The Dexter Area Historical Society is hosting five different Christmas-related events. Here is a look at each one. For more information, call 734-426-2519, or visit www.dexterhistory.org or Facebook page: www.facebook.com/dexterhistory
Dec 6: Woodland Wonderland
A Fundraiser for Gordon Hall. Friday December 6, 6:30pm. Visit this wonderful historic home, beautifully decorated for the holidays in a Woodland Wonderland theme. Come with a friend and enjoy strolling hors d’oeuvres, spirits, and desserts. View the virtual walk-through showing what the interior of Gordon Hall will look like after our restoration plans are complete. $65 per person will help with our plan to restore Gordon Hall. For reservations call Ina Germain 734-395-4106. Location: Gordon Hall, 8311 Island Lake Rd, Dexter, MI.
Dec 7: Christmas at the Mansion
A Family Tradition at Gordon Hall. Saturday December 7, 9am to 5pm. Visit this wonderful historic home, beautifully decorated for the holidays. This year featuring the Christmas Village Collection, a magical display of Milt Campbell’s huge collection of Department 56 villages. This collection was traditionally seen in the windows of Huron Camera in downtown Dexter throughout the holiday season, and was a favorite destination for families. After a visit with Santa (9am-3pm), children can make a gingerbread house to take home. Be sure to see the virtual walk-through showing what the interior of Gordon Hall will look like after our restoration plans are complete. Suggested donation $5/person. Location: Gordon Hall, 8311 Island Lake Rd, Dexter, MI.
December 7: Holiday Bazaar
Looking for a special gift that you won’t find in any store? Come to the 2019 Holiday Bazaar at the Dexter Area Museum, Saturday December 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Dexter Heritage Guild will have handcrafted holiday wreaths and décor, unique teacher gifts, felted hats, one-of-a-kind shawls, toys and comfy pillows for pets, the Guild’s signature scrubbies, and more. Be sure to pick up something delicious from the bake sale, both baked treats and canned goods. There will be a drawing to win a Limelight design quilt, a special Paul Cousins multi-nut torte, a carved wooden Santa, a local gift certificate, or a 12-inch ceramic lighted Christmas tree. The Museum’s Corner Gift Shop be open with their own unique treasures. All proceeds benefit the Museum located at 3443 Inverness Street, Dexter. For more information, please visit www.dexterhistory.org
Dec 8: A Christmas Tea
Celebrating Katharine Dexter McCormick and the 100th Anniversary of Women Suffrage. Sunday Dec. 8. Seatings at 1 p.m. and at 4.p.m. Enjoy tea served with a light lunch and dessert. In keeping with the holidays, you can wear your favorite hat. The event will feature a talk on Katharine Dexter McCormick, who was born at Gordon Hall, and the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which ensured the right of women to vote. You may also do a self-guided tour of the magical Christmas Village Collection, traditionally seen in the windows of Huron Camera in downtown Dexter throughout the holiday season, and on display at Gordon Hall again this year. $30 per person (limit 40 per seating). Reservations are required. Call Ina Germain at 734-395-4106. Location: Gordon Hall, 8311 Island Lake Rd, Dexter, MI. Free onsite parking.
Dec 13, 14, 21, 28: The Christmas Village Collection
Open House at Gordon Hall. Gordon Hall will host an open house from 5pm to 7:30pm on December 13, 14, 21, and 28. Visitors will tour the Christmas Village Collection, a magical display of Milt Campbell’s huge collection of Department 56 villages. This collection was traditionally seen in the windows of Huron Camera in downtown Dexter throughout the holiday season, and was a favorite destination for families. Also, be sure to view the virtual walk-through showing what the interior of Gordon Hall will look like after our restoration plans are complete. Suggested donation: $5/adult. Location: Gordon Hall, 8311 Island Lake Rd, Dexter, MI.
Special this year:
- Picture of Santa and his elf – Families are welcome to take pictures of their kids with Santa.
- Picture of the New England Village skating rink
- Picture of the ladies enjoying tea
- Katharine Dexter McCormick was the granddaughter of Samuel Dexter, who founded Dexter and built Gordon Hall. She was born there, although she grew up in Chicago and Boston. As an adult, she devoted herself to three important causes:
- Education for women – she was the second female graduate from MIT; the first in a science. She donated the money that built McCormick Hall, a residence for women on the campus of MIT.
- Women suffrage – she was an important funder, organizer, and advocate for women suffrage during the campaign that resulted in the adoption of the 19thamendment to the Constitution.
- Women’s health – she funded the research that led to the development of the first birth control pill.
