By Christine Bryant
Staff Writer
The flickering lights of candles and Christmas greenery adorn the Livingston House, prepping it for the holiday celebrations that would have taken place at the historic home more than a century ago.
The house, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features period decorations that include vintage toys under the tree, candles and old-fashioned ornaments.
Located at 1792 Graham Road in Reynoldsburg, the Livingston House is owned by the city of Reynoldsburg and administrated by the Livingston House Society, the organization that decorated the home for the holidays so visitors can experience what Christmas was like for the Alexander W. Livingston family in the mid-1800s.
Although visitors are welcome to stop by the home when it is open, Mary Hudson, director of the Reynoldsburg Visitors Bureau and whose office is located in the house, said anyone can arrange to call and take a personal tour.
“There are docents that will take you through the house,” she said. “You can make an appointment and tour the house.”
Livingston was a horticulturist who is world famous as the developer of the tomato into a stable commercial crop. The house has been restored to the original look and finish, and has been accented with period objects such as furniture and clothing.
Each Christmas, the Livingston House Society decorates the first floor of the home, using greenery, flameless candles, ribbon, berries and wreaths to allow guests to step back into history at a memorable time of year for all families.
For information call (614) 866-4888.
