Vandergrift decorates for Christmas house tour
Janice Oberdorf knows a little something about human nature -- that and Christmas decorating.
She says that it's natural for people to be a little inquisitive about how their neighbors deck their respective halls.
"People are always curious," she says. "When you walk by a house this time of year and see the tree inside, you always take a quick peak."
For this reason, and to aid the Victorian Vandergrift Museum and Historical Society, she initiated the Vandergrift area Christmas House Tour three years ago.
Guests take themselves on a self-guided excursion to six locations, each with its holiday charm.
This year's installment on Sunday will feature four homes, along with the Museum and the newly renovated Casino Theater.
"It gives people a chance to see what others are doing," she says. "And it will also give some their first chance to see the new balcony at the Casino."
The century-old theater, decorated for the holidays, recently had a tin ceiling and vintage seats added to enhance the nostalgic ambience.
"You almost expect to see Victorian-era gentlemen and ladies standing around conversing," Oberdorf says.
In addition, The Museum, a perennial popular stop on the tour, will feature Christmas Tree Lane where visitors can vote for their favorite tree decorated by several area organizations and schools.
There also will be a variety of holiday accessories available at The Museum gift shop, supplementing what is one of the biggest fund-raisers for the historical society and museum.
Last year, more than 100 visitors went on the tour.
It's an annual event that Oberdorf hopes will become a holiday tradition.
"We like helping people get into the holiday spirit," she says.
Along with the old-fashioned decorations, most of the houses are set up for a formal party, complete with Christmas carols and the aroma of cider and cookies baking.
"People on the tour will be able to eat, drink and be merry," she says.
The tour will feature the homes of:
Bill and Cindy Morschhauser, 217 Orr Ave., Oklahoma Borough. "This is a lovely home adorned with handmade and sentimental ornaments along with formal trees in the living and dining rooms," Oberdorf says. "One of the most unique aspects is the Irish room, which is decorated entirely in white and green."
Cindy Morschhauser was happy to open her home for the worthy cause.
"It's just such a nice way to help out our little community," she says.
Linda Raschiatore, 1000 Wallace Ave., Vandergrift. "Stepping into Linda's home is like stepping back in time," Oberdorf says. "The house, which has been in Raschiatore's family for more than four generations, is filled with antiques and holiday ornaments from the past and present, giving it a theme that she calls "early eclectic."
Pattie Yarussi, 421 Franklin Ave., Vandergrift. "Pattie has a lovely, lovely Tudor-style brick home which is decorated beautifully all year round to complement every season," says Oberdorf. "She will have a formal tree in the living room, a tree in the dining room and a special 'teddy bear' tree on the second floor. "
Oberdorf's home at 120 E. Adams Ave., Vandergrift, is the only house to be featured on the tour each year. Her more than 90-year-old home features a tree in every room, and she proclaims, "I don't consider it a tree unless it's seven-and-a-half feet tall." Each tree receives new ornaments yearly, and the decorations in each room are coordinated to match each tree's color scheme. "I probably go to the most extreme," Oberdorf says.
Additional Information:
If you go
What: Christmas House Tour.
When: 1 to 7 p.m. Sunda.y
Where: Vandergrift area.
Admission: $10 in advance, $12 day of tour; Benefits the Victorian Vandergrift Museum and Historical Society.
Details: 724-567-2771.
