Bonine Christmas 2014

Upstairs Snowman Bathroom--decorated by Deb Wiggins and Cathy LaPointe

URSCC Office

A Beautiful Christmas at the Bonine House 2014!

Over 1000 people came through the Bonine House December 5, 6 and 7th to look at the rooms beautifully decorated by members of URSCC, see the progress on the house, and visit Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elf, Belinda : ) Greeted at the back door by toy soldiers, visitors were welcomed in the kitchen and were free to wander through the dining room, office, bathroom, living room and Santa's parlor downstairs. They could sign an ornament and hang it on one of the trees. Then upstairs to the decorated hallway leading to five lovely bedrooms and a display of nativities from around the world, as well as a snowman bathroom. Many made the trek to the top of the tower, where more decorated trees awaited them, as well as a spectacular view. On their way down, they claimed their "I made it to the top" sticker to proudly show their accomplishment. This is the third Christmas at the Bonine House. Every year is different, as new members take on rooms to decorate; and returning members do different rooms. Individual styles vary widely, creating a unique experience for visitors each year. For many it is a much anticipated family tradition. In the URSCC office, visitors could see pictures of the Bonine House over time and were given a handout with a brief history of the house and its ties to the UGRR. Included was an update on the progress on the Bonine House during 2014, and projects slated for 2015, starting with the front porches (click here for a copy of that handout).

Click here to watch the video.

Enjoy the photo galleries below.

It may take a bit for them to load. Thank you for your patience!

Underground Railroad Society

of Cass County, Michigan

urscc.org

We wish to thank all our room sponsors/decorators for their creativity, good humor, and their long hours on this project.  Thanks to Lin Pollard for all the beautiful signs, posters, flyers and signature ornaments for our trees.  Thanks to Bill and Brenda Beadenkopf, Sue and Dave Dunlap, Larry Sehy and Em Egan, Toni and Dave Janssen, Ken Krause, Cindy Yawkee, Ann Webb and Felomina Patton for greeting visitors, staffing the house and directing parking.  To Mike Moroz for setting all the trees up--and taking all the trees down : )  and for handling the many, many other tasks connected with an event like this.  Thanks again to Wayne Falda for filming our video. 

Thanks to Dussel's Greenhouse for the beautiful wreaths for the Bonine House front doors, which they donate every year.  

Thanks to our community for their unfailing faith and support that has enabled URSCC to continue on the path to fulfilling our mission and goals, and for their generous donations this and every year.  We hope to have Christmas at the Bonine House forever.  It will change over the years, but it will always be a symbol of what a determined group of people can do when the cause is just. Have a wonderful holiday season.

 Cathy LaPointe for URSCC

Little Boys Room--decorated by Carolyn Kelly and Connie Fedore

Nursery--decorated by Nancy Neff and Brenda Beadenkopf

Santa's Parlor--decorated by Maria Jones

Christmas at Bonine House

Nativity Room--nativities from around the world collected by Ruth and Robert Johnson

SW Master Bedroom--decorated by Barbara Jackson

Bonine Room--decorated by Barbara Lawson

SE Victorian Ladies Bedroom--decorated by Carolyn Kelly

Downstairs Bathroom--decorated by Cathy LaPointe

 Foyer, Staircase and Upstairs Hallway-- decorated by Shelley East Gibson

"Winter Wonderland" Living Room--decorated by CeeCee Wilson and Darin Boyles

Dining Room---decorated by Deb Wiggins

Kitchen--decorated by Nancy Neff and members of the Dowagiac Garden Club

Outside the Bonine House

Merry Christmas and see you next year!