42nd Christmas Tour of Lewes scheduled for Dec. 5

One of Lewes’ most beloved holiday traditions, the 42nd Annual Christmas Tour of Lewes benefiting The Lewes Historical Society, is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5. Advance tickets are $25 each; tickets purchased the day of the tour are $30. Children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult.

Featured this year is the home of Otis and Hazell Smith, the beautiful and iconic Georgian Revival mansion on Gills Neck Road. This is the first time it has appeared on the Christmas Tour. Smith, president of Lewes' menhaden fishing companies from the 1940s through the 1960s, also served as mayor of the town. He was involved in local, state and national politics as well as a number of philanthropic and social groups throughout Delaware.

To purchase advance tickets, go to www.historiclewes.org or call 302-645-7670. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the society’s Ryves Holt House Museum Shop at the corner of Second and Mulberry streets in historic Lewes. All tickets from online sales and phone requests will be held at the museum shop. Beginning mid-November, tickets can also be purchased in Lewes at the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and the Zwaanendael Museum (both on Kings Highway), Habersham Peddler on Second Street or The Inn at Canal Square on Front Street. In Rehoboth Beach, tickets may be purchased at the Rehoboth Beach Museum or Browseabout Books on Rehoboth Avenue.

A wonderful selection of homes is on this year’s tour, from 18th century delights and 19th century beauties to 20th century masterpieces. LHS Director Mike DiPaolo said, “The purpose of the tour is not only to experience the fabric of Lewes history and to learn about great architecture, but to recognize the important role historic preservation plays in our community.”

Houses on tour will include: 15841 Gills Neck Road, home of Otis and Hazell Smith/Karen Parker; 107 Kings Highway, the Colonel David Hall House, home of Winne Kee; 122 Madison Ave., Jan McMahon and Bob Rabatsky; 127 Madison Ave., Joanne and Mac McNaught; 306 West Fourth St., home of Heidi Lowe and Paul Camenisch; 310 West Fourth St., home of David Greer and Dorothy Greet; 410 West Fourth St., home of Mitzi and Paul Kratt; 219 Grey Plover Court, the Basil Clare House, home of Meredith Lewis Thomas; and 1302 Bay Ave., home of Allison and Dennis Reardon.

Beyond the nine private homes on tour this year, the society’s museums will be open and decorated for the season. The Lewes Historic Complex at 110 Shipcarpenter St. will be bustling with fun activities.

During the tour, The Lewes Historical Society will host a Christmas Antiques Bazaar and Bake Sale at the Rabbit's Ferry House at Third and Shipcarpenter streets on the Lewes Historic Complex. It will feature a selection of small furniture, collectables, dishware, jewelry and more. Also enjoy hot coffee, chili and delicious baked goods.

Also this year at Freddie’s Barn there will be a fabulous display of holiday greens for sale featuring fresh magnolia, pine and holly, while supplies last. In addition, homemade wreaths and swags will be for sale.

Again this year, visitors will be served a free small sample of American Heritage Historic Chocolate hot chocolate, an authentically re-created 18th-century recipe. Learn from living history characters why chocolate was so beloved that it was often referred to as “nectar” in the 18th century. This year the chocolate tasting will be at the society's newest property, the Zwaanendael Club, at the corner of Third Street and Savannah Road.

Christmas Tour of Lewes tickets and a great selection of gifts will be on hand at the society’s Museum Gift Shop in the Ryves Holt House on the corner of Second and Mulberry Streets in historic Lewes. Society members are invited to enjoy a 10 percent discount on all Museum Gift Shop items.

During the Christmas Tour of Lewes, organizations such as the Col. David Hall DAR Chapter will open their doors to the public. In addition, several area churches will have events and luncheons, Children’s Beach House will have a Holiday Art Show and Sale, and American Legion Post 17 will have an indoor Craft Fair and luncheon. The Lewes Christmas Parade will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. After the parade, visitors may go to Zwaanendael Park for the tree-lighting and caroling.

The Christmas Tour of Lewes benefits The Lewes Historical Society. Sponsors include Schell Brothers and Map Sponsor Wilgus Insurance. House sponsors include Cape Gazette, Cadbury at Lewes, Griswold Home Care, The Inn at Canal Square, Jeanine O'Donnell State Farm Insurance, Peninsula Gallery, Sombar and Company CPAs P.A., Community Bank Delaware, Will Buckson Builder LLC, G. Fedale Roofing and Siding, and Collier Homes at Anglers Rest.

For more information, go to www.historiclewes.org or call 302-645-7670.