THE
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911 Franklin Street Weekly Newspaper Michigan City, IN 46360
Volume 21, Number 49 Thursday, December 15, 2005 Brown Mansion a Crown Jewel of Chesterton History
by Paula McHugh
George and Charity Brown built a 3-story brick mansion in Chesterton in 1885. The Brown’s didn’t know it then, but their for- mer home has become one of the crown jew- els of the small, yet rapidly-expanding town near the dunes. The Brown Mansion, built of the same locally-manufactured Porter brick, recent- ly became the new home of the Westchester Township Historical Museum. The muse- um formerly occupied cramped quarters in the lower level of the Westchester Township Library Technical Services Center. And the Brown Mansion was, up until a few months ago, home to the Duneland School Corporation’s Administrative Center. Luckily for townsfolk, no one let the his- toric Queen Anne building fall to ruin—it was entered onto the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. And just about everyone in Chesterton would agree that The 1885 Brown Mansion in Chesterton is new the home of the there is no better place than the stately man- Westchester Township Historical Museum. (photo by Dan Bruhn). sion on West Porter Avenue for housing the interesting history of the Duneland com- munity. Brown Mansion Continued on Page 2
Built of bricks from the Porter brickyards, the three-story mansion was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, when the building was occu- The Brown’s prosperity is reflected within and without the tasteful and pied by the Duneland inviting period home. Although not reflected in our photos, the mansion is School Corporation’s currently decorated for the holidays with Victorian flourishes. administrative offices. THE Page 2 December 15, 2005
THE 911 Franklin Street • Michigan City, IN 46360 219/879-0088 • FAX 219/879-8070 In Case Of Emergency, Dial e-mail: News/Articles - [email protected] email: Classifieds - [email protected] http://www.bbpnet.com/
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Not your aver- Jane’s sun- age retirement filled office, home, the Brown directly above Mansion’s the parlor, embellishments houses a soap- include the daisy stone-carved motif on the exte- fireplace and rior trim. Note the oozes charm. rounded-corner bricks, also.
Other pieces of art, such as the cast- bronze doorknobs and door hinges, original to the home, require taking a closer inspection of the mansion’s treasures.
Brown Mansion Continued from Page 1 n’t settle for a smaller abode upon retirement. The George Brown had been a farmer in Jackson Brown’s prosperity is reflected within and without the Township. Much of the cordwood on his 900 acres was tasteful and inviting period home. Exterior gingerbread sold to the Porter brickyards. George and Charity raised trim reflects a daisy motif . Similar flower details echo ten children and left the farming operations to their within: from a finely carved fireplace mantel to brass offspring upon retiring to town. But the couple did- doorknobs to shutter and door hinges.
Library Assistant Director and Museum Curator Jane Walsh-Brown describes details of the grand, grandfather clock donated by the A colorful stained glass fanlight in the front entryway Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary to visitor Jim Jeselnick lets in a rainbow of cheer. THE December 15, 2005 Page 3
Westchester Library Assistant Director and Museum Curator Jane Walsh-Brown led the Beacher on a pri- Open ‘til 6 p.m. vate tour of the museum and pointed out these and Evenings other design details of the mansion’s stately interi- or. As we entered a rear parlor from the public access side door, Westminster chimes from a grand, cherry grandfather clock greeted our arrival. The clock, Jane said, came from the former Richardson www.littlehousefashions.comElegant Apparel for the Wildlife Sanctuary collection, as do several other [email protected] Conscious Woman Women’s Apparel period pieces in the mansion. Sunshine splashed through stained glass panels in the front parlor. The oak mantel fireplace with its four flower motifs 25% Off Storewide Sale set a focal point between large, wood-shuttered win- dows. (The Original