‘Callahan Christmas’ celebrated Sunday

CENTRAL VALLEY — A community tradition, the annual “Callahan Christmas” open house, will be hosted by the Woodbury Historical Society’s Gatehouse Committee on Sunday, Nov. 18, from 2 to 4 p.m.

The event will conclude the year-long celebration of the Gatehouse’s 100th anniversary.

It will also continue another tradition started last year when those who attend will be asked to bring one or more canned goods or other non-perishable grocery items for donation to the Woodbury Food Pantry at the Highland Mills United Methodist Church.

In the true spirit of the holidays, committee members hope that the beautiful chestnut wood staircase in the Gatehouse will be filled with food for those less fortunate in our community.

The “Callahan Christmas” celebration has become a favorite for all who come and is a wonderful way to begin this time of the year with joy and good cheer.

“The Gatehouse” in Central Valley was once the entrance to a large estate called “Proctoria,” which was the residence of vaudeville impresario and theater owner Frederick Freeman Proctor. Built in 1912, the Gatehouse later became the home of the Callahan family which included Mr. and Mrs. Callahan plus their nine children.

The tradition explained

It was a family tradition that each year after Thanksgiving, Mrs. Callahan closed the door to the dining room and then set the table with her finest lace tablecloth, silver, crystal and candle centerpiece.

Each day she would bake cookies, cakes and other treats and then place them around the table on china plates.

Sprigs of evergreen surrounded the plates to highlight her special treats.

Each night after dinner, the nine Callahan children excitedly entered the room and selected a plate of “goodies” to enjoy with the family.

The next day, Mrs. Callahan replenished the supply and the tradition was repeated until Christmas arrived.

The Gatehouse Committee is pleased to carry on this tradition to honor the Callahan family as well as to thank the Woodbury community and the committee members who has been so supportive in preserving the Gatehouse and making its numerous programs and exhibits possible.

The stone building will be decorated in all its holiday finery of years past

And, in time for this year’s holiday shopping, there will be real “bargains” available with ornaments and other items on sale, along with commemorative bricks which can be ordered to honor or in memory of that special person with a gift which will last for all time.

Adding to the festivities, visitors will be treated to delicious holiday refreshments.

If you go

The Gatehouse is located on 224 Smith Clove Road at Pine Hill Road in Central Valley next to Falkirk Golf Course.

Admission is free (canned food or non-perishable food items requested).

For more information, call 845-928-6378 or 928-9249.