Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Christmas At Old Washington Special

The hallmarks of the Arkansas State Parks system are its scenic natural beauty and diversity of facilities and activities. Old Washington Historic State Park is a wonderful example of this diversity.

Old Washington is a 19th century restoration town nestled in the historic community of Washington, nine miles northwest of Hope.

This 100-acre park is conserved and interpreted by Arkansas State Parks in conjunction with Pioneer Washington Restoration Foundation. The foundation was formed in 1958 by several citizens of Washington and other concerned parties to preserve the town's historic structures and character. Old Washington Historic State Park was established in 1973 and interprets Washington from 1824-1875. This interpretation focuses on the events and people including prominent citizens of Washington who played important roles in the Territorial, Antebellum, Civil War and Reconstruction eras of Arkansas's history.

Old Washington is one of the most historically significant places in Arkansas, and is a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.

Washington is touched by magic each December as it readies itself for Christmas. To experience a 19th Christmas, visitors converge on this tiny hamlet (population 148) yearly.

On December 4 from 4 until 8 p.m., the town's historic structures, many of which date to the early part of the century when Washington was a bustling outpost on the Southwest Trail, will be festive with old-fashioned holiday decorations made with such items as pine cones and magnolia, pine and cedar branches. Wreaths using grapevines, sumac, pine cones and other natural items will adorn the buildings, fences and homes, which will be open for touring.

Over 3,000 luminaria line the streets and sidewalks, warm fires crackle in the home's hearths and carolers stroll the town.

"There is no doubt that Christmas and Candlelight is one of the biggest events we have at the park," says Carey walker, park superintendent. "With the luminaria display and the houses decorated with the natural decorations, it is truly a beautiful sight."

Approximately 2,000 people attended Christmas and Candlelight last year with even more expected this year.

Visitors are given maps to guide them to the homes and buildings on the tour. Interpreters and volunteers dressed in period clothing will be stationed in the houses and museums to explain the colorful history of the town and its structures. The homes on the tour have been restored and are furnished with period pieces.

Some of the buildings that will be decorated and included on the Christmas and Candlelight tour this year are: The Sanders House, an L-shaped Greek Revival home building around 1845 by Simon T. Sanders, who was the county clerk from 1839-1869; the Grandison D. Royston house, another Greek Revival home built in 1945 by Royston, a wealthy planter and lawyer; and the 1836 Courthouse, which was the second courthouse in Hempstead County.

The first funds for historic preservation in the state of Arkansas went to restore the 1836 Courthouse in 1929. In 1996, this two-story Federal style frame building was again restored to its original beauty. It served as the Conference Capitol of Arkansas from 1863 until the end of the Civil War.

Also available for touring will be the town's churches, three of which are among the oldest in the state. Carolers and choirs will add to the festive atmosphere in the churches. An entertainment program will be available the day of the event.

Also on the tour is the Print Museum which features exhibits demonstrating how printing evolved during the 19th century. The Tavern Inn, a recreated 19th century inn, is home to the Visitor Information Center and Mercantile. Fine gifts and novelties are available for purchase in the Mercantile as well as maps of Old Washington Historic State Park. The Weapons Museum hosts one of the finest collections from one collector, B.W. Edwards. Over 600 weapons line the cases of the Weapons Museum with something of interest to the novice to seasoned collector.

The Bladesmith School will be open with the forges fired and bladesmiths actively demonstrating the art of forging the blade. The only school of its kind in North America, the Bladesmith School entices students from around the world to Washington to learn knife-making. The Bladesmith School is host to the James Black Monument, commemorating the maker of the famous Bowie knife that was made in Washington during the 19th century.

A scrumptious buffet, featuring country cooking and homemade desserts, awaits visitors at Williams' Tavern Restaurant, an authentic tavern built in 1832 that will be decorated for the holidays. An additional fee is charged for the buffet. Visitors are served on a first come, first served basis.

Advance tickets for Christmas and Candlelight are $9 for adults and $4 for students and can be purchased from Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives (SARA). You may call 870-983- 2366 for additional information. Tickets may be purchased the day of the event from Old Washington Historic State Park for $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Proceeds from Christmas and Candlelight benefit SARA and the park.

For more information about Old Washington Historic State Park, call 870-983-2684 or write to P.O. Box 98, Washington, AR 71862.