Price) Select Items 50% Off. A late 19th-century pair of settees and a game table from the youngest children of the Morgan fam- Its a ily—Chesterton’s earliest homesteaders—comfort- ® ably fill the room without overwhelming the rich Pendleton ... architectural details. Hand-stenciled ceilings and Button-Front ornate capitals provide additional hints to the orig- Jacket - inal owners’ prosperity and taste. The Bradford & Pickstitching Bradford wallpaper remains true to the period of defines the seams, the house. collar and cuffs of Brown Mansion Continued on Page 4 this shorter shirt jacket style. Made in the USA. $198 Sale-$148.50. Long A-Line Skirt - The soft, brushed hand of worsted wool flannel brings fluid grace to this easy-fitting A-line skirt. The fabric has been cut on the cross grain for exceptional flow. The modern welt waist looks sleek and stays comfort- A late 19th century pair of settees and a game able, thanks to our table. all-around Comfort Waist with back zip. Half-lined. No pock- ets interrupt the sleek, slimming sil- houette Made in the USA. 35" Long. $128 Sale-$96. Meet Us For Lunch And A Style Show THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15 - TIPPECANOE PLACE, SOUTH BEND
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Brown Mansion Continued from Page 3 In the dining room, the ceiling is wallpapered in shim- mery, earthy tones to compliment the patterned walls and centerpiece framed nature print. The print had been owned by early dunes’ activists William and Flora Richardson, and was donated by the Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary. (About he only thing missing is a fresh-from-the-oven Christmas goose for the table). One of three glass-doored bookcases from the William and Flora Richardson collection is installed in the large foyer. Jane told us that the tomes within this particular bookshelf all represent the history, politics, and soci- ology of the 1930’s. While visitors to the museum are restricted to the main floor of the mansion, Jane allowed us to be escorted upstairs to view the second-floor bedrooms- turned-offices, and up another flight to view the orig- The mansion’s oak balustrade, built by Nathan DeMass, inal ballroom-turned-storage space. The mansion’s oak is notable for its ornamental rectangular woodworking. balustrade, built by Nathan DeMass, is notable for its ornamental rectangular woodworking. Many works of locally-known artists decorate the walls. And other pieces of art, such as the cast-bronze door- knobs and door hinges, original to the home, require taking a closer inspection of the mansion’s treasures. If Jane had not pointed them out, we surely would have missed them. Jane’s sun-filled office, directly above the parlor, houses a soapstone-carved fireplace and oozes charm. Most of us would drool to have an office space so pleasant, but Jane pointed out that her duties within the building and elsewhere has kept her thus far from enjoying it to the hilt. The other for- mer bedrooms house the offices of LuAnne DePriest, Programming and Publicity Assistant, and Kathi Mudd, Museum Educator. A research room where much study and exhibit preparation goes on behind the scenes is where Eva Hopkins does some of her work. The staff research room has doors that lead to other LuAnne DePriest, Programming and Publicity Assistant, confers with doors that are closets-turned-storage areas. Museum Curator Jane Walsh-Brown. Kathi Mudd, new Museum As Jane led us up to the top floor, she excitedly point- Educator, has her back to the camera. ed out the compact sitting area off the stairwell that we imagined would be the perfect spot to steal away to read a good book. Or, to just gaze out the windows and imagine the scene, or panorama of a century ago. The ballroom on the top floor would probably dis- appoint most contemporary visitors who harbor romantic visions. It nowhere resembles that of the Barker Mansion, because the Brown Mansion’s ball- room has been converted for use as a storage area for historical records and such. However, there is one fea- ture on this level that stands out: Jane led us over fur- nace ducts—carefully, of course—out through a small door onto the home’s portico. Standing eastward, we absorbed a nifty birds-eye view