2024 White Christmas at Glenwood

Historic Glenwood’s holiday open house was a huge success! While Saturday’s visitors were low in numbers, the parade of curious guests on Sunday swelled the front hall even before the doors were officially opened.

Attempts were made to “click/count” every visitor, but it was impossible to count them all. Estimating conservatively, Glenwood welcomed about 110 visitors during this two-day event that occurred on December 7 & 8, 2024.

Our theme for this year was “White Christmas” & that feeling was evident in all rooms of the mansion. Snowflakes adorned the lovely greenery around the exterior door & the snowfall continued as visitors stepped inside.

The beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the parlor drew many compliments, as always, but the festively themed mantels & fireplaces were truly the highlights.

Each room’s mantel featured a different seasonal design with an emphasis on the holiday theme & were carefully arranged by Darrell Cadle.

In addition, Darrell created small, whimsical touches that incorporated the wintry theme on surfaces in each room.

Upstairs in the hallway, the Lucy Quarrier Weavers, led by Barbara Smith, displayed some of their handwoven items. Members of the group educated visitors about weaving & their organization, which began in 1977 under the direction of our own Lucy Quarrier.

While volunteers visited with our guests, music filled the old house. The Biehle Siblings graciously agreed to play for us again this year. The lyrical sound of their violins certainly enhanced the holiday ambiance for everyone. In addition, Marjie Foster played holiday favorites on the grand piano Sunday afternoon much to the delight of visitors & volunteers.

An event of this nature can only be successful with the dedication of our faithful volunteers. Monitoring rooms in the mansion & assisting our guests were very important roles ably filled by AmeriCorps member Dwayne Bartley, Darrell Cadle, Ashley Clark, Mike Gioulis, James Griffith, Megan & Chandler Sharp, Carol Susman, Larry Tucker & Bella Winfree.

Members of the Lucy Quarrier Weavers who volunteered their time were Barbara Smith, Cookie Glasser (who is also a Glenwood board member), Mary Rich Maloy, Chris Zinn, Benjamin Randolph & Gail Bellamy.

Many thanks to all!

Enjoy “Musical Moments” presented by:

Marjie Foster

Glenwood is happy to have Marjie Foster return to our antique grand piano for another event. True to her love of music, she has played in a country band and a classic rock band. She worked with a community volunteer theatre group, the Landmark Studio for the Arts, for 30 years. She plays for weddings, dinners, and special occasions, including several of Glenwood’s previous open houses. Visitors to the Sutton area may hear her playing at the Elk Hotel Cafe during special seasons. She teaches music in her Gassaway studio through the week.

The Biehle Siblings

Glenwood is pleased to present the Biehle Siblings as part of this year’s Holiday Open House. Hannah, Sophia, Isaiah, Victoria & Lydia currently reside with their parents in South Charleston. These gifted musicians, members of the West Virginia Youth Symphony, have enjoyed playing violin & singing for church events & retirement homes for ten years.

Steve Plantz

Glenwood is delighted to present Steve Plantz. He grew up in Whitesville, Boone County. Like many teenaged boys in 1964, he saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show & had to have a guitar. Now a husband, father & grandfather, he plays guitar most Sundays with the Holy Fish Praise Band at Elizabeth Memorial United Methodist Church.

The South Charleston HS Chorale Trio

These talented teens are choir students of Mr. Billy Burdette at South Charleston High School. Glenwood is fortunate to share their music with our open house visitors.