Historic Upham House (Upham Mansion) Decorated for Christmas
Located in Marshfield’s historic district, the Governor Upham House (commonly known as “Upham Mansion”) is a tribute to the City’s rich history at any time of year, but the House becomes especially iconic during the holiday season.
Constructed in 1880, the mansion is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. A place of traditions and memories, it now serves as the center for the North Wood County Historical Society exhibits, activities, and local history research.
Every year, the North Wood County Historical Society (NWCHS) adorns the beautiful victorian structure with festive decorations inside and outside.The furnishings in the mansion are vintage Victorian, many of them left by the Upham family, and the decorations reflect this theme as well.
“The North Wood County Historical Society, which owns and operates the Gov. Upham House, has had a tradition of decorating the House for many years and each year we have a different theme which brings out a bit of the local history as we feature traditions and foster memories (or create new ones!),” said Kim Krueger, NWCHS Coordinator. “It is a way for people to not only experience the Upham House decked out for the holidays, but if one slows down a bit one can also notice all the beautiful details that have been researched and thoughtfully put into place.”
This year’s theme is “Santa’s on His Way” and features Santa Claus in all different forms and traditions. Throughout the House are various thematic trees, including one ornamented with letters to Santa taken from the newspapers dating from the 1800s. Another tree in the parlor honors the Governor’s 2nd wife, Grace, who moved to Marshfield from North Carolina, and features dogwood flowers, magnolias, and roses.
Many of the decorations have been loaned from members and friends of the NWCHS, and it is this group that spends weeks every year transforming the home for the holidays.
“Decorating the Governor Upham House was headed up by our decorating chairman, Don Schnitzler, and took many hours and volunteers,” said Krueger. “It began the first weekend in November and went nearly every day until it was finished Sunday Nov. 27th. We even had volunteers from Auburndale High School (thank you Vinessa Mitchell, Hanah Schulte, and Macie Schmeiser and to Audra Schmeiser for helping to arrange these hard workers!).
The North Wood County Historical Society is supported and maintained by volunteers who donate their time and their finances, and the group is continually seeking assistance to sustain their mission.
“The Governor W.H. Upham House is the Society’s biggest artifact and its stewardship does take quite a bit of resources,” said Krueger. “Fundraisers like the annual Christmas event helps us continue to fulfill our vision to preserve the history of Marshfield and the surrounding area, to maintain the Upham House and to preserve the contents and such articles as may be given to the Society.”
Decorations will be up through mid-January during tour hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays 1:30-4pm, or by special arrangement.
Annual Christmas Event: December 3rd & 4th from 1pm to 4pm – donations will be taken at the door, with cookies and punch being served in the dining room.
