Historic mansions recall festive holiday celebrations

THE CHARM AND ELEGANCE of holiday seasons as they were celebrated in Milwaukee more than a century ago can be experienced now in three of the city’s most historic mansions through Jan. 14, 2007.

For a complete taste of holiday spirit and the elegance of Milwaukee’s past, visitors can purchase a $10 Holiday Season Pass allowing them to enjoy three historic mansions–the Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion, 2000 W. Wisconsin Ave.; the Charles Allis Art Museum, 1801 N. Prospect Ave. (corner of Prospect Ave. and Royall Pl.), and Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, 2220 N. Terrace Ave.

Inspired by holidays long ago, all of these historic mansions are decorated for the season, according to their unique architectural styles. Passes are available at all three locations.

The Pabst Mansion is located just west of the Marquette University campus, close to downtown Milwaukee. Again this year, local designers, businesses and residents have elegantly transformed the mansion’s rooms. Charles Dickens and his famous Dickens Dinners return to the Pabst Mansion this holiday season, courtesy of Bartolotta's, on Dec. 15, 16 and Dec. 19-23. Call 414-258-7885 for reservations.

Also, a special exhibit is displayed in Elsbeth’s Room, “Small Treasures: Dolls From 1770-1930.” In conjunction with Small Treasures, William Zito, Pabst Mansion gift shop buyer and doll expert, offers verbal appraisals and information on dolls and teddy bears ranging in age from antique to modern collectibles that are bought to the mansion. The appraisals are free to anyone with paid admission to the Pabst Mansion. Zito will be available for questions from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays through Dec. 19. Lectures also can be arranged for small groups, with paid booked group tour admission for up to 20 people.

The Pabst Mansion’s holiday hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. Holiday admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors/college students and $5 for children 6-17. Children under 6 are admitted free. For more information, phone 414-931-0808.

The Charles Allis Art Museum is located on Milwaukee’s east side. Completed in 1911 by the founding family of the Allis-Chalmers Corp., the Tudor-style mansion was designed as to be both a residence and a museum.

In addition to the elegant decorations adorning the dining room, parlors, and sweeping staircase, the Charles Allis features special exhibitions.

Just blocks from the Charles Allis and overlooking Lake Michigan is Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum. The Italian Renaissance-style villa designed and built in 1923 by the founding family of the A.O. Smith Corp., Villa Terrace features fine and decorative arts dating from the 15th-18th centuries, wrought-iron masterpieces by Cyril Colnik, and a formal garden.

Hours for the Charles Allis and Villa Terrace are 1-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for seniors/students. Children are admitted free. Phone 414-271-3656 or visit www.cavtmuseums.org for additional information.

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