The Mahanoy & Mahantongo Historical & Preservation Society will host a holiday house tour from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
Among the attractions in the event are:
- The home of Connie Tressler, 104 Otto Station Road, at the intersection with Route 225 in Red Cross. This brick house, visible from the highway just a half-mile south of Klinger's Gulf, once housed a business. Built by John Kunsman in the 1800s, it operated as Kunsman's Tavern. The property fell into disrepair over the years, but underwent a restoration effort in 2004. One of the most striking features of the home might be a mural on a ceiling in a room where the tavern is believed to have operated.
- The Zeigler Log House & Library, Dalmatia, home of the Mahanoy & Mahantongo Historical & Preservation Society, near Susanna and Water streets, which will be decorated in period fashion and will include a tour of the facility.
- The home of Barbara Leah, 268 Shadeville Road, Dalmatia, which will feature an array of holiday decorations from around the world. Leah has collected the decorations for many years and has an extensive collection.
- St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 235 Schwaben Creek Road, Dornsife, just a quarter-mile across Route 225 from the Tressler home.
- The home of Lori Mirarchi, 511 Schwaben Creek Road, Dornsife, just a short drive east of St. Peter's Church, a stone structure that is believed to be one of the first four homes built in Northumberland County.
- The home of Steve Bobb, along Route 225 near A&L Diesel, Dornsife, which will have rooms decorated, each straying from the traditional Christmas colors when possible.
- Penn's Tavern, Route 147, Fishers Ferry, a new attraction on the tour. Built more than 300 years ago, William Penn's grandson, John, is included in a romantic story in the lore of the stone building.
The historical society is also offering a wine basket drawing at 5 p.m. at the Zeigler House. A $5 donation is requested; there will be five wine baskets offered.
Tour tickets cost $7 if purchased in advance and $8 the day of the tour. For tour or wine basket tickets, call Gene Keiter, society president, at 758-8904, or Shirley Silvick, society secretary, at 758-1760.
In the event of inclement weather, the tour will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
The event supports the functions of the historical society.
