Thursday, October 25, 2007

 

ROMANCE, CONFLICT & HISTORY DEFINE ROCKWOOD CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR

 

wedding     ROCKWOOD– Passion will play a part in the Christmas Tour of Homes in Rockwood this year. Seasonally decorated historic homes, fragrant baked goods, culinary delights, caroling, historic monologues and a 19th century Civil War based reenactment including a controversial wedding await holiday visitors at the Tour of Homes.  The 2007 tour is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1st from 2 pm to 8 pm, and Sunday, Dec. 2nd from 1 pm to 6 pm.  Tickets, valid through the entire weekend, can be pre-ordered through the Rockwood 2000 website (www.rockwood2000.com), or by calling (865) 354-5116.  The cost is $12 per person with children aged twelve and below admitted free with an adult.  Group rates are available.

    Ten historic homes will be available for viewing along with several other venues featuring holiday fare or souvenirs ranging from the Victorian era to modern day.  The homes allow a glimpse into the stunning architectural styles popular around the turn of the century. 

    To complement the historic homes, the Rockwood Tour of Homes has expanded their offerings in recent years to include “Pieces of the Past”.  Monologues and performances by costumed characters are available to guests as they take the tour.  One recognizable character is Mr. Harry T. Burn, the youngest member of the House of Representatives in both the 1919 and 1921 sessions of the Tennessee General Assembly.  Burn cast the deciding vote for the 19th Amendment to the Federal Constitution, allowing women the right to vote.  Harry T. Burn is portrayed by Mr. Ken Yager and will be accompanied this year by none other than his mother, who will portray the famous Mrs. Burn.  Burn actually worked in Rockwood and was an elected official representing the town during his life. 

    Another person from Rockwood’s past was Miss Bess Wilson.  She was a well known, outspoken and liberated single woman who operated her own business.  During the home tour she will openly share her opinions on social, political and religious topics as she did during her lifetime.  Miss Bess is easily recognizable by the cigarette in a holder she always carried.  She is portrayed by Ms. Linda Fuller.

 sumptuous food   Perhaps the highlight of the Rockwood Christmas Tour is the Civil War Reenactment.  The Confederate Army will be represented by Company A, 28th Tennessee Voluntary Infantry Regiment and the Sergeant William A. Hamby Camp 1750 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.  They are accompanied by the Ladies Auxiliary.  The Tennessee Loyalists (Union) are portrayed by the Schoolfield Battery of Livingston, TN. 

    This year’s reenactment includes an encampment of Confederate soldiers who will be searching the historic homes for Tennessee Loyalists.  Rockwood was founded by a Union General who passed through the area during the Civil War on his way to Chattanooga. The reenactment this year involves the General's young niece, who is betrothed to a Confederate officer. Confederates and Union soldiers will clash in a heated show over this conflict in loyalties.  Performers will be attired in authentic period garb.

     Scheduled times for the performances will be announced. Rockwood 2000 cookbooks and scented candles will be available for purchase.  Additional information on Rockwood's Christmas Tour of Homes is available on the web at http://www.rockwood2000.com. For more information, contact Beverly Stroh by emailing rockwood2000@rockwood2000.com or call (865) 354-5116. Group rates are available with advance notice.

 

  - 30 -

 

 

Prepared by Beverly Stroh