Going a-wassailing
Vincent and Smeltzer houses host wagon ridesBy IAN SCHMIT Messenger staff writer
Article Photos
Friends and family came to celebrate the holidays with a Victorian Caroling Evening at the Vincent House, 824 Third Ave. S., and Ann Smeltzer House 1019 Second Ave. S. Sunday evening.
Visitors enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, hot chocolate, and wassail, a spiced fruit drink, as they listened to Christmas carols sung by the a capella group Four Shades of Gray and a group of choir students from Fort Dodge Senior High dressed accordingly in Victorian attire.
A horse-drawn wagon took people between the two houses, provided by Jack Riley of Riley-Armstrong Plumbing and Heating.
"My daughter and I came out because we thought it would be kind of fun. Last night I said no way am I riding a carriage in the freezing cold but here I am," said Maureen Lenz of Fort Dodge.
Tours of both houses were given, with local historian Roger Natte as the tour guide at the Vincent House.
"This house is a real gem," said Natte. "Most people drive by and don't pay much attention to it."
The Victorian Christmas Caroling is the last of a series of events, including the Spiritualist Event encore and a Victorian Tea, to help raise money for the repair of the Vincent House after water damage was discovered two years ago.
Bill Griffel, president of the Ann Smeltzer Charitable Trust, explained why the Ann Smeltzer House was also hosting the event.
"The event is a fundraising function for the restoration of the Vincent House and since they're in the Oak Hills District we felt that we ought to participate and make it a bigger draw, having two homes open instead of one, and do our part," said Griffel. " We've donated already for restoration work and this will help finish paying for what's being done. "
The restoration is due to be complete this year.
Contact Ian Schmit at (515) 573-2141 or ischmit@messengernews.net
