states: “We know the Tour is an opportunity to showcase Edenton and encourage visitors to enjoy all there is to see and do here.” Certainly, there is much to see and enjoy at Beverly Hall and at the 43rd annual Christmas Candlelight Tour.
Gray shared that the Christmas decorations have evolved. For their first tour, 30 years ago, she and her husband Sam had just moved into Beverly Hall. As the home has been in Sam’s family for generations, they were thrilled to be there. However, they were starting out in marriage and didn’t have much furniture. Multiple Christmas trees were the decorative focal points. In the intervening years their collections of antique furniture, objects, and paintings have grown. For this year’s tour guests can view these collections with native plants and flowers nestled among them.
Beverly Hall was built circa 1810 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was the residence of John Blount and his wife Lydia Bonner, a signer of the 1774 Edenton Resolves. A private bank which became the State Bank of North Carolina was part of the residence. The original bank vault is still in existence. When Gray and Sam’s children were young, the vault was the hiding place for presents, away from prying eyes. The children are now grown and out of the house. While a hiding place is not needed, the vault continues as an intriguing topic of conversation.
Preparing for the Tour, the young adults go with their dad to forage for greenery such as smilax to use throughout the home’s decor. Gray likes to mix in berries and plants from their garden. China berries are a favorite. She also uses abundant amaryllis and paper whites so their blooms are seen throughout the house.
When interviewed, Gray added that she and her husband enjoy sharing their home on the Christmas Tour as it provides them an opportunity to visit with the Tour attendees. In Edenton a unique tradition is the presence of homeowners during the tour to welcome guests, greeting new and old friends. This tradition is one visitors continually state they, too, enjoy. Please join in the Christmas Candlelight Tour and the tradition of making new friends as you greet beloved old friends!
Shepard-Warren House, 1920. 301 South Granville Street
This family was first on the Christmas Candlelight Tour when three of the four children were 4 and 3 years old and 14 months old. The fourth child joined the Tour several years later. Over the past 25 years the children have grown into young adults yet they continue to assist their parents with the Tour. The Children’s Christmas tree, documenting their lives and crafts, is in the kitchen. The 1800’s German family Bible, special quilt, and large Nativity are again on the Tour.
The unique family tradition of holding a Christmas Eve Service is on display. Over the years the family has had a service at home produced by the children. For 25 years they have written the program, produced, acted, and documented the service in a written format. The collection of these programs, plus the yearly photos of the family in Christmas pajamas, are on display. Note: These two traditions continue and the oldest child is 28 years of age!
Another collection on display is the first edition children’s books, with a focus on Christmas stories. Showcased is ‘The Most Precious Gift, A Story of the Nativity’ by Marty Crisp and illustrations by Floyd Cooper. Donna, mother of this household, is the collector who builds on her passions as a teacher and writer. Dad Chris is also a collector – of people. He loves the Tour because he gets to visit with the Tour guests. And he gets to surround himself with his young adult children who assist with collecting and decorating with native greenery and decorating their ‘Joy Tree.’
In addition to the house, this 2024 Tour has two outbuildings on display: a 19th century carriage house and a garage, now a ‘mancave.’ The mancave has a sports theme with an old popcorn machine from the Taylor Theater. The carriage house is home to a ministry that provides prom dresses to young women, regardless of their circumstances. Donna is eager to share this ministry in hopes it can grow to serve many more adolescents in their high school years. Last year, the first year, 75 girls from 11 counties were involved.
This home and family exemplify the Christmas spirit on the 2024 Christmas Candlelight Tour. Join us in this celebration!
Dixon-Williams House, 1925. 300 South Granville Street
Edenton Baptist Church, 1916. Hand Bell Choir Performance. 200 South Granville Street
Holton-Boone House, 1959 (Exterior). Live Music by the Wayne James Quartet on the Porch. 207 South Granville Street
As you approach this newer home, two things stand out. A collection of musicians sit on the wide porch and a brightly lit, folk-artsy tree is in the yard. The musicians, the Wayne James Quartet, were a big hit on the 41st Christmas Candlelight Tour but were unable to be with the Tour last year. We welcome them back to this porch and to the 43rd Annual Tour!
