Riversong

CHRISTMAS AT RUTHVEN

As five generations of the Thompson family owned Ruthven (1845-1993), it was decided that a variety of themes and periods could be presented throughout themansion in much the same way as the site is interpreted. This year the themes are the Victorian and Edwardian eras as well as the 1930's and 1950's.

The Parlour has a table top Victorian tree representing the 1840's-50's. Prince Albert, who was originally from Germany, introduced the Christmas tree to England soon after his marriage to Queen Victoria. The fashion of the day was to copy the Royal tree. Decorations included candles, nuts, paper cornucopias, miniature furniture and musical instruments. Presents were not wrapped but were displayed both on and below the tree.

The Double Drawing room boasts a turn of the century Christmas theme. The tree is loaded with a variety of ornaments that include candles, flags, Santas, Japanese lanterns, cookies, pickles, handkerchiefs and candies.

The Dining Room represents 1937 when glass ornaments, lead tinsel, cellophane wreaths and honeycomb bells were popular. According to the Thompson family guest book, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Mackenzie, Miss Hall, and Mr. Leslie of Victoria B.C., had dinner with Colonel Andrew and his second wife Ann on Christmas Day 1937.

The new addition this year is the 1950's Christmas in the back room of the Mansion, representing the last generation of the Thompsons at Ruthven, David and Drew.

The focus of the display is the aluminum tree, the ultimate in Christmas trees at the time. It is on loan from Catherine Berry Stidsen. The authentic 1950's decorations represent the time when ornaments were made in North America and were simpler than their European counterparts. Red, silver, blue, green and gold colours were favourites. However, many were quickly attracted to pastels such as violet, pink and chartreuse. Also in vogue were plastic decorations of reindeer and santas as well as recreated cardboard village scenes. The Christmas cards and furnishings are all part of the Thompson Family collection.