of the town from Porter Avenue. On the porch’s north side, Jane point- ed out the cat slide roof that was the perfect venue for a Brown daughter’s elopement. The steeply- pitched roof at the back of the mansion slides to the top of the former carriage house. From there, a short Kathi Mudd is the newest member of the museum staff, serving as Museum Educator. ladder stole away 18-year old Loretta Mae Brown into THE December 15, 2005 Page 5 the arms of her true love, Val Cole, explained the cou- ple’s grandson, Tim Cole. A romantic and true story, although Tim insists that his grandfather was not a romantic-type guy. It’s just that the Brown’s did not approve of Valentine Cole, but that’s another story for another time—and one that writer and historian Tim could best relate. In 1885, the mansion had hot and cold running water and toilet facilities, Jane explained. Vintage photos of the mansion show a windmill at the back of the home. Today, the windmill is gone and the view to the back of the home overlooks Chesterton’s former high school, now a middle school. Back inside, renovators includ- ed a gravity toilet in the powder room on the main floor, just beyond the room designed for modern-day geneal- ogists and for people wanting to research their home’s history. Visitors and researchers will be greeted to the mansion by Museum Registrar Joan Costello, whose The mansion’s former kitchen is now the museum gift shop, filled with desk is situated in an alcove decorated with etched cards, ornaments, books and other items pertinent to the history of the glass windows. Duneland area The mansion’s former kitchen is now the museum gift shop, filled with items pertinent to the history of the Duneland area. Included is a small selection of “gen- tly used” books that would be of interest to students of Hoosier history. Beyond the kitchen lies the col- lection of the history museum that had been housed in its former location. (The museum was featured in the March, 2004 Beacher). Now occupying the man- sion’s former coach house annex, the historical muse- um collection, featuring township history “From the Ice Age to the Present,” has plenty of space—four room’s worth—to breathe. Temporary exhibits rotate every three months, and currently, artifacts from Chesterton’s old china factory are highlighted. The newest addi- tion to the museum is the 1882 wooden pulpit designed by Pastor CBL Borman for Bethlehem Lutheran Church, which was in use until 1964. A separate, handicapped-accessible entrance leads The former coach house holds the collection of the Westchester Historical directly to the history museum displays. Jane said that Museum, which was featured in the Beacher in March, 2004 when it was plans are in the works to build an access ramp into housed in cramped quarters at the Library Services Center building. the Brown Mansion, which currently requires walk- ing up a short flight of stairs. The Westchester Township History Museum is an educational service of the Westchester Public Library. There is no admission charge to visit the museum, but reservations are required for group visits. The Brown Mansion—decorated for the holiday season through mid-January-- is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1-5 p.m. or by appointment. The Leslie and Mary Pratt Local History Archives are open the same hours, and anyone wishing additional research help can make an appointment by phoning (219) 983-9715. The Brown Mansion is located at 700 West Porter Avenue. Read The Beacher On Line http://www.thebeacher.com/ Support those who advertise in the Beacher! The newest addition to the museum is the 1882 wooden pulpit designed by Pastor CBL Borman for Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Tell them you saw their Ad! which was in use until 1964. THE Page 6 December 15, 2005 Christmas Concert to be Broadcast The annual Valparaiso University Christmas Concert will be broadcast on Chicago radio station WFMT 98.7 and 30 other radio stations around the country and overseas between Dec. 18 and 25. Seven of the stations broadcasting the Christmas Concert also offer free Internet audio streaming, allowing Valparaiso alumni and friends throughout the world the opportunity to listen to the tradition- al concert. The