Giant Nutcrackers Welcome Visitors to Historic Promont House

Batavia, Ohio.  What were the holidays like during the Victorian era?  You don’t have to wonder, just pay a visit to the beautiful Promont House Museum, perched atop a hill overlooking Milford.  “When this three story mansion was built back in 1865, it was a technological marvel,” said local historian Rick Crawford.  “It featured a running water system that ran from the top down, gas lighting, central heat from a coal furnace, and call bells.”

During the holiday season, the mansion is adorned with wreaths, sparkling lights, Victorian trees, and scenes from the Nutcracker.  “It takes our volunteers three to four weeks to transform the house into a holiday wonderland,” said Nancy Storch with Promont House.  “We have an amazing display of Nutcrackers, including some crafted by local school children.  On the top floor, the servant’s quarters, Milford High School student Clay Shaw helped us put together the scene where the Nutcracker battles the Mouse King.  This year we also have a wonderful display of Spode china and a collection of Toby mugs.”

While it is a wonderful opportunity to admire the whimsical trees and dreamy displays, or enjoy a holiday tea at Promont, it’s a great chance to step back into time and wonder what life must have been like in that time period.  “Instead of twinkling lights, there were candles on the tree,” said Crawford.  “Children were occasionally seen, but not heard in the front parlor.  Instead of video games, children played with tin soldiers, spinning tops, stuffed dolls, and yoyos.”

Promont has been restored to how it would have looked in 1879-1906 in honor of its most famous resident, John M. Pattison, Ohio’s 43^rd governor.  Promont is on the National Register of Historic Places.  For more information about the historic Promont House Museum, visit the Web site www.MilfordHistory.net.

Pictured above: Clermont historian Rick Crawford