The holiday tradition of Candlelight at the Durant-Peterson House has existed longer than Preservation Partners. In 1972, the Questers, who were working to rehabilitate the house, hosted a "Christmas Open House" for their members and families. The house was lit by candlelight and decorated as it might have been in the 1840s while visitors wore period clothing.
In 2000, the event was extended to two nights and has remained one of the most beloved holiday events in St. Charles. Many families return annually- a few for decades- as it has become a family holiday tradition.
This year, Candlelight will be on Saturday, December 7, and Sunday, December 8 from 3 to 7 PM. Tickets are $5 per adult and $1 per child and entry times are at half-hour intervals to ease congestion. Before or after the scheduled entry to the Durant-Peterson House, ticket holders can enjoy a traditional Christmas Pageant at the Sholes School Museum at 3:30 PM, 4:15 PM, 5:30 PM, or 6:15 PM.
St. Charles Chronicle, December 20, 1972.
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SOURCES: "Kerosene Lamps, Log Fire Light Durant House for Christmas," St. Charles Chronicle, December 20, 1972; "Christmas in 1840 Can Be Seen Sun. at Durant House," St. Charles Chronicle, December 5, 1974; "Calendar of Events: Fall 1999," Advocate (Fall 1999): 7; "Calendar of Events: Fall 2000," Advocate (Fall 2000): 7;