broadcasts, taped during live performances Dec. Make Someone 2 and 3 in the Chapel of the Resurrection on campus, will feature the world premiere of “Convulsions in the Feel Special… Heavens,” with lyrics by VU’s award-winning writer Walt Wangerin Jr., and music by Dr. Dennis Friesen- Carper, conductor of the VU Symphony Orchestra. The WFMT broadcast will take place at 8 p.m. Gift Certificates Dec. 19. Also in the Chicago area, WEPS-FM 88.9 in Elgin will broadcast the concert at 10 a.m. Dec. 22. Radio stations in 12 other states will broadcast the concert, along with a station in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. In addition to “Convulsions in the Heavens,” the con- Phyllis Baker, RN, BSN, CMT • Patsi Gately, BA, MA, CMT cert features selections from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” AMTA & NCTMB Suite, “Gloria” by Vivaldi, “Hodie” by Ralph Vaughn Williams, “Celebrations” by Zdechlik and “Magnificat” www.wellness-specialists.com by Pärt. The concert closes with the audience par- 1026 N. Karwick Road, Michigan City (219) 879-5722 ticipating in a grand finale of familiar hymns and car- ols of the season arranged by Alfred Reed. THE December 15, 2005 Page 7
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GOLD COAST LINCOLN PARK LOOP SANDBURG VILLAGE NEW EASTSIDE HARBOR COUNTRY 980 N. MICHIGAN 2663 N. HALSTED ST 80 W. HARRISON 1355 N. SANDBURG TER 400 E. RANDOLPH 439 S. WHITTAKER CHICAGO, IL 60611 CHICAGO IL 60614 CHICAGO IL 60605 CHICAGO IL 60611 CHICAGO, IL 60601 NEW BUFFALO, MI 49117 (312) 368-5300 773.687-4663 SOUTH 312.980.5100 312.368-5336 312.540.9000 (888) 257-5800 THE Page 10 December 15, 2005 Carmen Memorial Endowment Fund The Barbara A. Carmen Memorial Endowment The Fund was established in 1992 in memory of the late Framing Station Barbara Carmen who was an elementary school of Michigan City teacher in both public and Catholic schools in the GIVE and RECEIVE Michigan City area. Mrs. Carmen’s family conceived this fund through the Unity Fund of LaPorte County Bring in 1 unwrapped to promote teacher empowerment in the classroom. new toy & *receive Annual grants are awarded directly to teachers to fund 15% off your special projects and programs which enhance ele- custom framing order! mentary education in the Michigan City area. Mr. John Happy Holidays! Carmen, husband to Barbara and director of the 912 Franklin St., Michigan City, IN • (219) 879-2115 fund, said, “Barbara was a dedicated career teacher 715 Indiana Ave., LaPorte • (219) 324-0168 and it is only fitting that we remember her by help-
Store Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:00-5:00 Saturday 10:00-4:00 322845 *excludes labor and frame specials ing other teachers give a little more to their stu- Expires 12-22-05 dents.” 2005 recipients of grants from the Fund include: Janelle Zeman, Marsh School; Sheila Edlen, St. Stanislaus; Tamara Pinkerton, St. Stanislaus; Robin Oshinski and Nadia Dabagia, Joy School; Amy Wojasinski, Elston; Jill Jelinek Ogrego and Pat Cannon, St. Stanislaus; Marie Titus, St. Stanislaus; April Fallon, St. Paul’s; and Andrea Renner, Pine School. Each of these teachers is to be congratulated for tak- ing the extra time and effort to develop programs which go beyond the conventional classroom instruction to enhance their students’ education. Grants are available each school year and applications must be received by Oct. 31st. Grant applications are available at all Michigan City area elementary schools or by phoning Mr. Carmen at 219/362-8308.
“Artistic Holiday Reception” Block Fine Arts Gallery is hosting Artistic Holiday Receptions during the month of December. On Sat., Dec. 17th, “Beyond the Eye,” a mixed media group show opens with an artist’s reception from 1-5 p.m. (MI time). Participating artists include painters Harry Borgman and Amy Beth Geerling (both of Michigan); Jill Amstutz and Ellen Anne Eddy (both of Indiana); Catherine Hail (Illinois). Metal/glass artist LeRoy Hall (Illinois), wood carver Sharon Witlow, and photo- graph manipulated images by Andrea Barnish. New to the gallery are original jewelry designs by Amanda J. White, Don Pentico and Richard Smith. Block Fine Arts Gallery is located at 105B N. Whittaker St., New Buffalo. Phone: 269/469-2039.
