Reprint courtesy the Jordan Independent and South Suburban Publishing, Shakopee, MN
Holiday
homes
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Jordanites can immerse themselves in the sparkle and glimmer of Christmas this
weekend when eight Jordan families open their homes to share the delights of the
holidays.
The community is invited to tour eight Jordan area residences Saturday evening as part of the Holiday Tour of Homes, sponsored by the All-Night Graduation Party Committee. Tour time is 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Attendees of the tour will see: the Pichas' snowmen; the Kobers' fresh pine boughs; festive lights at the Buesgens house; the Deans' unusual Christmas displays; the Pekarnas' fire department-themed rooms; a tree in every room of the Nicolin Mansion; the Isles' traditional Polish Christmas tree; and Snowbaby figurines collected at the Moriaty house.
Following [is an excerpt of one of the] profiles of the eight homes on the tour:
The Nicolin Mansion In addition to being the family home for the Knoxes, the The first floor, with its lovely stain glass windows and cherry woodwork in
the foyer, double parlor, and dining room, has been rented for showers,
retreats, a class reunion, murder mystery parties and high teas. Each of the
five guestrooms is named for a former mansion owner. Two of these rooms, the
Kaiserhof and Gail's Room, have been completely redecorated and serve as a
welcome retreat for their guests.
During the Christmas season, the mansion is decorated with a unique tree in
each room. The trees display ornaments with Victorian, Scandinavian and handmade
themes. Other holiday decorations include a nativity set, Christmas villages and
lots of lights and garland.
The Knox family is looking forward to spending their first Christmas in their
home since they have completed their renovations. “It was a perfect night, just beautiful weather,” said tour chairwoman
Cynthia Buesgens.
Buesgens reported that approximately 280 tickets were sold for a profit of
about $2,800.
“We did very well selling tickets at St. John’s and Hope Lutheran
churches the day of the tour,” she reported. “People came from all over for
the tour. Some said they do it every year. It’s one of their holiday
traditions.”
Tour-goers enjoyed walking through homes belonging to the Jay and Laureen
Picha, Steve and Cathy Isles, Mark and Sara Buesgens, Henry and Dee Kober,
Kevin and Terri Knox purchased the historic Nicolin
Mansion at 221 Broadway St. S. in June 2003. The home is one of several
buildings in Jordan listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was
built in 1888 for Jordan Mayor Frank Nicolin.
By Barbara Tieben, Staff Writer
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
A light snow cover and mild temperatures set the mood for Jordan’s annual
Holiday Tour of Homes Saturday.
Buesgens reported that meat market owner Gregg Pekarna donned a baker’s apron and baked about 18 dozen cookies to share with visitors during the evening.
According to Buesgens, the evening was a great success.
“All the homes were so beautiful, and everybody did such a wonderful job,” she added.
Proceeds from the tour will go to fund the 2005 Jordan High School all-night graduation party.
Barbara Tieben can be reached at btieben@swpub.com.