The Storybook House

by Robert Mumby

With the enclosure removed the house is ready for its Christmas scene.

The “doll” house on the manor ground floor next to the gym and bistro is a museum quality display of a New England home and its residents in 1893, created by Joanna Becker. A plaque on the side of the house enclosure provides more details about the house that is now the property of the Manor.

A collection of decorations and accessories is used to portray twenty-one scenes depicting holidays and family occasions. A group of Manor residents care for the house and change the scenes. Of the pre-covid committee, only Yoka Koch remains, and is assisted by her husband Grant. During the Opportunity Fair, three new volunteers joined the committee and were trained on the care of the display and making changes to it. With the additional help, more scenes can be displayed each year.

Yoka and Grant. Note the duster by the steps.

Many of the pieces are tiny and delicate, requiring a steady hand and sharp eye to handle and place in position.

But before setting up a room, it must be gently dusted. There is no top to the enclosure and once a ceiling leak dripped water into one of the rooms.

 

The bathroom and kitchen are hard to see when the house is in its corner. To the left of the bathroom is another room.

There a small mistake (Naturally it would be small.) in the Christmas setting. If you find and report the mistake to the author, you will receive a free compliment.

3 replies
  1. Mike Heverly
    Mike Heverly says:

    Nice article on the Storybook House, until you get to the identification of the kitchen and bathroom. Check out the pictures and the identification. 😎

    The Compliment is a great addition to the campus communications !!! Thankx for your efforts in presenting this every month.

    Reply
  2. kim f Wu
    kim f Wu says:

    I am a frequent admirer of the Storybook House. This additional information is very interesting. I appreciate the long dedication of Yoka and Grant very much. I am glad that three volunteers joined to do the delicate job. Thanks to all.
    kim ❤️💕🌸🌷🌷

    Reply

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