Join 19th-century holiday celebration at Joanna Furnace

Visitors to Joanna Furnace in Robeson Township will be whisked away to the joyous celebration of the Christmas of 1875.

The ironmaster’s family and the residents of the Joanna Furnace community celebrated the holiday and gave thanks that the furnace was busy providing income to so many families. Plus, the ironmaster and his wife just welcomed their third child into their growing family.  Nationally, Alexander Bell and his assistant Thomas Watson invented the telephone in 1875 and Johns Hopkins University opened.

Visitors of all ages will be able to experience that long-ago time and gain a new perspective on their holiday celebration.

The 25th anniversary of Christmas at Joanna will be held Friday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7, from 4 to 9 p.m.

The 200-year-old iron furnace complex will be transformed into a 19th-century holiday experience that features food, music, dancing, wagon rides, bonfires, Christmas Light Maze, Christmas Gift Basket Raffle and shopping at the Christmas Craft Market.

More than 1,000 glowing luminaria light furnace walkways and lights illuminate the historic buildings. Inside, each building is illuminated by lamps or candles to recreate an 1870s atmosphere.

The Mule Stable is transformed into the parlor of the Victorian mansion of iron master L. Heber Smith and his wife, Ella Jane Grubb Smith.  The Smith family prepares for a lovely family Christmas celebration. Family members will be busy in the kitchen making cookies and holiday treats, while others will be in the decorated parlor playing games and reminiscing about past Christmases by the fireplace. Guests are invited to interact with family members to learn more about the family and life in the Iron Furnace community.

In a large heated tent, the Hay Creek Valley Gold Band will provide music while the Hay Creek Dancers entertain visitors with period dances.  Guests are invited to step onto the dance floor.

Outside in front of the stage, the largest of the bonfires becomes the focal point of the furnace community, where local community organizations will perform. The Belsnickel has been known to appear and delight visiting children.

Weather permitting, traditional wagon rides and the new Christmas express ride offer a way to explore the historic Joanna Furnace complex grounds. Rides are $2 per person.

The historic buildings will be open for visitors to explore. Take self-guided walking tours of the ironmaking complex and visit the Blacksmith Shop, Casting House, Wheelwright Shop and Office/Store. View a vintage train display in operation in the Mechanical Technology Building. See aluminum Christmas stars being poured during live metal casting demonstrations in the Casting House.  These limited edition stars, along with many unique traditional gifts, will be for sale in the Joanna Furnace Office/Store building.

The Hay Creek Historians will provide holiday foods including sausage and pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, pork and sauerkraut with mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, a pork barbecue macaroni bowl, soups, chili and homemade “Furnace” fries. Warm up with hot chocolate, hot mulled cider and coffee. Freshly made apple crisp, kettle corn and roasted nuts will also be available to purchase.

Admission is $10 for adults, free for children age 12 and younger.  Parking is free on-site.

Joanna Furnace is located three miles north of Morgantown off Route 10. Parking is available on site and along Furnace Road. 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.

The Hay Creek Valley Historical Association is a non-profit organization.  Net event proceeds support the education, research, restoration and preservation of the significant 18th and 19th century Joanna Furnace Iron Works, Tri-County Heritage Library and the Hay Creek Valley community. For more information, visit www.haycreek.org, friend Hay Creek Valley Historical Association on Facebook or call 610-286-0388.

Source: Berkshire mont