Christmases for the family of Dr. Howard A. Kelly were generally centered on the house in Baltimore at 1406 Eutaw Place prior to 1945.
Occasionally, however, the Liriodendron, the Kelly's summer home, was opened and used for Christmases because it was a convenient half-way meeting place for family coming from Philadelphia. The Christmas tree in those times was often small and placed in the corner between the dining room pocket doors and the main stairwell.
After Fritz and Peggy Kelly were married in 1945, the tree was put on the landing on the main staircase, and was quite grand and tall. Peggy's brother, John Smith, generally provided the tree from his nursery in Forest Hill. It was too big to walk around so all traffic had to use the back stairs. The upper part had to be trimmed by leaning over from the railing from the second floor. Festive touches were added throughout the house with additions of fresh greens gathered from the Kelly property.
Fritz and Peggy, with their three young children, had a large Christmas dinner party for family in the dining room with the white linen table cloth, napkins, polished silverware and Lenox china, which were reserved for the occasion. This was one of the rare times when the dining room was used, at least in post-World War II years. The table and chairs are still in the upstairs meeting room.
The dining room fireplace was crackling, as was the one in the living room. On occasion, one of the uncles, Howard Kelly Jr., would bring small firecrackers and amuse the youngsters by tossing them in the fireplace and sometimes holding them in his hand. That generation of Kellys was pretty high spirited. The laughter of children, the aromas from the kitchen and the lively conversation by family and friends filled the mansion.
To experience past Christmases and celebrate the season, The Liriodenron Foundation is hosting its Open House Celebration Dec. 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. Holiday decorating demonstrations will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., upholding the old fashioned traditions of using fresh greens, fruit and other unexpected items. Bow tying instruction will be included. The demonstration is free, however, there will be a fee for those wishing to make and take.
Pianist Andy Dombrowski will provide a holiday atmosphere. Light refreshments will be served.