Candlelight Tours Return To Historic Reddick Mansion

The Reddick Mansion Association’s annual Candlelight Tours are returning Friday, Dec. 3, and Friday, Dec. 10.

Conducted like an open house, visitors may come any time between 6 and 8 p.m. The cost is $10 per person and $5 for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

A dedicated group of volunteers have been decorating the “period rooms,” which will be lit by flameless candles and decorated for a Victorian Christmas.

“While I think the mansion is beautiful at any time of the year, she takes on a special glow in all of her Christmas splendor,” said Lorraine McCallister, president of the Reddick Mansion Association.

“Visitors will be able to chat with docents in Victorian costumes as they leisurely wander through the mansion learning about the history of the Reddicks and the mansion,” said Larry Swanson, RMA board member and head of the decorating committee.

Refreshments will be served on the first floor.

Students from Waltham Elementary School will be decorating two trees as part of the Christmas tree decorating competition sponsored by Prairie Fox Books. The themes for their trees are Woodland creatures and recycled memories.

“As a retired educator, I am delighted to have the Waltham students help us with our decorations this year,” McCallister said.

Making a special appearance will be Father Christmas in the person of Charles Stanley who will be on hand for pictures.

No reservations are necessary for this event. Following CDC and state guidelines, masks should be worn while in the mansion. Parking will be reserved on Lafayette Street and on Columbus Street for guests.

All money raised will be used for the preservation and renovation of the Reddick Mansion, located at 100 W. Lafayette Street. The mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, is open for tours and has rental space available for special events.