Discover Giles County Historical Society article from the Virginian Leader, December 16, 2009
Winners were announced December 5th for the Festival of Trees Christmas Tree Decorating Contest in the Andrew Johnston House.
Judges Pete Ballard, Kay Baldwin, and Bonnie Butler chose three top prizes in the adult category. First prize went to the New River Red Hat Belles for their tree with purple and red decorations. The judges said that the tree represented having fun and clearly showed the enthusiasm of the group. The Pearisburg Garden Club won second place. The judges said the tree showed the heart of gardening in mountain areas and particularly liked the antique seed packets and the assorted gifts under the tree. Third place went to Pearisburg Junior Woman’s Club with the judges citing the importance of remembering our service men and women at Christmas time and all year around.
The judges were unanimous in awarding special recognition to Girl Scout Troops 2286, 767, and 110 with their tree representing the Girl Scouts of the United States. The tree features a gold star, lights, and ribbon representing the Girl Scout Gold Award; daisies representing Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts and namesake for the first level of Girl Scouts, the Daisies; white pearls representing the set of pearls Ms. Low sold in 1912 to start and finance the Girl Scouts; and ornaments of famous women in history. The thought and creativity in the Girl Scout’s tree make it eye catching and informative to all.
An exhibit of antique toys complements the tree exhibit. Toys have historically helped children to mimic the activities of adults. Trains, dolls, tea sets, trucks, and hobby horses all help children to pretend they are adults and learn how the larger world operates. While today’s toys are childproof and often imagination-free, the antique trucks and trains on display were made of cast iron, metal, and wood and dolls had porcelain heads and handmade clothing. Children learned to cherish the few toys they had and their vivid imaginations invented worlds of play. Bring the family to see the exhibit and share your childhood with them!
Winners were announced December 5th for the Festival of Trees Christmas Tree Decorating Contest in the Andrew Johnston House.
Judges Pete Ballard, Kay Baldwin, and Bonnie Butler chose three top prizes in the adult category. First prize went to the New River Red Hat Belles for their tree with purple and red decorations. The judges said that the tree represented having fun and clearly showed the enthusiasm of the group. The Pearisburg Garden Club won second place. The judges said the tree showed the heart of gardening in mountain areas and particularly liked the antique seed packets and the assorted gifts under the tree. Third place went to Pearisburg Junior Woman’s Club with the judges citing the importance of remembering our service men and women at Christmas time and all year around. The judges were unanimous in awarding special recognition to Girl Scout Troops 2286, 767, and 110 with their tree representing the Girl Scouts of the United States. The tree features a gold star, lights, and ribbon representing the Girl Scout Gold Award; daisies representing Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts and namesake for the first level of Girl Scouts, the Daisies; white pearls representing the set of pearls Ms. Low sold in 1912 to start and finance the Girl Scouts; and ornaments of famous women in history. The thought and creativity in the Girl Scout’s tree make it eye catching and informative to all.
An exhibit of antique toys complements the tree exhibit. Toys have historically helped children to mimic the activities of adults. Trains, dolls, tea sets, trucks, and hobby horses all help children to pretend they are adults and learn how the larger world operates. While today’s toys are childproof and often imagination-free, the antique trucks and trains on display were made of cast iron, metal, and wood and dolls had porcelain heads and handmade clothing. Children learned to cherish the few toys they had and their vivid imaginations invented worlds of play. Bring the family to see the exhibit and share your childhood with them! 