THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 3, 1995 TAG: 9512010129
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 11 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SUSAN W. SMITH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
Invitations are extended to all to wear flat shoes, ride the trolley and enjoy the Christmas trees, floral displays, collectibles, crafts and music of the season at the homes of several Caroon Farms families.
It's the fourth annual Great Bridge Women's Club ``Holiday Homes Chesapeake'' tour. The festivities, also supported by the Chesapeake Fire Department, are scheduled for Dec. 10.
The tour, scheduled from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., begins at the Great Hope Baptist Church on the corner of Battlefield Boulevard and Hillwell Road. Guests board an old-fashioned trolley at the church.
Angels, Santas, bells, bows, cinnamon and cedar deck the homes of Robert and Marjorie Nance, Roger and Marcia Sargent, Rick and Linda Strickler and Don and Alvene Buckley.
Tickets purchased in advance at local businesses cost $8, and those bought at the door will cost $10. All proceeds will be contributed to ``Paint Your Heart Out Chesapeake,'' a Rotary Club-sponsored community improvement project which benefits low-income, elderly homeowners.
The Sargents chose a country heritage theme to reflect their interest in antiques, collectibles and folk art. Family heirlooms, such as a woven coverlet made in 1762 and handmade quilts, are displayed. Marcia's award winning needlework and Roger's carefully restored antiques are throughout the house.
At the Stricklers it's a traditional Williamsburg Christmas in keeping with the architectural features of their home. The chimneys and clipped gables are reminiscent of many homes found in Tidewater Virginia between 1700 and 1750. The homeowners have gathered pine boughs, magnolia leaves and holly from their own yard to decorate windows and mantels. Inside fresh fruit, nuts and more greenery create an all-natural trim for mantels and hallways. Watch for the Christmas tree that brushes the 16-foot ceiling.
Notice the custom millwork and the rich mahogany paneling at the home of Robert and Marjorie Nance. Her vast collection of perfume bottles and vintage glass add an additional sparkle. A gold-and-cream color scheme blended with the crystal collection and shimmering chandelier set off the elegance of the formal living area.
Don and Alvene Buckley celebrate with a ``Classic Family Christmas'' theme. From homemade ornaments on the tree to grandma's ceramic Nativity on the mantel, family decorations reflect the Buckley traditions. Great-grandmother Buckley's handmade crocheted tablecloth is on the dining room table.
The sanctuary of Great Bridge United Methodist Church will be open for reflection on the meaning of the season. by CNB