What would Christmas be without music? Along with the strolling carolers, the Doorway Singers who have participated in the past 3 Tours, the music of these regional professionals adds a cheerfulness to the Tour that says “Happy Holidays”! This Christmas gaiety, matched with the “Joy Tree” in the front yard, are favorites of the Christmas Candlelight Tour.
What is a “Joy Tree?” Meredith, an owner of this home, is credited with bringing Joy Trees to Edenton. She grew up in Richmond, Virginia where merrily decorated trees were a norm, following an artsy-crafts, whimsical tradition seen in Richmond’s downtown area. Meredith and her husband Bracey recreated this style three years ago in their front yard and it immediately attracted attention. Something about the vibrant colors and creative take on a traditionally-lit tree caught the imagination of other residents. A local realtor, enamored with the tree, posted a Facebook invitation for others to join in. Meredith and realtor Mary Scott gave a name to this new-to-Edenton style: the “Joy Tree” -a noun; as in giving happiness, spreading joy. Its success was heard in the plaintive question of a young boy, on the removal of the decorative lights in January: “No more joy??”
Almost a hundred “Joy Trees” can be seen throughout the town and county. Take a ride one evening to see all the trees, play and sing Christmas carols as you travel through the streets. And of course, enjoy the original Joy Tree on the lawn at 207 South Granville Street as you listen and sing along with the Wayne James Quartet on Friday, December 13 and Saturday December 14, 2024, 4-8pm.
Meredith and Bracey’s Recipe: How To Make A Joy Tree
There is no rhyme or reason.
No two are alike.
There are no rules.
Wrap a tree with variety of styles and lights and colors, and tweak.
Follow your imagination!
Goodwin-Leggett House, ca. 1884. 205 South Granville Street
William S. White House, ca. 1900. 208 West Queen Street
Hmmmmmm, Christmas versus Halloween: a dilemma. Kristy and Lucas met on Halloween three decades ago, so Halloween is a special time for them. Their white fence will be filled with spider webs and all things spooky. However, the spiders give way to greenery as guests are welcomed to the Candlelight Tour. Kristy says the experience begins with the front porch, their favorite room, where sitting and visiting with passersby is a daily ritual. From the decorated porch, large Christmas trees welcome visitors inside.
Being in this home is providential for Kristy and Lucas. Kristy grew up in Chowan County with relatives in both Bertie and Chowan and claims Edenton as home. Lucas’ childhood was in many places, including northern most Canada. Visiting Kristy’s family over the years, and fishing on both sides of the Chowan River, convinced him that Edenton would be a good place to live. When the “White House” came on the market, Kristy, whose maiden name is White, made an offer. While the Whites who built this home were not related to Kristy’s family, it seemed destined that she be here. She and Lucas share their joy in their home of three years: “Edenton is wonderful and full of such nice people. We are so glad to be here and now to be part of the Edenton tradition of the Candlelight Tour.”
Over the years of their marriage Kristy and Lucas have combined different family traditions of Christmas: Lucas’ father, a pastor, focused on reading the Bible about the birth of the Christ Child, while Kristy’s traditions combined both church and opening Santa’s surprises on Christmas morning. The combination of these traditions are what Kristy and Lucas share with Candlelight Tour visitors on December 13 and 14, the 43rd annual Christmas Candlelight Tour.
Old Winston Homeplace, ca. 1900. 206 West Queen Street
While the owners, Martha and Henry, have been on the Pilgrimage in this house and on the Christmas Candlelight Tour in a previous home in the Cotton Mill Village, this is a first Candlelight Tour for the Old Winston Home Place. The house’s name comes from the Winston family who built and lived in this home for sixty plus years.
Martha has a stack of at least fifteen books from which she derives inspiration for Christmas decorating in this lovely Colonial Revival home. Assisting her is a dear friend of 47 years, and of course, Henry. Every homeowner on the Tour has a different approach to preparing for the Tour. Martha has a notebook that outlines all their ideas for decorating the house, the materials needed, and a timeline. One recurring theme is dried fruit, an accessory seen from colonial days to the present. Every room will have an arrangement featuring fruit dried by Martha.
