Cheryl Wright, left, and Virginia Harrell are members of the board that strives to preserve the Jane Ross Reeves Octagon House in Shirley.
Maribeth Vaughn / Daily Reporter
SHIRLEY – Monarch butterflies decking a tree, cigar boxes decoratively stacked under a pine, and even coffee stir sticks hanging as icicles are among the unique Christmas decorations at the Jane Ross Reeves Octagon House this weekend.
The 23rd annual Christmas Tree Walk kicked off last weekend and continues this Friday and Saturday at 400 S. Railroad Street in Shirley.
“It truly is something that people love,” said Virginia Harrell, who with fellow board member Cheryl Wright proudly displayed the trees just before opening the doors to the public.
The pair, both on the board that works to preserve the home, said people come year-round for the houses’ functions but the Christmas Tree Walk is the crowning jewel.
“People seem to come one weekend and bring their sister or mom back the next time,” Wright said. “One of the best compliments we got last year was, ‘The home is wonderful, the food is great but I really, really enjoyed the company.’”
The event is a fundraiser to help maintain the historic home, built in 1879 with a two-story, octagon shape that has 16 rooms. Food is sold at the event, and people may vote on their favorite tree by putting money in jars.
All of the funds raised goes toward maintenance and utilities of the home, but they’re also saving up for a new holiday project. They have a goal of lining the top, exterior of the house with Christmas lights in the near future. Currently, the home’s exterior is lit at the bottom and a full-sized, lighted piano is at the entrance in honor of longtime Shirley resident and piano teacher Joan Cupp.
Around 25 trees are sponsored by individuals, businesses and nonprofit groups; the Hancock County Visitors Bureau granted funds to advertise the event to nearby communities, and they’re grateful for the many individuals and groups that came to help.
Many people come to decorate their own tree, which the board loves because they bring in new ideas each year. Hancock County Master Gardeners, for example, have a tree decked out with dozens of orange butterflies. The exhibit includes a butterfly-shaped table with information about how to help preserve the Monarch population and even take-home seeds for a butterfly garden to plant next spring.
A tree by Hancock County Extension Homemakers features hand-sewn ornaments and paper crafts with inspirational messages. And, of course, there’s a tree for the town itself. The “I Love Shirley” tree features historic photos, antique plates and memorabilia.
Sometimes entire rooms of the house have ties to a local family. There’s a Gerald Wright Family Music Room featuring musical instruments, and the White Family Foundation has a bedroom on display with historic family furniture.
The tree walk started 23 years ago when a man had dozens of Aborvitae trees he needed removed. That first year, people were amazed at how many trees were out front and in the home.
“People kept coming back every year since,” Wright said.
It’s fun to see people come back to the home every year as a tradition, Wright said, but also to see multiple generations and newcomers.
“The Octagon House really wants to be in the making-memories business,” she said.
