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Mansion Museum Is Perfect Place to Make Christmas Memories

My relationship with the Museums of Oglebay Institute began when I was a child and my mother, Margaret O’Malley Bierkortte introduced me to the Sweeney Punch Bowl. An artist, historic preservation advocate and antiques enthusiast, she taught me so much just by sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge.

Then as a working adult, I was employed as a public relations professional at the Institute and began this column under the guidance of John Artzberger, who was then the senior curator of the Museums and passed away in November 2001.

I’m also proud to say that I am one of the museum committee of volunteers. Thus, I never miss a chance to remind readers of the treasure we have right here in our backyard — the Mansion Museum.

The 1846-era Mansion Museum houses elegant antiques and local history. It’s a perfect place to take your family and friends anytime, but especially when it’s decked out for Christmas. According to its website more than 16,000 visitors tour it annually.

Any antiques enthusiast will enjoy viewing the decorated rooms which now showcase volunteer decorators’ inspiration for the holidays. The Mansion includes 13 period rooms, plus hallways and staircases, so there is plenty of space for decorators to embellish.

The formal Dining Room displays a theme of “Birds of Christmas and was done by The Jeweled Bird and Edgington Studios team consisting of Joan Berlow-Smith, Samuel Posin, Emily Rouse and Keegan Zacharie. This elegant room includes Sheraton and Hepplewhite furnishing, rare mural wallpaper from France and dinner party charm that looks even more visually exciting now.

Just down the hall from the Dining Room is the Pioneer Kitchen with its many valuable kitchen tools and accessories. This room features “Snoopy’s Christmas” and was done by the generous team from the Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum, Lynn Maguire and Jeanne Guyer.

The fancy Victorian Parlor is near the front door of the Mansion and was trimmed by Wheelhouse Creative advertising agency of Wheeling. The sentimental theme here is “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”

Across the hall from the parlor is Mr. Oglebay’s Office, expertly decorated by Jennifer and Rhiannon Christmas and Charlotte Hawk. The simple theme of “Silver and Gold” is perfect for this important room.

Also on the first floor of the Mansion is the Federal Game Room. This charming setting was enhanced for the holidays by the talented Lisa M. Schmitt of the law firm of Robinson & McElwee.

On the second floor, the Federal Bedroom received a festive look from business woman and Mansion Committee member Michelle Runkle of Wheeling who chose the traditional theme of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

The nearby Victorian Bedroom was kindly trimmed by Mary Fahey representing the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, working with the perfect motif of “O’ Christmas Tree.”

My favorite room on the second floor, the Empire Parlor, was transformed by the able hands of Lee Ann Main, Georgianna Hartzell, Tanya Leifheit and DeAnn Smith using the magical theme of “Blue Christmas.”

Finally, the ever-so-creative Wheeling decorator Scott Klinkoski trimmed the second floor Library. Klinkoski and his longtime associate Dick Taylor kindly provided the festive trim for all halls and doorways which now showcase the look of a sparkling Winter Wonderland.

The Oval Parlor (first floor), the Sewing Room, the Children’s Room and the Empire Bedroom (all second floor) were decorated by the museum staff, with the Empire Bedroom having the intriguing theme of “Mr. Jingeling, Keeper of the Keys.”

Formerly owned by wealthy industrialist and philanthropist Earl W. Oglebay, a 19th century businessman who made his fortune in the iron ore business, the Mansion Museum allows you to take a “step back in time.”

Oglebay was born in Bridgeport, Ohio, in 1849 and raised in Wheeling. He graduated from Bethany College and moved to Cleveland in 1881, where he made his home.

He partially retired to his Waddington Farm (Oglebay) in 1901 and spent time and money developing the property into a well-run farm. He also restored the mansion into a beautiful summer home, decorated in the lavish Victorian style of a fine family home.

We benefit from his generosity now since he deeded the property to Wheeling at the time of his death in 1926.

If you are a fan of antiques and collectibles, don’t miss this chance to visit Holidays at the Mansion, sponsored by Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration, over the next few weeks if you haven’t already.

Hours for the Mansion are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays. New Year’s Eve hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Mansion is closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The museum is closed completely from Jan. 10-31.

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