Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site will present “Visions of Christmas: 1860” Saturday, Dec. 3 from 2-6 p.m. You are invited to be a guest of the Landon Carter Haynes family and friends as they begin their celebrations for the holiday season.
Experience what it was like for this family with the glow of oil lamps and the smell of greenery in an 1860 home. The family plans a belated birthday party for Landon Carter Haynes who turned 44 years old on December 2, 1860. He is away attending to business in Knoxville after recently buying a lot in town. His arrival is expected any minute as he travels home on the East Tennessee & Virginia Railroad. Everyone wonders what presents and news he will have when he arrives at home. Join in with the discussion of the election of Abraham Lincoln as the president and its effect on the future of East Tennessee. Also, enjoy holiday snacks and drinks that are being prepared over the open hearth in the cabin.
While waiting for your tour of the Haynes home, punch and cookies will be served in the visitor center. Enjoy your punch and cookies while you sing along with the Johnson City Senior Chorale and the Golden Heirs Community Choir, both directed by Cherry Smith, as they perform and sing traditional carols. The Watauga Historical Association will also be on hand to help answer genealogical questions. If you are brave enough, you can explore the cave and then take a brisk walk in the woods during daylight hours.
Admission is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children 12 and under. Admission for groups of 10 or more will be $4 for adults and $1.50 for children 12 and under.
As always, members of the Tipton-Haynes Historical Association receive free admission. Please call (423) 926-3631 to make a reservation for the 1860 Christmas candlelight tour or for more information. Tours begin at 2:15 p.m. and continue every fifteen minutes until the last tour at 5:45 p.m. Again, reservations are strongly suggested prior to Dec. 3rd. Tipton-Haynes is located at 2620 South Roan Street in Johnson City.
