Statehouse Christmas always exciting

By Editor | December 14, 2011 |

This past Saturday evening, visitors to the Vandalia Statehouse participated in an annual tradition – the Christmas open-house at Illinois’ oldest capitol.

As in past years, the first 100 families were given an ornament to take home, along with refreshments and tours of the building that housed Illinois government from 1836-1839.
During the past week, staff and volunteers had been busy with preparations to ready the nearly two-century-old building for the holiday season.
The majestic pine tree was decorated with ornaments, many handmade, along with popcorn streamers. It formed the focal point in the great hall. Garlands of fresh pine, accentuated with red bows, followed the graceful curve of the grand staircase leading to the upper chambers of the Senate and House.
In the offices of the Supreme Court, Secretary of State, Auditor and Treasurer, greenery was interspersed with fresh fruit as it highlighted the age-old furniture in each of the rooms. These decorations were duplicated in the Senate and House of Representatives chambers on the second floor.
Excitement grew inside the historic building as the crowd gathered outside. Doors would open at 4:30 p.m., and checks and double-checks were made to see that everything was in readiness for the hundreds of visitors who would be welcomed on this special day.
Outside, within a very short time, the line of visitors waiting for the doors to open stretched to Gallatin Street. The sounds of their voices, raised in anticipation, added to the joyous feeling of those inside who had worked hard to ready the capitol for this event.
As the hands on the clock neared the time for the doors to open, candles were lit and Baroque Folk musicians tuned their instruments in readiness.
When the doors swung open, the expectant crowd was greeted, not only with the sights of the decorated hall, but by the strains of music floating through the air, setting the tone for the evening.
Greeters were on hand to welcome visitors as they signed the guest book, and hostesses offered homemade cookies and mulled cider.
Tour guides were present in each of the offices, and told the receptive crowd not only about the duties of those elected or appointed to office, but also identified some of the artifacts that were in common use during the early years in the capitol.
The event was exciting, not only for the visitors but also for the volunteers, who participated in this annual celebration of Christmas in Vandalia.