Joseph Smith Historic Site Hosts
Christmas in Ole Nauvoo

On December 13 and 14, 2002, people gathered to Nauvoo, Illinois, to celebrate "Christmas in Ole Nauvoo." This is an annual event, hosted by the staff of the Joseph Smith Historic Site. One group that participated was a bus tour sponsored by the Restoration Trails Foundation with Pat and Judy Spillman serving as tour guides for the group.

Joyce Shireman with the horse drawn carriage

Each evening participants were treated to a horse drawn carriage ride and Christmas carolers courtesy of the Nauvoo, Illinois, Mission Missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During the thirty-minute carriage ride, participants were transported back in time to an 1843 Christmas in Nauvoo with an entertaining commentary by site coordinator Joyce Shireman.

Tom and Barb Dewitt, staff at the site, served dessert in the Mansion House.

Chuck and Linda Tripp, staff at the site, served appetizers at the Homestead.

The carriage visited Joseph Smith’s Red Brick Store for Christmas shopping and then took passengers on to the Homestead for appetizers, the Nauvoo House for dinner, and finally to the Mansion House for dessert. Staff dressed in authentic period clothing for the activities. The evening concluded with a pops concert in the Visitor Center Theater and a visit from Santa Claus.

Now is the time to mark your calendar for next year’s event to be held on December 12 and 13, 2003. Reservations may be made by calling the Joseph Smith Historic Site at (217) 453-2246 and the cost is $50 per person.

--Joyce Shireman reporting