Holidays begin at Dorflinger open house

WHITE MILLS - The Annual Holiday Open House at the Dorflinger Museum and Gift Shop and the Glassworker’s House, on Charles Street will be held on Saturday, Nov. 26 and Sunday, Nov. 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. The open house at the worker’s house features an unusual tree decorated with rare and unique ornaments. The tree is one of the first artificial trees used in this country. It is made of goose and turkey feathers, dyed green, and twisted on a wire frame. Known as a feather tree, the one on display dates to 1875, the period of the house. Feather trees at this time were in turned wooden pots. Later ones were in square wooden boxes, stenciled with poinsettias. The ornaments featured on the tree are known as “kugels.” These heavy glass ornaments were made as early as 1820 and used through the late 1880s. Kugel is a German word meaning “ball.” The majority of the decorations on display are glass balls, but there are also kugels shaped in the form of grapes, pears, and eggs. Under the tree is a collection of antique toys, much like those the glassworker’s children might have received. A presentation will be made by Kurt Reed, local historian, worker’s house curator, and authority on Christmas ornaments and decorations. His presentation has become a tradition not to be missed. Tours of the different rooms in the worker’s house will be conducted at the same time. The Gift Shop annual 20% off sale continues on both days. The Worker’s House and the Dorflinger Glass Museum will also be open on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. as part of the Hawley Winterfest Celebration. Call 570-253-1185 for more information and visit www.dorflinger.org.