The tradition of the White House Christmas Tree dates back to 1856 when President Franklin Pierce had the first Christmas tree, or German tree as it was then known, decorated inside the House.
Step back into an earlier, simpler time and join us for Holiday on the Hill tours of Hickory Hill on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2006, or on Saturday, Dec. 9. Hickory Hill, the historic home of Populist Sen. Thomas E. Watson, will be open for guided candlelight tours of the mansion at 7:30 p.m. on both nights.
The fully restored Greek Revival mansion will be decked in all of her Edwardian period holiday finery. Learn about Christmas traditions in the South, and a few Christmas superstitions. Tours will be given at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $3 per person. The tour is not recommended for children under age 10. Reservations are required. Call 706-595-7777 or email to hickorymuseum@bellsouth.net to reserve tickets. Tours are limited to 30 people per tour.
Hickory Hill is located at 502 Hickory Hill Drive in historic Thomson. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided tours of the home are given at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. Saturday tours are by advance appointment only.
Reservations for groups of 10 or more are required.
Be sure to visit the Museum Store which offers hand-made Georgia baskets, reprints of Sen. Watson's books, and children's gifts.
Call 706-595-7777 or email hickorymuseum@bellsouth.net for information and reservations.
