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Mansion Monthly 

November 2015

 

Meet me at the Mansion!
Greetings from the Mansion!
This vintage postcard bears the image of a young, white-bibbed child with hands folded  in prayer before a Thanksgiving meal.  The youngster is flanked by two birds, a bald eagle with shield and a turkey sitting on a dinner plate.  Victorian postcards sometimes represent stories and this one tells a fowl tale.  Why is the eagle sharing the spotlight with the turkey?  The explanation is revealed in the Back in the Day column below.

Like the young child above, the Mansion staff is thankful for the many ways the community has demonstrated its support for this historic icon.  Perhaps you've attended a tour, joined us for a Glacier Institute lecture, participated in our Death by Chocolate event or other fundraiser, enjoyed a tea and tour, made a purchase in the Gift Shop, donated an item to sell or became a Friends of the Mansion member.  If a membership is still on your to-do list, now is a great time to purchase.  A special reduced rate is being offered during this 40th anniversary year.  Click here to learn more and download a membership form.

Although the Mansion ended its regular season last month, during the off season (October 16 - May 14), tours can be arranged by appointment with a 24-hour minimum notice.  Please call the Mansion for details.

Thank you for your continued support!

Gennifer, Margot & the Mansion Staff
 
 
   The Mansion Continues to Make News -
Flathead Beacon Cover Story!
  
The Mansion's 120 years as an historic landmark and 40 years as a museum was the subject of a recent front page, feature story. Flathead Beacon staff writer Dillon Tabish and photographer Greg Lindstrom visited the Mansion on October 1 and took a tour.  The feature story, The Man and the Mansion, appeared in the Wednesday, October 7, 2015 edition.   Click here to read the story.

Media coverage keeps the Mansion in the public eye. We are grateful to Dillon and Greg for telling the story of Charles E Conrad and how his home eventually became a "revered museum open to the public."
 
Back in the Day ... 
The Bald Eagle vs. the Turkey
A Thanksgiving Prayer for Our "Two" National Birds
Early in our country's history, the search was on for a national emblem.  Founding fathers, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, were tasked with  the job.  They wanted to choose an animal that was native to America.  The two finalists were the bald eagle and the turkey.  Benjamin Franklin favored the turkey because he deemed the eagle a cowardly fowl and the turkey a more honorable bird.
"Today I'll share center stage with you, Tom." says the Eagle.
However, since our new country was a democracy with majority rule, the eagle was chosen as the national bird in 1782.  Not to slight the turkey, these Victorian postcards portray both birds as equals on the Thanksgiving holiday. Each has a different, but important role in our nation's history.
 
Christmas Teas Offered at the Mansion
Carrying on the Christmas Tea Tradition at the Mansion
These young Victorian ladies and their dolls are enjoying a Christmas tea and you can too!  Christmas Teas and Tours at the Mansion are scheduled for the following Saturdays; November 28, December 5, 12, and 19.  Bring your out-of-town holiday guests to this unique event, hosted in the Conrad Dining Room.  This is a gift that won't be duplicated, creating memories that guests can take home and share with others.  Reservations are required by the Monday prior.  Here's the menu for November 28.
Blueberry Scone
Curried Chicken Tea Sandwich
Salmon Cucumber Dill Tea Sandwich
Dark Chocolate Truffle
Blueberry Bite
Macaroon
Menus for the remaining dates are available by clicking here.
 
Small Business Saturday at the Mansion
November 28, 2015 * 10:00 - 4:00
 
 
A Trivia Question...
 
In what year was Thanksgiving first celebrated as a federal holiday?


1.  1863     

   

2.  1890     

 

  3.  1918       

  

Look for the answer in

December's Newsletter.  

 

************* 

 

OCTOBER ANSWER:    

 

Young Alicia Ann Conrad scratched her name in the glass of two windows in her childhood home.
Upcoming Events

Christmas Teas and Tours
Saturdays: November 28, December 5, 12 & 19
 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
$30 per person

 Thursday, December 10
 4-7 p.m.
$10 per keepsake photo

Thursday, December 17
7 p.m.
$15 per person
Amazon Shoppers Can Help the Mansion!
 

When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate to Conrad Mansion Directors Inc.
 
Whenever you shop at your local Smith's grocery store,  you can help the Mansion through their Community Rewards Program. 

It's easy to sign up.  Create an on-line Smith's account entering basic information, verifying email and entering your rewards card number and choosing the Conrad Mansion  as the organization you'd like to support. 

Step by step enrollments instructions can be found at www.smithscommunityrewards.com 
 
Special Membership Offer!

In celebration of the Conrad Mansion's 40th Anniversary year as a Museum, all friends of this special historic treasure (individuals, families and businesses) are being offered a One-Time Annual Membership for just $40!  Offer good until July 31, 2016.

Membership includes unlimited free admission for the member, discounted event tickets, 10% discount on Mansion Gift Shop purchases (excluding consignments), monthly emailed newsletters, public recognition of membership and written thanks.  Please click here for details.
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 Conner
Sharon Pearson
Michelle Morgan
Virginia Swan
Mary Meister
Karissa White
Shalom Baer
Nancy Helgath
Stephanie Woodland
Marlene Strand

Board Of Directors:
Sue Corrigan, President
Everit Sliter, Treasurer
Catherine Weber, Secretary
Mark Norley
Teri Iwersen
Beth Collier
Gary Havens
Rita Fitzsimmons
Chris Vick, Family Representative
Carrie Nelson
Katharine Thompson
Mary Pat Murphy
Tia Robbin
Mark Schickendantz

Regular Volunteers:
Teresa Knutson
Sarah Safford
Marlene Strand
Lana Bowers
Miriam Emerson
Lauren Vance
Candace Fish 
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 featured Mr. Conrad's Remington revolver, model 1858, caliber .44 with a carved ivory grip embellished with a flying eagle and shield over the word  "LIBERTY."  The firearm is on display on the third floor of the Mansion.
  
Conrad Mansion Museum
330 Woodland Avenue
Kalispell, MT  59901

406-755-2166
info@conradmansion.com

Small outside pic