court in the home. The Callahans bequeathed their most lavish gift—their house—to the city of Longmont in 1938 when they moved to Nevada. “They gave it to the ‘ladies of Longmont’ to use as a meeting place and social center,” Korpela explained.
floral and plaid patterns and nature themes. For 2017, Hoverhome will host a different theme per room, with themes as varied as Raggedy Ann, wooded animals and the early twentieth century. “We enjoy opening up the Callahan House to give people time to take in the decorations and wander through the house,” said Kathy Korpela, Callahan House manager. “It takes about 10 people all day to get the home staged and ready, plus we keep tweaking for a couple weeks,” she said. She hangs lights from the gazebo and Hoverhome façade of the house showcases themed and bedecks the trees throughout its many rooms. fountain with (Courtesy St. Vrain home were built by holiday accents. In Historical Society) businessmen eager to addition to the open grow and bless the comhouse with Santa, the munity, said Lindquist. Callahan House hosts T.M. Callahan, a teacher who clubs and private events established The Golden Rule dry during the holidays. goods store in Longmont before expanding westward and investing Lindquist said nearly 40 volunteers in lumber, welcomed the railroad decorate Hoverhome in two days, and the sugar beet industry to though, like Korpela, she and her Longmont and constructed reserstaff adjust for a week or two. voirs for drinking water. The Hov“Our volunteers have a good time. ers moved to Longmont seeking a Many have been here more than quiet life but leapt into local agri10 years and look forward to the cultural and urban projects. Charles holidays at Hoverhome,” she said. Hover, a pharmacist and farmer, Alyce Davis, executive director of helped found the Boulder County the St. Vrain Historical Society, Fairgrounds and Roosevelt Park. which owns Hoverhome, said, “We scour our own houses for things Both families loved to give – to to fit the holiday themes. We add each other, to friends and to the bows, garland and Christmas lights community. Callahan surprised his and decorate household items that might not normally be noticed.” wife, Alice, with a Steinway piano for Christmas in 1896, their first year in Longmont. It still holds The Callahan House and Hover42 LONGMONT MAGAZINE
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Likewise, the Hovers “lived to serve,” Lindquist said, and Katherine Hover, Charles Hover’s wife, was the force behind Hover Senior Living Community. “She saw some of her friends were living out their years in poverty and without family and was determined to create a home for older community members to live with dignity and respect,” Lindquist said. Beatrice Hover, daughter of Charles and Katherine, helped the St. Vrain Historical Society acquire Hoverhome. “Our open houses are an extra special time for our historic home,” Davis said. “It’s appealing to kids who can learn history, families wanting a special Christmas outing and people new to Longmont who want to learn about our history.” She added, “Some people even come to get décor and holiday decorating ideas.” The Callahan holiday open house is from 3 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 1 at 312 Terry St. The event is free. The Historic Hoverhome open houses are from 2 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 1309 Hover St. Tickets are $10 a person, and children under age six are free. A holiday high tea is Nov. 11. November/December 2017