Cannon Ball House Holds Holiday Open House on Sunday

Want to mix some history into your holidays? You're in luck. Springfield’s  holds a special holiday season open house on Dec. 4  from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The open house will feature a special exhibit highlighting the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. Its contents include a newspaper from 1861 reporting the firing on Fort Sumter and letters by Wellington Briant, a Union soldier from New Jersey who recorded his wartime experiences in weekly letters to his mother.

"[Brian] was a soldier from randolph who joined up with the Union army," Springfield Historical Society President Margaret Bandrowski said. "During his four years in service he exchanged just about weekly leters with his family. his doting mother kept all of the letters."

The letters provide a snapshot of life during 19th century wartime. But, Bandrowski said, the volumnious letters aren't just dry relating of facts. She noted that Briant was "very poetic" in describing the flora and fauna in the south. In addition, the letters also illustrates the sometimes contradictary attitudes Northern soldiers held about the war and emancipation.

"He talks about slaves nobility and that they should be freed but at the same time he makes fun of them," Bandrowski said.

In celebration of the holiday season, the house will be decorated for the occasion. But don't expect lights or a tree. The House will be dressed as it would in 1840. Christmas at that time was yet to be a major celebration; it wasn't until the Victorian era that Christmas became the major holiday it is today. Volunteers will share the origins of some Christmas traditions at the open house. Refreshments will also be on hand for visitors to enjoy. 

For more information call (973) 376 4784.