Usher in the holiday season with an enchanting tour of historic homes and landmarks. The annual Oaklands Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes is slated for December 3, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Murfreesboro. The tour, sponsored by Oaklands Association will feature beautiful and historic private homes, a distinctive church, and the graceful Oaklands Historic House Museum.
In the late 1860s, the Maneys subdivided and sold most of the front drive into lots to create a residential neighborhood, originally called "Maney's Addition," thought to be Murfreesboro's first "subdivision." It later became North Maney Avenue, which intersects present-day Main Street. Advertisements for lots in Maney's Addition appeared in local newspapers assuring prospective owners of free access to the Maneys' spring. In the late 1880s, after she left Oaklands, Rachel Adeline Maney moved into a home in Maney's Addition known as "Big Holly."
Set in the historic district of Murfreesboro, stops along the holiday tour include the following historic buildings:
• Oaklands Historic House Museum, 900 North Maney Avenue,
• Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Bell, “Big Holly” 718 North Maney Avenue,
• Carriage Lane Inn, 411 North Maney Avenue,
• Mosaic Art Gallery, 312 North Maney Avenue,
• Mr. and Mrs. Bill Jakes, 225 North Maney Avenue,
• The Morris House, 347 East Main Street,
• Central Christian Church, 404 East Main Street
These festively adorned historical homes and church, dressed in holly and evergreens, will transport you to a simpler time. From the veranda of Oaklands mansion you will see the Sons of the Confederate Veterans, Murfreesboro Camp #33 as they present living history demonstrations on the lawn of the mansion.
"This year’s tour guides visitors along the old carriage path of the plantation and offers an opportunity to visit homes spanning several decades and various architectural styles”, said James Manning, Executive Director of Oaklands Historic House Museum. “Visiting the festively appointed homes on our Candlelight Tour is a popular way to begin the celebration of the holidays”.
The cornerstone of the tour is the grand Oaklands Historic House Museum. Interpreters in period attire will guide you through the history of this gracious mansion. At its peak, Oaklands was the center of a 1,500 acre plantation and one of the most elegant homes in Middle Tennessee. Since that time, Oaklands has seen dramatic changes. Following the Civil War, it deteriorated from a majestic mansion to virtual ruins and, in the 1950's, its very existence was threatened. The mansion was brought back from the brink of destruction and saved from the wrecking ball when a group of concerned ladies created Oaklands Association in 1959. Since that time, the Association has worked tirelessly to restore Oaklands to its original splendor and preserve its unique history.
Today, local residents and visitors alike enjoy the mansion that has been lovingly restored and brought back to its former glory. The proceeds of the Candlelight Tour of Homes go toward the care and upkeep of this historic treasure. Admission is $10.00 per person 21 years and older, students $8.00, ages 6-12 years $5.00 and ages 5 and under are free. Tickets may be purchased at any home on the tour or at Oaklands Historic House Museum. Oaklands Association is a non-profit educational organization. For more information on becoming a member or a volunteer, please call (615) 893-0022 or email: info@oaklandsmuseum.org.
