Photo courtesy of Matzke Florist, Elkhart
Ruthmere to celebrate in style By BethAnne Brink-Cox, house & home feature writer
When you think of holiday decorations you’re probably thinking Santa, reindeer, flashing lights and glitz, inside and out. But in bygone days the look was much simpler, as well, originating from different countries and their traditions. That could mean strings of popcorn and candles on the tree, cookies, tinsel, all kinds of things you probably don’t see any more. Wouldn’t you love to step back in time and immerse yourself in history to see that? Ruthmere Museum Campus invites you to do so!
Ruthmere House, formerly known as the Albert and Elizabeth Beardsley residence, a three story mansion, is the most prominent historic residence in Elkhart. It was built in 1910 by the Beardsleys, named in part for their daughter Ruth, and according to Bill Firstenberger, executive director, has been a house museum since 1973. He said Ruthmere Campus does a different decorating scheme every year, while the Havilah Beardsley House, down the street, sticks to traditional 19th century decorations, in keeping with its history. Havilah Beardsley built the house in 1848, which was two stories at the time with one story wings added later. Beardsley was one of the founders of Elkhart, and the house is now operated as a museum, part of the Ruthmere Campus. 10 | Michiana House and Home | December 2021 |