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REDUCED 2141 Chastleton Dr. • $375,000 6 Royal Troon Dr. • $249,000 875 W. Timberlake Dr. • $177,000 1 5 bedrooms, 2 ⁄2 baths. Lower level family room 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. 2-story condo offering 2 bedrooms, 2 baths. Master bedroom with & beach shower. Rear entrance leads you into space & function. Living room with vaulted ceil- private master bath & sunroom. 2-car detached ing & gas fireplace. Nice master suite & screened garage for extra storage. A show place for a mudroom. Great views of Long Beach golf in porch, community pool. Just steps from nature lovers all year long situated on 3.38 1 course. About 3 ⁄2 blocks to Stop 22 beach. Long Beach golf course. Acres! Shirl Bacztub, GRI 219/874-5642 Jamie Follmer 219/851-2164 Barb Holm-Pinks 219/325-0006 Fran Lysaught 219/879-3454 Megan Campbell* 219/861-3683 Joe Gazarkiewicz 219/861-3750 Maria Jackson 269/369-7477 Daiva Mockaitis* 219/670-0982 Judi Donaldson 219/879-1411 Linette Gresham 219/229-0312 Susan Kelley* 219/874-5610 Randy Novak*, ABR, E-PRO, GRI, 219/877-7069 Christine Facciponti 219/877-9662 Diana Hirsch* 219/363-0384 Karen Kmiecik 219/210-0494 Pat Tym*, ABR, GRI, SRES 219/872-0079 Laurie Farrell 219/871-0526 Ellen Holloway* 219/878-3721 Deb Kozachenko 219/324-5805 Stephanie Duffy Wisner 219/879-1998 *Licensed in Indiana and Michigan THE Page 12 December 15, 2005 Celebrating Christmas with “The Family Stone”
by Barbara Stodola
The movie’s title is a double entendre, Stone being the name of the fictional family, and also referring to the engagement ring that touches off the drama. As the story unfolds, the Stones’ eldest son Everett, a Manhattan executive, brings his uptight fiancee home to meet his mother Sibyl, a free-thinking char- acter played by Diane Keaton, along with the rest of her energetic and outspoken brood. Keaton loves the role. “I was drawn instantly to the character of Sybil because of the many layers to her personality,” she said. “It was fun playing the character who maintains a sem- blance of order within the chaos that prevails in her household.” Does this mean that real-life Suzy Vance is played on screen by Diane Keaton? “Oh no, no, no,” Suzy insists. “Tom’s screeplay is fictional, not autobiographical.” Even so, there are moments when fiction echoes the experiences of real life. The family patriarch, Kelly Stone (Craig T. Nelson) is a college professor in a small New England town -- as was Suzy’s first husband -- and the Stones’ attitudes reflect their At Christmas, 2005, Suzy Vance is celebrating the release of the intellectualism as well as their small-town preju- Hollywood film “The Family Stone,” written and directed by dices. . her son Tom Bezucha. “Over the top” is how Suzy Vance described the expe- rience of viewing the Hollywood movie written and directed by her son, Thomas Bezucha. “The Family Stone,” a heartwarming comedy released by 20th Century Fox, will open Dec. 16 at Michigan City’s Showplace 14 and theatres across the country. “It is a fabulous movie,” she said, adding that she is not at all surprised by her son’s successful venture. “Even as a 7-year-old chlld, Tommy showed an extra- ordinary ability for capturing the drama in family rela- tionships. In high school, he submitted a short story to The New Yorker and received a very encouraging response. He has watched movies, forever, memo- rized his favorite scenes, given books and movies as gifts. At Christmas time, we used to have our own fam- ily film festival.” “The Family Stone” is set during the Christmas hol- Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton was persuaded by Tom Bezucha to play the mother’s role in his fictional Stone family. idays, a time of year, Suzy says, “when the drama in families is most clearly observed. So much tension is Although Suzy had just two children, “The Family going on, the pressure to ‘get things done,’ people com- Stone” has five -- business executive Everett (Dermot ing and going, lots of turmoil, and lots of love. Tommy Mulroney), film editor Ben (Luke Wilson), who flies always loved celebrating the holidays -- for him, they in from California; sisters Amy (Rachel McAdams) and began on October 31 and ran through the New Year.” Susannah (Elizabeth Reaser); and the youngest son Suzy and her husband Tim Griffin have just Thad (Ty Giordano), who is both deaf and gay. With returned to their dunetop home in Beverly Shores, after a deaf member in the family, the Stones are all pro- a whirlwind weekend at the film’s premiere showing ficient at sign language, which brings another level in Los Angeles. It was a poignant occasion -- the of communication to the family interaction. thrill of seeing her son’s major achievement -- com- When Everett introduces his immaculately-groomed bined with the memories of family celebrations in New fiancee, Meredith, to his freewheeling family, cul- England, where Tom and his sister Margaret grew up, ture clashes break out. Meredith is played by Sarah and where “The Family Stone” was filmed. Jessica Parker, who “grabbed the opportunity” because THE December 15, 2005 Page 13 Scenes From the Hollywood Film -- “The Family Stone”
Two dramas are occurring in the kitchen as the Stone parents watch their A mixed bag of greetings awaits Sarah Jessica Parker as she faces her son and daughter arguing, in roles played by Dermot Mulroney and screen-life fiance’s brothers and sisters. Rachel McAdams.