Christmas for Martha is a season and she loves all of it. For Henry, Christmas is about being with family. Both of these perspectives will be seen in the home’s decor. From a tree skirt crocheted by Henry’s mother to festive Christmas trees, a lemon topiary in the kitchen, and an Advent wreath, Martha and Henry combine what they love. In addition to the holiday decor, the collection of family heirlooms and antique furniture with a primitive feel will interest guests. Included is a standing cabinet radio that belonged to Martha’s grandfather who was the supervisor of the Edenton Cotton Mill for 28 years.
Asked what motivated them to be on the Tour, Martha agreed with Henry’s strong statement: “Preservation is important. One way to share this importance is by seeing houses that have been restored. The Christmas Candlelight Tour is a great way to do this.”
Twine-Satterfield House, ca. 1904. 104 South Granville Street
It may have been decades ago when this home was on the Tour. Certainly, it was years before this couple met at UNC-Chapel Hill and married! Sallie describes their approach to decorating, “With our two grandmothers’ skills, this will be a child-friendly, crafty Christmas.” In addition to crafts on display, Sallie says she is learning from her mother-in-law, another Edenton resident, how to use greenery for decorating at Christmas.
The front of the home will have an Edenton Joy Tree. Ryland does the lights and as he says: “The whole family has a blast taking walks every night in December to see the Joy Trees in the neighborhood.” The family also enjoys making pressed cookies and delivering them to friends and neighbors. Other rituals from Ryland’s growing-up years in Edenton continue: going to Belvidere for sausage and having his mother’s lasagna on Christmas Eve. Sallie and Ryland agree: “There is never a dull moment in Edenton for a family in December!”
Tour participants will enjoy a new kitchen remodel that will inspire ideas. For parents in particular, ideas to involve children abound. For grandparents taking the Tour, their role in making memories is highlighted!
Join the Christmas Candlelight Tour in Edenton to make your own memories of this “most wonderful time of the year, the happiest season of all!”
Paine-Robinson-McMullan House, ca. 1844. 100 South Granville Street
Holmes-Steinburg House, ca. 1920. 103 South Granville Street
Marie and Bob have hosted many tours in their home. For them, being hosts never gets old. They bring their infectious enthusiasm to every tour and every guest, and this year is no exception!
Changes have been made since this home was last on a tour. The kitchen has had a redo which led Marie and Bob to rethink some of their decorating. This year they are using more natural greenery to accent the home’s features. A beautiful chandelier sets off the Christmas-red dining room. The window seat is home for their large caroler collection. Two Christmas trees are decorated. One is white with a theme of birds and birdhouses. The second is not exactly a themed tree; however, it is—the theme is family. Marie’s collections on this tree remind one of the meaning of Christmas. One ornament was made by Bob’s father, 96 years ago. Other ornaments are from children and grandchildren. As Marie says, “the theme is Tree of Life…our life!” A niece from Richmond continues the family theme, she assists in the decorations.
Fortunately, some things haven’t changed. Their dear friend Donald will return to play Christmas music on their piano. Recently retired from the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Midlothian, Virginia, Donald looks forward to guests gathering around the piano, singing with him. The strolling carolers, the Doorway Singers, just may join in!
It takes dedication to be on the Tour more than five times, as Marie and Bob have done. Marie attributes their dedication to the Christmas Candlelight Tour to their enjoyment of greeting visitors. Bob, as a past North Carolina State Senator, looks forward to seeing friends from far and wide. They also are dedicated to supporting Edenton. Marie remembers her very first Christmas Candlelight Tour. “The houses were so charming. Everyone was joyful. I still remember the homes. You haven’t seen Edenton until you take a Candlelight Tour!”
What a quote…and so true—you haven’t seen and experienced Edenton until you take a Candlelight Tour!
Pruden-Goodwin House, ca. 1922. 118 West Queen Street
Rea-Vail House, ca. 1885. 113 West Queen Street
High & Crowe, LLP (Former Citizens Bank of Edenton), 1924. Live Music Performance. 216 South Broad Street