Holiday cheer arrives this Sunday at the Gatehouse in Central Valley

Central Valley - The Woodbury Historical Society’s Gatehouse Committee will host its annual “Callahan Christmas” open house this Sunday, Nov. 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. “The Gatehouse,” now an historic site and learning center, once was 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 John and Marie Callahan plus their nine children. In keeping with the family tradition, 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 delicious 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 very happy to continue this tradition to honor the Callahan family as well as to thank the Woodbury community which 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 also will be lovely ornaments and other items on sale, along with commemorative bricks designed to honor that special person with a gift which will last for all time. Adding to the festivities, visitors will be treated to delicious holiday refreshments.

Essential information
The Woodbury Historical Society’s Gatehouse is located on 224 Smith Clove Road at Pine Hill Road in Central Valley next to Falkirk Golf Course.
The “Callahan Christmas” open house takes place Sunday, Nov. 21, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Admission is free and all are welcome to come and enjoy great company, good cheer and delicious refreshments.
For more information, call 845-928-6378 or 928-9249.