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Mansion Monthly

December 2014

40 years gift to city

Greetings from the Mansion!

 

Christmas was a very special time for the Conrad Family.  It was Mrs. Conrad's favorite holiday and, as such, many family traditions were observed, including a two-story Christmas tree and the Christmas pudding.   

 

Today the Mansion staff remembers those traditions by hosting special Christmas tours that highlight the most cherished ones.  If you are entertaining out-of-town company during the holidays, please consider bringing your guests to the Mansion.  A schedule of holiday events is listed below.

       

This month marks the 40th year since Alicia Conrad Campbell gave the Conrad family home to the city of Kalispell.  The Mansion continues to be a community icon and tourist attraction.  

 

As the end of the year approaches,  please consider a year-end gift to the Mansion.  The Mansion is self-supporting and relies on tours and Mansion events, memberships, volunteers and monetary and other donations to stay open.


Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and yours!  

 

  

Gennifer, Margot & the Mansion Staff

                              

 

 

The Christmas Pudding Tradition  

 

 

Christmas Tours Feature the Christmas Pudding Tradition  

 

The picture above is a replica of the Christmas pudding served in the Conrad Mansion Dining Room on Christmas Day.  The unusual shape is the result of hanging the pudding in a muslin bag to mellow and age weeks before the big event.  Coated with sugar cubes, doused with brandy and set aflame, learn how important this pudding was to the entire Conrad household.  It is a beautiful story of Mrs. Conrad's love of the holiday and her desire to share her joy with all those who worked at the Mansion.  Thank you to Guide Sharon Pearson for creating the replica of the pudding, complete with sugar cubes, raisins, stick matches and bottle of brandy. 

Tour dates and times are listed below.  100+ year-old quilts are also on display during the Christmas tours.    

Fridays & Saturdays

November 28 - Dec. 27 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm

Reservations required

$10 adult, $9 senior, $6 student, $4 child

 

 
Back in the day -  Sleigh Bells

In the 1800s, what we now know as sleigh bells were called horse bells.  As the primary mode of transportation, horses were outfitted with bells not only for their  wonderful sound but also for safety reasons.  On foggy mornings, bells signaled the approach of vehicles.  Sleighs were difficult to stop and bells alerted pedestrians and other drivers of their proximity. 

   

Sleigh bells became a part of popular culture, and the song Jingle Bells, originally titled "One Horse Open Sleigh" remains one of the most enduring holiday tunes.  "One Horse Open Sleigh" was written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857.  

 

The horse bells shown below are currently on display on the third floor of the Mansion.  The bells have been attached to the top of a horse collar.  Perhaps these bells rang on Christmas Eve many years ago as the Conrad sleigh was dispatched to pick up guests from local hotels.  

Sleigh Bells on Horse Collar
adorned with Christmas bows
Vintage Postcard depicting Sleigh Bells
on horse collar






















 
Conrad Mansion Booth at Vintage Whites Market
View of the Conrad Mansion Booth 
November 7, 2014 

 
A vintage crib filled with teddy bears 













Shopper Heidi looked great in her Victorian-styled jacket!  
Thanks to those who visited the Conrad Mansion booth at the recent
 Vintage Whites Market held at the Flathead County Fairgrounds   
















 
A Trivia Question...
 

The Conrad Family celebrated its first Christmas in their new home  

in what year?   

 

1. 1892  

   

2. 1895 

 

3. 1897  

  

Look for the answer in

January's Newsletter.  

 

************* 

 

NOVEMBER ANSWER:    

 

Sweetie Pie has lived  

at the Mansion for 8 years.
EXTENDED FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

 
Late 1920's Clothing
 
In January 2015, Downton Abbey moves into its fifth season. Clothing from the late 1920's will be featured. Women's skirts shortened and the waist lowered to hip level as shown in this brown velvet dress. Men adopted the tuxedo jacket and soft collared shirt over the tail coat for all but the most formal occasions.

In addition, during Christmas tours, paisley shawls are on display.

Paisley Shawl in Master Bedroom



Paisley shawls were named after the city in Scotland where they were made. Originally they were known as Kashmir shawls in India and mostly worn by men. By the late 18th century, shawls were being imported to Europe and worn by women, but the height of their popularity was the 1850's and 1860's. Most probably the Conrad Mansion shawls were purchased as piano and table covers.


Many thanks to Teresa Knutson and Sarah Safford for planning and executing the Conrad Mansion's historic clothing exhibits.
Become a Member
 
Individual and Business members of the Conrad Mansion Museum receive...

*Unlimited Free Admission
*10% Discount in Gift Shop
(except consignment items)
*Discounts on Special Events
*Subscription to Newsletter
*Special Invitation to our Annual Member Appreciation Party
You can make a difference!
 
Please consider providing a donation or a lasting personal legacy that will positively impact future generations.  

You can support educational programs, support publications utilizing our documents, and help with brick & mortar projects to maintain the home.
 
As a 501(c)(3) corporation, any contribution to the Museum is tax deductible.
 
Give us a call at 406-755-2166 or visit our website for more information.
At Your Service
  
Executive Director: Gennifer Sauter
Assistant Manager: Margot Jaumotte
Office Admin: Mary Lou Lumpkin
Media Coordinator: Mary Miers
Maintenance: Tisch Haas
Gardener: Dave Leger
Guide & Gift Shop Staff:
Cindy Connor
Sharon Pearson
Michelle Morgan
Virginia Swan
Mary Meister
Karissa White
Janae Barron
Alexa Lamers
Shalom Baer
Nancy Helgath
Stephanie Woodland

Board Of Directors:
Sue Corrigan, President
Vanessa Ceravolo, Vice-President
Everit Sliter, Treasurer
Catherine Weber, Secretary
Mark Norley
Teri Iwersen
Beth Collier
Gary Havens
Rita Fitzsimmons
Chris Vick, Family Representative
Diane Queen Miller
Celeste Pace
Katharine Thompson

Regular Volunteers:
Heather Houseworth
Debra Johnson
Teresa Knutson
Marilyn Reynolds
Sarah Safford
Lana Bowers
Marlene Strand
Miriam Emerson

Where is this in the Mansion?

 

 

 There are so many unique items and features of the Mansion!     

 

Do you know where this is? Drop us an email if you know.  Answer will be in next month's newsletter.

 

 

Last month's image was the upper portioin of the portieres (curtains) hanging between the library and dining room.     

 
Conrad Mansion Museum
330 Woodland Avenue
Kalispell, MT  59901

406-755-2166
info@conradmansion.com

Small outside pic
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