Home / News and Information /

President’s Christmas Open House coincides with Historic Village holiday re-enactment

BPC students greet guests at the President’s Christmas Open House Dec. 2.

By Kelley M. Arnold

Director of News and Public Information

MOUNT VERNON—Dr. David R. Smith, Brewton-Parker College president, and wife, Jackie, welcomed guests from the community and college family into their home on the college’s Mount Vernon campus for a Christmas Open House Sunday, Dec. 2. Guests were greeted by BPC students and were treated to a spread of savories and sweets. Guests were also encouraged to visit the neighboring Historic Village, which was decorated and “alive” with re-enactors depicting life in the 1840s for south Georgians.

A home full of holiday cheer and friends: BPC President’s Christmas Open House Dec. 2 on the Mount Vernon campus.

The Historic Village includes the Cooper-Conner House, Historic Barn and the Berry-Thompson House. The Cooper-Conner House was built in 1798 by Revolutionary War soldier Richard Cooper. To learn more about the village, look online at www.bpc.edu/socscience/historic_village.html or contact Dr. Mary Waalkes, associate professor of history and village curator, 912-583-3110.

Brewton-Parker College is the only accredited four-year Christian college in south Georgia.

-BPC-

Re-enactors from the college community participated in the holiday open house of the Mount Vernon campus’ Historic Village Sunday, Dec. 2 during the President’s Christmas Open House. Shown above, left, is BPC professor Ann Calhoun enjoying music of 1840s Georgia.

Dr. Mary Waalkes, associate professor of history and curator of the Historic Village, second from left, and friends dress in period clothing during the holiday open house of the Historic Village on the Mount Vernon campus.

Drying tobacco inside was the norm in winter during the 1840s in south Georgia.

Familiar household items from the 1840s are now considered antique artifacts to most – though some are still enjoyed as heirlooms in everyday use in south Georgia. (Photos by E’Quain Rhodes)