A portrait of James McNeil Stephenson overlooks the Christmas tree by the fireplace and will greet visitors at the Christmas open house from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Historic Oakland Estate on Seventh Street. The event is sponsored by the West Virginia University at Parkersburg Foundation. (Photo Provided)
Decorations were provided by Crown Floral and Gifts for the Christmas open house at Historic Oakland Estate. Located at 1131 Seventh St., the open house will be held from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 14. (Photo Provided)
Agnes Boreman Stephenson hangs over another fireplace at Oakland Estates at 1311 Seventh St. where a Christmas open house will be held from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 14 for the West Virginia University at Parkersburg Foundation. Stephenson was the husband of James McNeil Stephenson, who built the home in 1832, and the sister of Arthur I. Boreman, the first governor of West Virginia. (Photo Provided)
A portrait of James McNeil Stephenson overlooks the Christmas tree by the fireplace and will greet visitors at the Christmas open house from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Historic Oakland Estate on Seventh Street. The event is sponsored by the West Virginia University at Parkersburg Foundation. (Photo Provided)
PARKERSBURG — The Historic Oakland Estate Christmas open house celebrating the holidays will be held from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 14.
Sponsored by the West Virginia University at Parkersburg Foundation, the community can experience the splendor of the historic property as it’s transformed with festive décor by Keith and Michelle McClung of Crown Floral & Gifts.
Oakland Estate is located at 1131 Seventh St.
“When history meets the holidays, something truly magical unfolds. The Historic Oakland Estate provides a breathtaking backdrop for this year’s stunning Christmas transformation,” Keith McClung said. “Christmas in Colonial America dates back to 1607, and it was an absolute privilege to bring that spirit to life at Oakland this season. Drawing inspiration from a time before the commercialization of Christmas, when families adorned their homes with the bounty of the land, the décor embraces natural beauty like fresh evergreens, berries, foliage, and the soft glow of candlelight.”
Oakland Estate was known for its beautiful holiday decorations and how the family opened its doors during the holidays to be a community hub. The foundation is carrying on that legacy.
Decorations were provided by Crown Floral and Gifts for the Christmas open house at Historic Oakland Estate. Located at 1131 Seventh St., the open house will be held from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 14. (Photo Provided)
Current luxuries allow blending timeless elegance with modern charm, graceful ribbons, shimmering ornaments “and the warm twinkle of electric lights,” he said.
“The Oakland Dining Room evokes the understated sophistication of a Colonial Christmas, featuring topiaries and olive greens, while the Back Parlor delights with a patriotic palette of blue, red, and white, inspired by the estate’s historic collection of blue and white pottery now gracing the mantle,” McClung said. “Every room offers a feast for the eyes. The Historic Oakland Estate is truly dressed in holiday splendor.”
The evening will feature live holiday music by local pianist Jason Wyers, who will play seasonal favorites on the estate’s Steinway piano. In addition, Civil War relics from the home’s collection will be on display, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s history.
Admission is a donation at the door, with all proceeds supporting the Historic Oakland Estate. Parking will be available at Wharton lot off of Seventy Street and guests are encouraged to walk up the driveway to the house. Handicap parking will be available at the top near the estate.
The home was built in 1832 by James McNeil Stephenson, a tanner, self-made lawyer and politician. The 6-acre site at 1131 Seventh St. was given to the foundation in 2015 as a gift from Stephenson’s great-great grandson, John Lutz and his wife, Pamela. Betty Lutz, John’s sister, lived in the home until 2015.
Agnes Boreman Stephenson hangs over another fireplace at Oakland Estates at 1311 Seventh St. where a Christmas open house will be held from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 14 for the West Virginia University at Parkersburg Foundation. Stephenson was the husband of James McNeil Stephenson, who built the home in 1832, and the sister of Arthur I. Boreman, the first governor of West Virginia. (Photo Provided)
The estate has been carefully preserved as part of the heritage of WVUP and is the venue for foundation and community events throughout the year. The open house is an opportunity for visitors to experience the home in its holiday elegance while supporting educational opportunities for students at WVUP.
“This event brings together our community, our history and the holiday spirit in one of the most beautiful settings in the Mid-Ohio Valley,” said Olivia Reeder, president of the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation. “We’re honored to share Oakland with our friends and neighbors once again.”
For more information about the event or to learn about the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation, visit www.wvup.edu/foundation or call 304-494-1572.