DAR holds annual Christmas in July

Santa Claus and George Washington stopped by for brunch during the annual Christmas in July event held at the DAR Elias Van Bunschooten Museum.
Children and adults alike were in awe of Santa’s historic car and by George Washington’s height. George Washington explained that he grew tall because he ate all his vegetables as a kid.
Complimentary tours of the Historic House were given, and reenactors could be seen throughout the house and property. Inside the museum, visitors could see several rooms furnished with antique pieces and examples of period clothes. With Santa Claus visiting, cookies were set out to eat in every room of the museum, and punch was being served next to a fireplace. One re-enactor explained how to spin yarn to make heavy, warm sweaters. A tour guide showed bedrooms and said that many children not only shared a bedroom, but also shared a bed. It was not uncommon for three children to sleep in one bed. Outside, a Civil War reenactor talked about the famous “Bailey’s Boys,” Company F 27th Regiment of New Jersey and showed visitors various artifacts.
In additional to cookies and punch, attendees could also buy other baked goods including pies and breads. Uncle Sam’s Jam was being sold to help support the Wagon House repairing efforts. The Wagon House has “been home over the years to a constant supply of firewood for the house, a sleeping place for animals, workshop area, storage space for farm equipment and loft area for grain and feed.”
The DAR Van Bunschooten Museum is open May through October on the second and fourth Sunday of the month from 1-4 p.m. or by appointment.