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Mansion Monthly 

December 2015

 

Meet me at the Mansion!
Greetings from the Mansion!
The joy of Christmas fills the Mansion! This vintage postcard brings to mind an endearing Conrad tradition - preparation of the Christmas pudding.  Using Grandma Stanford's cherished recipe, the entire Conrad household took part in the pudding preparation.  Join us for a Christmas tour to learn more about Conrad family traditions, including the two-story Christmas tree in the Great Hall.

If you are looking for a special gift for someone, consider a Friends of the Conrad Mansion membership.  A special reduced rate is being offered during this 40th anniversary year.  Click here to learn more and download a membership form.

In addition, the Mansion is now offering Gift Certificates for those hard-to-buy-for friends or relatives.  Gift Certificates can be used for special events such as Death By Chocolate or Glacier Institute Lectures, regular or special tours, teas and tours and Gift Shoppe merchandise.  Contact the Mansion for details.

And don't forget, if you plan to shop on Amazon this Christmas season, please designate the Conrad Mansion Directors, Inc. as your non-profit.  See side column for details.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Gennifer, Margot & the Mansion Staff
 
 
Back in the Day ... 
 
Electric Lights Spell the Demise of Candles
 
Early Ad for Christmas Lights in Scientific American Magazine dated 1900
Although this ad for Christmas tree lights is difficult to read, the pictures tell the story - a happy festive scene with electric lights on the left versus an inferno with candles on the right. 
  
1903 Ad for Simple, Clean and Safe Christmas Lights
Electric lights could only be used in homes that were wired for electricity.  The 1903 image above shows how the electric cord was plugged into a wall-mounted light socket. 

The threat of candle fires was a major concern in the early years of Kalispell.  This article was published on Christmas Eve 1914 in The Daily Interlake.  Most families, including the Conrads, lit their tree's candles just one time on Christmas Eve.
 
Available for Christmas Shopping
 
THIS MONTH'S FEATURED ITEM
 
Exquisite Crystal Set
 
If you are planning a holiday meal and looking for new dinnerware, visit the Mansion's Gift Shoppe.  Selections include antique and vintage dinnerware with various numbers of place settings.  Start a family tradition with beautiful dinnerware purchased at the Mansion. 

The Mansion's Gift Shoppe offers unique gifts.  Stop by to browse the antiques, vintage jewelry, handmade items, books, nostalgic toys and specialty jams, jellies and teas.  All proceeds support the Museum.

The Mansion Gift Shoppe is normally open during business hours.  Please give us a call (406-755-2166) to ensure that someone will be available to assist you.  Thank you!       
  
 
 
A Trivia Question...
 
In what year were electric Christmas lights first used to decorate a tree?

1.  1882    
   
2.  1890     

  3.  1900       
  
Look for the answer in
January's Newsletter.  

************* 
 
NOVEMBER ANSWER:    
 
In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that Thanksgiving was to be commemorated each year on the last Thursday of November.
 (In 1939, FDR moved Thanksgiving to the second to the last Thursday in November.)
Upcoming Events

Christmas Teas and Tours
Saturdays: 
December 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

Glacier Institute Lecture
Thursday, January 21, 2016
"George Ostrom - Adventures in Glacier Country"
Doors open 6:00 p.m. Lecture at 6:30 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 a camphor chest decorated with Oriental imagery. Camphor trees grow natively in China and Japan where it is used for oil and timber. It has a very distinct scent. The chest is located on the third floor.
  
Conrad Mansion Museum
330 Woodland Avenue
Kalispell, MT  59901

406-755-2166
info@conradmansion.com

Small outside pic