The Christmas Strata, a dish traditionally prepared by Suzy Vance, Life’s little disasters can dissolve into laughter, especially if Diane Keaton is here served up to the Stone family by their guest is at the center of the comedy. At left is Rachel McAdams, Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker.) at right Sarah Jessica Parker. the character is so different from the role she played Eden,” friends urged him to take it to the Sundance on the hit HBO series “Sex and the City. “Meredith New Directors conference. He made his presenta- is controlling, rigid and tightly wound,” Parker tion to film producers and distributors from all over observed. She tries to fit in, and cooks up a special the world, and was warmly applauded. That pretty Christmas dish -- with disastrous results. The recipe much put an end to his New York city life. “Big Eden” is a “tomato-cheese strata” that Suzy Vance has brought the story of a gay man to an idyllic, imagi- always served to her family on Christmas morning. nary backwoods community, where ever-tolerant “The story is not about my family, but it is definitely townsfolks boosted the romance between a visiting New about my people. I grew up among academics on the Yorker and a big Indian named Pike. The movie won East Coast,” pointed out Suzy’s son Thomas Bezucha. fifteen awards and Bezucha himself was named as one Before embarking on his moviemaking career, Bezucha of Variety’s “10 to Watch” screenwriters. had been a successful advertising executive in New “Tom was always very sensitive and had deep feel- York City. He spent eight years at POLO/Ralph ings for people,” his mother said. “He sees the emo- Lauren, as senior director of creative services, and then tional interaction that goes on, and is able to trans- was vice-president of creative services for COACH. late the drama of life into the drama of film.” He now “Isn’t there more to life than this?” he would some- lives in Los Angeles. Suzy’s daughter Margaret has times reflect. “Maybe I should drop it all and go to remained on the East coast. She works at the Gifford Montana.” School in Massachusetts, a therapeutic day school for When Bezucha developed the story-line for his developmentally problematic children. first film, set in the fictional Montana town of “Big Family Stone Continued on Page 14 THE Page 14 December 15, 2005
Family Stone Continued from Page 13 decided “I didn’t care to earn my living in a courtroom. Suzy Vance herself has pursued a lifestyle off the Ninety-five percent of the cases are settled before they beaten path, one that resonates in the career paths ever go to court, so for awhile I worked in mediation. chosen by her children. She practiced law in Chicago And now, I work with people before they even get to for many years, focusing on “relationship law,” but then the point of filing lawsuits. A person may need to move on, and I help them to do this before getting into a frozen Christmas Strata position. I am helping people to get in touch with who they are.” 8 slices white bread 8 oz. sliced mozzarella cheese 2 14-oz. cans whole tomatoes, drained and sliced 13-oz. can sliced mushrooms (or sauteed, fresh) 1 medium onion, thinly-sliced rings 5 eggs 3 cups milk 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. oregano Using a donut cutter, cut bread into donuts and holes. Set aside. Place bread scraps in buttered 9”x13” bak- ing dish. Layer half of cheese over bread. Arrange onion rings, mushrooms and half of tomatoes, and remain- ing cheese. Arrange donuts and holes, placing toma- to slices in each donut. Combine slightly beaten eggs, milk, salt and spices and pour over bread. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and dot with olives. Tom Bezucha, screenwriter and director of “The Family Stone,” is pic- Refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight. Bake 1- 1/2 tured with Diane Keaton, whom he persuaded to play the role of mother. hours in 325-degree oven, or until knife comes out clean. All movie images are copyright @ 2005 20th century Fox. Suzy Let rest 5 minutes. Serves 8. Vance was photographed by Barbara Stodola at her Christmas tree. The photo of Tom Bezucha is provided by Suzy Vance.
