If you are looking for a unique Holiday experience on Sunday, look no further than the Big House at Malabar Farm State Park. For the second year, guests are invited to tour the Big House on Sunday and see it decked out in all its holiday glory.
The event was only available for two day, Nov. 30 and Sunday, Dec. 1. Guests can sign up for guided tours on Sunday, every hour from 1-5 p.m.
Your tour guide will lead you through the beautifully decorated home where the Bromfield family lived, raised their children and entertained such guests as Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.
Tour guides are dressed to represent members of the family, including Louis Bromfield himself, portrayed by volunteer David Greer, and Bromfield’s business manager George Hawkins, played by volunteer Fred Malone.
Guests will enjoy traditional music and songs around the Steinway piano and learn about holiday traditions in other countries. Also representative of Bromfield’s travels, guests will enjoy a buffet of international soups, main dishes, breads, drinks and desserts.
Victoria Cochran, Volunteer Coordinator for Special Events, commented, “This is a wonderful experience and certainly could not be possible without the help of our volunteers.” Cochran added that it takes approximately three dozen volunteers to decorate the house and make the necessary preparations for the tour.
The tour cost is $25 for singles and couples, and groups of 10 or more are $20 per person. The tour includes the sample buffet and a complimentary recipe book and handmade ornament from the Spinning and Weaving Guild.
Cochran added that tickets are still available for Sunday tours and urges those interested to call for a reservation at 419-892-2929.
Another event offers more opportunites to see the Big House decorated for the holiday. Candlelight Holiday Tours will be held Friday, Dec. 6 from 5-9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7 from 5-9 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. To 5 p.m. They are also offered at the same times on Dec. 14, 15, and 16. The cost for the tour is $5 for adults and $3 for children.
All proceeds from the events go to the Malabar Farm Foundation to be used for the upkeep and preservation of Malabar State Farm Park.
The cookies are featured in the buffet served on the tour.
Soft Sugar Cookies- They were made by neighbor, Doris Winters in the 1940s.
2 c. white sugar
1 c. sour cream
1 c. butter
3 eggs
1 ½ tsp. salt
4 ½ c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp soda
Combine and cream first five ingredients, add flour, baking powder and soda gradually. Chill dough for several hours or overnight. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto greased cookie sheet. Flatten with a floured glass. Bake at 375 for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on rack. When cool frost with powdered sugar frosting.
