Civil War-Era Christmas Open House to Bring Ashland’s Oldest Home Back to 1863
ASHLAND — One of Ashland’s most historic treasures will come alive with the sights and sounds of an 1863 Christmas as the community is invited to a special Christmas Open House on Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 3 to 7 p.m. at 302 Center Street, the oldest standing home in the City of Ashland.
Hosted by Ken & Diann Hammontree, the event transforms the mid-19th-century home into a vivid, immersive holiday experience that highlights how families celebrated Christmas during the height of the Civil War.
Built in 1859, the historic Center Street house originally featured a Greek Revival design. In 1885, owner Philip Shearer transformed the structure into an ornate Victorian residence, adding a winter kitchen, a wrap-around porch, French doors with leaded glass, decorative Victorian molding, a parquet floor in the grand hall, and leather wainscoting in the family room.
During the winter of 1863, despite the devastation of the Civil War, families in both the North and South sought moments of joy and tradition. Scarcity of everyday goods forced people to improvise—plates, cups, window coverings, and even decorations had to be creatively replaced. Yet Christmas carols, gift-giving, and tree decorating were already cherished customs.
The era also marked the emergence of the modern image of Santa Claus, popularized through the illustrations of Thomas Nast. Still, many households balanced holiday cheer with the somber reality of war, often praying for peace by year’s end.
Visitors to Sunday’s open house will be guided through the home by a reenactor portraying Civil War Lieutenant General James A. Garfield, offering an immersive look at how Christmas would have been observed during this turbulent period.
“The entire house will be open,” Hammontree said. “This gives the community an opportunity to see what a Civil War Christmas looked like during the Great Civil War in 1863.”
Hammontree added that the event is not only about holiday spirit, but also about preserving and sharing Ashland’s history.
Supporting Local Students
At the conclusion of the tour, guests may contribute to a donation jar. All donations will benefit Genesis Christian Academy, helping fund student educational field trips.
Event Details
Christmas Open House
Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025
Time: 3–7 p.m.
Location: 302 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio
Hosted by: Living History Productions
The community is invited to step back in time, explore an authentically decorated Civil War-era Christmas home, and enjoy an evening of history, tradition, and festive spirit.
