2019 Christmas at Joanna . . . a three-night 19th-century Victorian Christmas family destination
Morgantown, PA . . .
The evenings of December 6—8, visitors to Joanna Furnace will be whisked away from the anticipation of their own Christmas season—back to the joyous celebration of the Christmas of 1869. Whether families come for unique holiday shopping, wonderful light holiday treats, to experience the candlelit 200-year-old furnace complex, to hear Christmas music, or even have the kids encounter the Belsnickel . . . everyone is enthralled by the transformation of Joanna Furnace into a 19th-century-holiday experience.
Christmas 1869 was a grand time for the ironmaster’s family and the residents of the Joanna Furnace community. They celebrated the Holiday and gave thanks that the furnace was busy providing income to so many families. Additionally, this year, the ironmaster and his wife are celebrating their second Christmas together. Visitors of all ages will be able to experience that long-ago time and gain a new perspective on their holiday celebration.
Candlelight illuminates the entire furnace complex.
The historic site takes on an entirely new radiance — over one thousand glowing luminaries warmly light various furnace walkways. Visitors are encouraged to explore the furnace complex by following the clearly defined pathways. All aspects of this nighttime event set the stage for an unforgettable family experience. Visitors are urged to bring cameras.
Also, carefully placed lighting illuminates the historic buildings’ exteriors to give visitors a new perspective of the furnace complex. Inside, each building is illuminated by lamps or candles to recreate an 1890s atmosphere.
The Joanna furnace Mule Stable is transformed into the parlor of the Victorian mansion of Iron Master L. Heber Smith, his wife Ella Jane Grubb Smith and their family. As visitors enter the warm glowing parlor, the pleasant aroma of the freshly cut cedar Christmas Tree is a welcoming sensation.
In the parlor, Smith family members gather to prepare for a beautiful family Christmas celebration complete with Victorian dancing. Visitors can watch the festive holiday celebration or interact with family members to learn more about life in the iron furnace community and take part in the period dancing.
Outside, in front of the stage, the largest of the roaring bonfires becomes the focal point of the furnace community. Here all can warm up by the fire and enjoy Bonfire Performances on stage. Friday at 6:00 pm—enjoy a Twin Valley Bible Academy program, Saturday at 6:00 pm—High Point Baptist Church performs and at 7:30 pm —the Lukens Steel Brass Band will perform. On Sunday at 6:00 pm and again at 7:30 pm—Morgantown Community Church Men’s Choir will perform Christmas music.
Near the holiday bonfire, from time to time, the Belsnickel has been known to appear and delight visiting children.
Traditional wagon rides give visitors an alternative way to explore Joanna Furnace. Rides are $2 per person and occur weather permitting. The historic buildings will be open for visitors to explore on self-guided walking tours of the complex. Visitors can visit the Blacksmith Shop, Casting House and Office/Store.
Savor festival foods
The Hay Creek Historians are proud to provide guests with a variety of delicious holiday foods. Enjoy such homemade foods as sausage sandwiches; hot dogs; pork and sauerkraut & mashed potatoes; chicken strips, soups, chili; and French fries. Warm-up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate, hot mulled cider or coffee.
Visitors can enter the Christmas Gift Basket Raffle. These baskets contain valuable items and certificates. All the baskets together contain over $2000 worth of gifts and gift certificates donated by the area business community.
The youngsters can visit the Kid’s Santa Craft Workshop and face painting inside one of the heated tents. The Morgantown Arts Center will be providing various holiday craft activities for children in this workshop.
The Christmas Craft Market provides a showcase for visitors to shop for holiday gifts and home decorating items. Selected items available for purchase from the handpicked vendors include things such as baked goods and cheese; hand blown glass ornaments and assorted holiday items; Handwoven and quilted items; hand-painted wood Items; hand-made soaps. Other unique gift items such as hand-crafted blacksmith items, “live-edge” tables; hand-knit scarves, jewelry, candles, fresh Christmas wreaths and more are available. Sand Castle Winery from Erwinna, PA will also be at the event giving out samples and selling their delicious wines by the bottle.
Admission is $7.00 for adults, Children 12 & under are Free. Parking is free on-site.
“Christmas at Joanna” happens Friday December 6, from 5 pm to 9 pm and Saturday and Sunday, December 7 & 8, 4 pm to 9 pm at Historic Joanna Furnace Iron Works “Where the Spirit of Christmas Comes Alive”!
Joanna Furnace is located three miles north of Morgantown off Route 10. Look for signs and enter by turning on Furnace Road. Parking is available on site and along Furnace Road. A safely lighted, easily accessible parking area is located along Furnace Road. For the safety of visitors, all are encouraged to avoid parking along route 10.
The Hay Creek Valley Historical Association is a non-profit organization. Net event proceeds support the education, research, restoration and preservation of the significant 18th & 19th century Joanna Furnace Iron Works and its community. For additional information visit www.haycreek.org, friend Joanna Furnace on Facebook or call 610-286-0388.
