Oaklands Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes Slated Dec. 5

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Usher in the holiday season with an enchanting tour of historic homes and landmarks. The annual Oaklands Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes is slated for December 5, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

The tour, sponsored by the Oaklands Association and MidSouth Bank will feature beautiful and historic private homes, a distinctive church, and the graceful Oaklands Historic House Museum.

Set in the historic district of Murfreesboro, stops along the delightful tour include the following church and residences:

Oaklands Historic House Museum, 900 North Maney Avenue,

Mrs. Linda Parks, 401 East Main Street,

Mr. and Mrs. James Roberts, 434 East Main Street,

Mr. and Mrs. George White, 506 East Main Street,

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Smythe, 511 East Main Street,

Drs. Robert and Elizabeth Bray, 521 East Main Street,

Cedar Grove Church, 528 East Main Street,

Mr. and Mrs. David Hennington, 550 East Main Street,

Dr. and Mrs. Eric Egli, 602 East Main Street,

Mr. and Mrs. Don Gregg, 628 East Main Street.

These festively adorned historical homes and church, dressed in holly and evergreens, will transport you to a simpler time. Additionally, the Sons of the Confederate Veterans, Murfreesboro Camp #33 will present living history demonstrations on the lawn of the mansion.

"Crisp chilly days in December conjure images of Currier & Ives, candlelit holiday celebrations and old-fashioned homes filled with pungent evergreens”, exclaim the staff of Oaklands Historic House Museum. “Visiting the festively appointed homes on our Candlelight Tour is a popular way to begin the celebration of the holidays”, says James Manning, Executive Director of Oaklands Historic House Museum.

The cornerstone is the grand Oaklands Historic House Museum. Docents in period attire will guide you through the history of this gracious mansion. At its peak, Oaklands was the center of a 1,500 acre plantation and one of the most elegant homes in Middle Tennessee.  Since that time, Oaklands has seen dramatic changes.

Following the Civil War, it deteriorated from a majestic mansion to virtual ruins and, in the 1950's, its very existence was threatened. The mansion was brought back from the brink of destruction and saved from the wrecking ball when a group of concerned ladies of the community created the Oaklands Association in 1959.   Since that time, the Association has worked tirelessly to restore Oaklands to its original splendor and preserve its unique history.

Today, local residents and visitors alike enjoy the mansion that has been lovingly restored and brought back to its original splendor. The proceeds of the Candlelight Tour of Homes go toward the care and upkeep of this historic treasure. Admission is $10.00 per person 21 years and older, students $8 .00, ages 6-12, $5.00, ages 5 and under are free. Tickets may be purchased at any home on the tour and at Oaklands Historic House Museum.

Oaklands Association is a non-profit educational organization. For more information on becoming a member or a volunteer, please call (615) 893-0022 or email: info@oaklandsmuseum.org.