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Thank You for dining with us in 2005 Our restaurant will be closed from December 24 - February 1
A lovely 9 Room Inn, Cozy Bar & Restaurant and Excellent Steak, Seafood, and Pasta THE Page 16 December 15, 2005 Third Saturday – Three Oaks An Open Studio-Gallery Walk & Parade will take Christmas at place on Sat., Dec. 17th, 5-10 p.m. (MI time) with a parade at 7 p.m. in downtown Three Oaks, MI. The streets of downtown Three Oaks are open at Barker last and the Third Saturday gallery walk will feature a festive parade. Join in a celebration of community Mansion and the magic that the holidays bring. The eclectic gal- leries treat visitors to a visual feast of local, region- al and international artists’ work. Several business- Enjoy the sights of A Victorian Family Christmas, as you tour the es and restaurants are open until 10 p.m. to add to decorated Victorian mansion. the festivities. Leisure Touring Mon - Fri Noon - 3:00 p.m. All are encouraged to participate in this very organ- Dec. 3-18 Sat & Sun Noon - 4:00 p.m. ic parade! Wear a costume, bring a luminaria, a Guided Touring Mon - Fri 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., & 1 p.m. musical instrument or whatever creative talent you Dec. 19-Jan. 15 Sat & Sun Noon & 2:00 p.m. might share. Members of local churches will be CLOSED December 23, 24, 25, & January 1 Christmas caroling along Elm Street. The parade 631 Washington Street Michigan City 873-1520 begins 7p.m. at the Three Oaks Elementary School and ends at the United Methodist Church on Elm. The Vickers Movie Theater features independent and foreign films. Enjoy the ever creative Acorn Theater which offers stage-theater, performance art and live music. Gallery 107 always exhibits some visu- al delights. Dawning Gallery features a variety of regional artists’ work, including paintings, prints, wood-fired ceramics, textiles and hand-made gifts. Blue Gallery is a contemporary art gallery locat- ed in a turn of the century building featuring renowned artists in paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry and wood furniture. Explore Studio B Gallery where you’ll find a col- lection of paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry and fabulous finds from around the world. Aron Packer Gallery features contemporary art, folk art and objects of interest. Don’t miss Gallery H, exhibit- ing contemporary art-work. Dedicated to the art of recycling, reusing, and rein- venting, Rubbish Designs creations include cloth- ing, accessories and much more. One never knows what to expect at the eclectic BelleVia Market, pottery, paintings or perhaps a musician or two. Generations Gallery, located in the historic Featherbone Factory is home to several artists’ stu- dios. B Books is host to collectable books and some very unique creations incorporating the books into art- works. Springdale Furnishings is always worth the trip…vintage furniture in what once was home to a bowling alley! Jenny’s Antiques will also participate in the gallery walk.
Domino Knock Down at County Library A Domino Knock Down will be held from 9 a.m., Tues., Dec. 27 through 1 p.m., Sat., Dec. 31 in Children’s Services at LaPorte County Public Library, 904 Indiana Ave., LaPorte. Help set up multiple sets of domi- noes to create a fabulous chain reaction. THE December 15, 2005 Page 17 open house...