Victorian Christmas at Ringwood Manor

RINGWOOD — Begin the holiday season this year with a step back in time to view the lifestyle of an upper class, early 19th-century family. The Woman’s Club of West Milford and the North Jersey Highlands Historical Society welcomes guests to tour Ringwood Manor on Dec. 2 and 3, and Dec. 9 and 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ringwood Manor, built in 1807, is one of the foremost Victorian homes in America, located on the 15,00-acre Ringwood State Park in northern New Jersey. The 51-room manor was the summer country home of the Cooper-Hewitt family from 1853 to 1936, at which time the family donated it to the state of New Jersey. Most of the original decorating is still intact. Many community groups, local businesses and high school students help during the season, such as the costumed guides who lead the tours describing the content and history of rooms decorated for the holidays. Meet crafters whose handmade gifts are available for purchase, and enjoy a bite to eat in the newly decorated Victorian coffee house. A donation of $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $3 for children would be appreciated. In the past, funds raised have gone to restoration of the manor, scholarships for graduating high school students, and been donated to charities. Ringwood Manor is located on Sloatsburg Rd., which runs between Rte. 511 in Ringwood and Rte. 17 in Sloatsburg, N.Y. For information call 973-728-6131.