The Barton County Historical Society is being transformed into a winter wonderland of historical Christmas decorations and more than two dozen decorated trees. The public is invited to attend “Ghosts of Christmas Past” on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 1-5 p.m. at the society, 85 S. Highway 281, Great Bend. Refreshments will be served, and children of all ages may take a turn sitting on the lap of the Jolly Old Elf himself, Saint Nicholas. Admission for this special day will be free for all patrons. Donations are encouraged.
New this year is an extensive Santa Claus collection donated in memory of former executive director, Beverly Komarek. Additional gifts from the Komarek family include a suitcase filled with German glass ornaments, which now adorn a tree in the bedroom display near the front of the main museum. Rickee Maddox, society president, said, “We’re thrilled to be able to keep Bev’s memory alive by displaying her collections and greatly appreciate her family for thinking about the historical society to make such a donation. We do Christmas in a big way at the historical society and it is partly because of Bev’s vision through the years, and the donation of her treasured Christmas decorations makes it so much more meaningful.”
The Zutavern family feather tree will be displayed again this year, resplendent with period glass ornaments. It is made from a wire base, with dyed goose feathers for branches. A German custom, the trees were sold here in dime stores in the 1920s and 1930s. The feather tree is the oldest Christmas tree in the museum’s collection.
Another favorite is the Meyer family tree, with ornaments from the 1930s through the 1990s. Mrs. Meyer decided that she didn’t want to decorate a tree every year, so she had it hauled downstairs with the ornaments left on. But she added decorations every year.
Balinda Ochs has loaned her green aluminum Christmas tree this year and decorated it with Jewel Brite ornaments. Ochs also decorated another tree in the museum with many vintage ornaments and her mother’s hand painted ornaments.
First Church of the Nazarene, Barton County Fair Friends, Girl Scout Troop 11165, First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, First United Methodist Church Elementary Youth Group and Kids Klub and Xi Delta Upsilon have decorated Christmas trees throughout the museum building and will be available for viewing. The tree in the museum’s music room is decorated in memory of long-time volunteer and historian, Joe Boley.
The buildings on the historical society grounds have been decorated with lights and folks are encouraged to drive through the village after dark. If you look closely you might find Santa Claus peering through the post office window. The Lustron house also has an aluminum tree in the living room window that has a rotating color wheel that is lighted at night. Outside lights will be on through the New Year holiday.
Entertainment will be featured throughout the afternoon:
1:30 p.m. – Harlen Jerke, pump organ
3 p.m. – piano students of Lorrie Stickney
4:30 p.m. – Maggie McKain, pump organ.
Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the trees available for viewing through the end of the year.