Thursday, December 13, 2007

10A.M. – 4 P.M. 5 P.M. – 9 P.M.
$15.00 in advance - $20.00 day of tour
Tickets available at:
The Haddonfield Information Center
2 Kings Court
Haddonfield, New Jersey 08033
856-216-7253

Presenting Sponsor:
Joseph McElroy
Professional Printing Services
116 Haddon Avenue
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
856-429-8644

Recognized as one of the Top Ten Holiday House Tours by New Jersey Countryside Magaziine.

Proceeds will benefit: Haddonfield Historical Society

House Descriptions

1. 360 Station Avenue, Karen Fung Dante and Steven Dante. Originally a rancher, this beautiful contemporary home, enlarged by its current owners, is a perfect  setting for their wonderful collections – antique and modern, Chinese and American. In the living room,  notice the antique Heriz Oriental rug and the Christmas tree’s European blown glass ornaments. Two large   Chinese ancestral portraits border the windows of the cherry wood library. The dining room is a feast for the eyes. Two gorgeous Chinese wall hangings and a delicate porcelain fan decorate one wall. Don’t miss the jade lions, the Chinese stools, the throne chair and three mounted Chinese chimney figures. In the breakfast room, look for two paintings by renowned Philadelphia artist, Sam Matin. His artist’s proof of “The Wedding Print” hangs in the kitchen and his personally signed Philadelphia orchestra poster is in the large, light-filled family room.
   
   
2. 70 Linden Ave., Lee Albright and Gerard Haubrich. Step back in time in this Victorian era  home, built  in 1868 by Joseph F. Kay. The house was moved from Kings Highway to its present location in 1900. As you enter, you will be enveloped in intense color. Gold   lincrusta (the middle class equivalent of English tooled leather) covers the walls, complimented by ornate Bradbury & Bradbury paper. Eastlake furniture and leaded glass windows throughout provide a backdrop for souvenirs and artifacts collected over the past 20 years. The marble fireplace in the living room disguises a heat register, one of the first attempts at central heating. Blown glass ornaments fill the Christmas tree and a collection of nutcrackers completes the theme. The magnificent kitchen features a window designed by Paul Friend, a refurbished stepside gas stove, exquisite elm cabinets and Tennessee brown marble counters. A peak into the powder room reveals a high tank toilet, transom, and over-the-counter sink (vessel sink). Wicker furniture, a tin ceiling and an expanse of windows create an inviting sunroom.
   
   
3. 430 Kings Highway East, Nancy Martin. This charming historic home, the John Shivers House, circa 1838, has been lovingly estored and updated. As you enter via the back door, you will see  a modern kitchen and newly added family room. One of the house’s four fireplaces gives a hint of its origin as a farmhouse. Notice Nancy’s collection of spongeware and the Christmas tree festooned with pixies from the 1950s. In the living room, a portion of which was originally the kitchen, you will see beautiful crown molding and wainscoting, as well as the     original pine floors and mantle. Nancy’s collections  of antique dolls and old quilts add to its charm. Can you spot the antique herb dryer? As you exit, look above the foyer closet for the whimsical display of antique toys.
   
   
4. 306 Kings Highway East, Richard and Toni Bonnette. This elegant home, built in 1860 in the Italianate style of Victorian architecture, retains many of its original features. A collection of nutcrackers on the transom welcomes you to this beautifully decorated home. In the living room, at one time a conservatory, notice the original shutters. The lovely Chinese dressing gown from the1880s is a family heirloom. The  watercolor next to it dates from 1875. Santa books, greens, lights and a Christmas tree adorned with family treasures invoke the holiday spirit. In the den, once a dining room, are the original pine floors and a brick two-sided fireplace. The corner cabinet, circa 1715, with its buttermilk paint on pine, showcases family favorites. In the kitchen, notice the open beams and a charming ceramic gingerbread house. On the dining room table, which can be converted to a pool table, is a festive Christmas centerpiece. As you exit, don’t miss the settle from Charleston, SC, once used as a courting bench!
   
   
5.  1110 Greenmount Road, Betsy Anderson.The owner describes her home as a real Christmas house. The warmth of the living room, tastefully furnished in shades of red, green and gold, compliment the Christmas decorations set among fresh greens. In the study, the focal point is the Christmas tree, adorned with a spectacular display of White House historical Christmas ornaments, each one unique and beautiful. As you move into the kitchen area, you will be enchanted by the old Santas in the bay window, as well as the collection of roosters nestled around the room. In the  dining room, notice three Father Christmas figures keeping watch over the table set with Betsy’s grandmother’s lovely German Christmas dishes and crystal. Old toys, sleds and teddy bears welcome you in the Family Room. Don’t miss the tea party in the corner where antique dolls are enjoying treats on Betsy’s grandmother’s tea set.
   
   
6. 212 Warwick Road, Kathy and Jim Tassini. Built originally as a simple farmhouse about 1871, this home was purchased by Frederick Sutton in 1886 and turned into the elegant Queen Anne Victorian that exists today. During his frequent trips to England, Mr. Sutton purchased the Minton fireplace tiles found in the study and the dining room. The chandeliers in the foyer, study and dining room are the original gas chandeliers, now converted to electric. In the study notice the 1889 painting by George Essig, his largest known oil painting. A collection of nutcrackers heralds the season. A Victorian tabletop tree, angels, and garlands of greens greet you in the beautifully decorated living room. The dining room table, set with Lenox holly plates, features fruits and flowers, including boxwoods with lemons and apples from the Holly Festival. The kitchen and family room areas abound with Santas collected over the years. Listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, this lovely home is one of Haddonfield’s treasures.
   
   
7. 234 Jefferson Ave, Susan and John Garra. Built in 1906, this grand colonial house provides a stunning setting for the owners’ beautiful furnishings and eclectic collections. Angels, many received as gifts, grace the lovely living room. In the dining room, decorated in white, notice the handsome lead crystal chandelier, which has been in the family for three generations. The centerpiece includes a collection of “The Littles,” charming pewter figures of children. Peek in the bright and sunny sunroom, with its own Christmas tree. Santas, stars and moons sparkle in the large family kitchen. In addition to the Christmas tree, the inviting family room features a collection of snowmen, as well as the Dickens Christmas Village. The adjacent deck, with a pergola, used mostly in warm weather, is also decorated for Christmas. Around the corner is a secret garden, a family sanctuary
   
   
8. Markeim Art Center, Lincoln Ave. at Walnut St. has been transformed into a cozy Holiday cottage featuring an eclectic mix of arts and crafts. Complimentary light refreshments provided by local businesses are served from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
   
   
9. Accent Studio, 207 Kings Highway East offers for sale limited edition hand-blown glass Friendship Balls gift boxed with a brief history of the friendship ball plus an artist bio. A portion of the proceeds benefits Historical Society of Haddonfield.
   
   
10. Holly Festival @ Greenfield Hall (Historical Society) 343 Kings Highway East will feature fresh greens arrangements, fresh greens, and Luminaries for sale, along with brooms crafted by the "BroomSquire. Complimentary refreshments will be served.
    
    
11. The Haddon Fortnightly, Kings Highway East  at Grove St. offers a tasty luncheon, from 11a.m to2 p.m. The Sweet Shop is open and poinsettias are for sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    
    
12. The Little Shop, 143 Kings Highway has been nationally recognized in the Fall/Winter 2007 Better Homes & Gardens Quilt Sampler Magazine, and will have its featured quilts on display. Stop by, and Enter-to-Win a holiday quilt.  A portion of all sales throughout the day will benefit Historical Society of Haddonfield.