Holiday cheer comes to The Gatehouse this Sunday in Central Valley

Admission to 'Callahan Christmas’ open house is an item for the food pantry Central Valley — The annual “Callahan Christmas” open house will be hosted by the Woodbury Historical Society’s Gatehouse Committee this Sunday, Nov. 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. Those who attend the event at the Gatehouse Historic Site are being 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 best spirit of Christmas, 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 tradition for all who attend and is a wonderful way to begin this year’s holiday season of joy and good cheer. John and Marie Callahan “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 John and Marie Callahan plus their nine children. 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 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 continues 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 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. Holiday refreshments will be available. Essential information 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) and all are welcome to come and enjoy great company, good cheer, and delicious refreshments. For more information, please call 928-6378 or 928-9249.