Museum hosts trees spruced up for the season

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

The Christmas Tree Exhibit at the Holiday Museum puts volunteer Suanne Henze and Museum President Bill Lopez in the spirt of the season. -Staff photo by Taylor

December 19, 2002 -- There's no way to describe it, except to say it's like walking into a wonderland of sensation, seasonal sites!

The Yoakum Heritage Museum, in hosting the 15th Annual Christmas Tree Forest, is filled with between 55 and 60 Christmas trees of all sizes and all types of decorations.

For the 15th year, area businesses, civic clubs, individuals and volunteers have worked to make the "forest" a sight to behold for the young and old.

This year's theme - Christmas Traditions - was the idea of Connie Young, executive director of the museum. Since accepting the post, she has come up with ideas for the museum volunteers and led them through each concept, working on ornaments from early fall. The museum volunteers are responsible

for two of the trees each year - the first tree visitors see in the center hall, as well as a tree representing the annual quilt show exhibit held in the spring.

"Ninety percent of the trees are new (decorations). Some of the people have used the same design, each year, but most of them re-design the tree each year. That way, we can keep people coming back. If you have all the same thing, people say, 'Oh, I've seen it!'" said Young.

The 15th Annual Christmas Tree Forest will be open to the public through Dec. 31.

The military tree is just one of the 55-plus trees decorated at the Yoakum Heritage Museum. The displays will be open to the public through Dec. 31. -Staff photo by Taylor

For those who would like to decorate a tree, the museum can provide a tree, courtesy of donations. This year, Young said she had about eight trees donated for use.

The decorated trees are in each room of the two-story Victorian home, donated to the community by the Browning family in 1987. The downstairs was built in 1896, with the upstairs addition in 1912, according to Young.

Entering the front door, visitors are greeted by the largest tree in the exhibit, "Sweets for Santa," which was decorated by the directors and volunteers of the museum. The "Sweets" tree is decorated with replica ornaments of various Christmas baking products, as well as utensils.

The original "parlor," downstairs, is filled with trees from local businesses and organizations, and the dining room is set as it might have been in Victorian times. The dishes are on loan from various citizens, and there are a variety of patterns used.

There are several trees decorated in various Victorian modes, using lots of golden color, and there is even a tree with "Fashions of Yesteryear" as ornaments.

"In Victorian times, they used what they had. They didn't have a lot of Christmas 'stuff,'" Young explained.

In the "railroad room" is a collection of nativity scenes from local citizens, including Young. Each of those represented was crafted in a different part of the world, and the features of that country are reflected in the faces of the characters. Trees in that room include on entitled "Yoakum Rail Days" and depicts the early settling of Yoakum (a town created due to the railroad). It includes a battery-operated train that runs around the middle of the tree.

Also in the room is the "Iroquois Whimsy Tree," a unique tree decorated with handmade, beaded frames and ornaments made by the Iroquois Indians of Niagara Falls, from a local collection.

There are trees decorated with objects made by local school children and various, battery-operated scenes for the young and old to enjoy.

Upstairs, the "Girl's Room" is complete with a cloth doll collection and beautiful trees decorated in a fashion to please a child.

The Military Room is home to a number of trees decorated by the school children and Scout groups, as well as a patriotic tree with flags.

Finally, the "Yoakum History Room is filled with a variety of trees, including one whimsical tree entitled "A Busy Woman's Christmas Tree" which is a "blow-up," nylon tree - it's sure to bring a giggle or two.

Last, but certainly not least, is the second-floor bath. Young said it is a favorite of the school children who tour the exhibit from local schools. Sitting in what looks like a tub full of bubbles is Santa, and his coat and hat are hanging, ready for the long trip to visit all the good boys and girls. It's possible to even detect a definite "twinkle" in his eyes!

(The Yoakum Heritage Museum is located at 312 Simpson in Yoakum, phone number 361-293-7022.)