The Historic Joanna Furnace Iron Works in Robeson Township will whisk visitors back to the joyous celebration of Christmas 1872 for a 19th-century holiday experience Dec. 2 to 4.
Christmas of 1872 at the Joanna Furnace Iron Works was a grand time for the ironmaster’s family and the residents of the Joanna Furnace community. They celebrated the holiday and gave thanks that the furnace was busy providing income to so many families.
In fact, it was during this period of time that the ironmaking business was the most prosperous for the Smith family as they were operating two charcoal iron furnaces.
Nationally, suffragist Susan B. Anthony votes for the first time and was fined $100 for being in defiance of the law, and Republican President Ulysses S. Grant had just won his second term in office.
Hosted by the nonprofit organization Hay Creek Valley Historical Association Dec. 2 from 5 to 9 p.m., and Dec. 3 and 4 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Historic Joanna Furnace Iron Works, the three-day holiday event features holiday shopping, light holiday treats, historic demonstrations, a Christmas celebration with the ironmaster’s family, Christmas music and an encounter with the Belsnickel.
More than 1,000 glowing luminaria, small paper lanterns, will light the walkways for a self-guided tour of the 200-year-old furnace complex including the blacksmith shop, casting house, wheelwright shop and office/store. The historic buildings, which will be open for visitors, will be illuminated by lamps or candles to recreate an 1870s atmosphere.
New for this year in will be demonstrations of metal casting of aluminum Christmas stars, which will be for sale in the office/store building.
The Joanna Furnace Mule Stable will be transformed into the parlor of the Victorian mansion of ironmaster L. Heber Smith and his wife Ella Jane Grubb Smith. As visitors enter the candle lit parlor, they will see and smell the pleasant aroma of the freshly cut cedar Christmas tree.
In the parlor, the Smith family members have gathered to prepare for a family Christmas celebration complete with a dining room table set for their upcoming feast, playing parlor games, making crafts and sharing stories about past Christmases at Joanna Furnace by the fireplace. Guests are invited to interact with family members to learn more about the family and life in the iron furnace community.
Victorian dancing will also take place at the event in a large heated tent. The Hay Creek Trio will perform old-time music while the Hay Creek Dancers will entertain visitors with period dances. Guests are also invited to step onto the dance floor and participate in the period dancing.
Inside one of the heated tents, children can visit the Kid’s Santa Craft Workshop for holiday craft activities provided by the Morgantown Arts Center, as well as face painting and the Children’s Light Maze.
Outside, in front of the stage, a large bonfire becomes the focal point of the furnace community. Here all can warm up by the fire and enjoy bonfire performances by local community organizations on the stage. The Belsnickel has been known to appear and delight visiting children.
Traditional wagon rides and more give visitors of all ages an alternative way to explore Joanna Furnace. Rides are $2 per person and occur weather permitting.
The Hay Creek Historians will offer homemade holiday foods such as sausage sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, pork and sauerkraut with mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, a pork barbeque and macaroni bowl, grilled chicken sandwiches, soups, chili and homemade Furnace fries, as well as hot chocolate, hot mulled cider and coffee. Unique homemade Holiday cupcakes and freshly made kettle corn will also be available to purchase.
The Christmas Gift Basket Raffle features gift baskets and certificates donated by area businesses and vendor participants at the Christmas event.
The Christmas Craft Market features holiday gift and home decorating vendors including baked goods, cookies and candy, assorted holiday décor items and crafts, hand-made wood items, homemade soaps, hand-crafted blacksmith items, stoneware pottery, hand-knit scarves, jewelry, candles, fresh Christmas wreaths and more. Rebel Hive Meadery from Reading will also be at the event giving out samples and selling their wines by the bottle.
Admission to the holiday event is $10 for adults. Children 12 and under are free. Parking is free on-site. A safely lighted, easily accessible parking area is located along Furnace Road. For the safety of visitors, all are encouraged to avoid parking along Route 10.
Net event proceeds support the education, research, restoration and preservation of the significant 18th & 19th century Joanna Furnace Iron Works, Tri-County Heritage Library and the Hay Creek Valley community. For additional information visit www.haycreek.org, friend Hay Creek Valley Historical Association on Facebook or call 610-286-0388.
Source: Berkshire mont
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