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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Peek At The Past Historic Campbell House Dresses For The Holidays

As Christmas approaches, maids and coachmen start scurrying around the Campbell House as though it were 1910. The upstairs servants set out Grace and Helen Campbell’s evening dresses and the cook whips up holiday treats in the kitchen.

It’s all part of the season’s living history event at Cheney Cowles Museum in Spokane.

“We’re calling it ‘Come Home For the Holidays’ because (the house) belongs to the community,” says Marsha Rooney, curator for the 1898 mansion on the museum’s grounds. “It really is everyone’s home and here’s their chance to visit.”

Rooney trains extra docents to dress up as the Campbell House staff and answer visitors’ questions. The event opened Friday and continues through Dec. 19.

Throughout the month, singers from Uptown Opera will perform songs from “The Ballad of Baby Doe,” which is set in a Colorado silver mining town. It’s a fitting connection to Amasa Campbell’s historic mining business.

Piano students will play, and members of Viona’s Elegant Vintage will model 1910-era clothing.

The house has been carefully decorated following historic photos. Garlands have been hung from the chandelier to the corners of the dining room, replicating a 1908 photograph.

Rooney expects at least 9,000 visitors this month. People who haven’t seen the museum’s Treasures of Antiquity exhibit will likely hit both.

“It’s like a double special feature,” Rooney says.

An annual wassail party will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 8 for museum members. New members may join by paying the annual fees: $25 for individuals or $50 for families.

Two Browne’s Addition caroling events will be open to the public from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 15 and 22. The cost is $5 per person. Reservations are required.

The Campbell House, 2316 W. First, will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday. It’s closed on Monday.

Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2.50 for students with ID and children ages 6 to 16, and $10 for immediate family.

For more information, call 456-3932, ext. 101.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 3 color photos