Editor’s note: Click the link to see a short video created by Rich Criss and Mick Welding. Criss stated, “This video shows a route to get from home-to-home, as well as a description of the décor in each home. It is an amateur video that, unfortunately, ends abruptly at 30 minutes. I hope you enjoy it!” https://youtu.be/OSXmzd5LAZg.
The MCH Foundation’s Holiday Tour of Homes, “The Halls Be Decked!,” is thrilled to introduce the final home, that will be lavishly decorated and open for viewing. Dates are Thursday evening, December 2, and daytime on Friday, December 3, and Saturday, December 4, 2021.
Thursday night, $100 donation tickets entitle you to stroll through homes without the crowds; this “evening of tidings and candles” is limited to 100 persons. Any time during your tours of the four homes, go to the Morrison Community Hospital new Conference/Board room. In this “Kaffee Haus,” enjoy festive meat and cheese trays, meat wraps, and charcuterie boards, plus delectable desserts, such as chocolate-dipped strawberries and many others. In addition, Thursday night guests will receive a commemorative Christmas ornament. Thursday tour hours are 4:00 p.m. to 8:00. The “Kaffee Haus” will be open until 9:00.
Friday/Saturday $12.50 tickets entitle guests to tour homes from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00, on Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on Saturday. Any time during your tours, go to the MCH Conference/Board room “Kaffee Haus.” Christmas cookies and coffee, hot chocolate, and hot apple cider will be served. The “Kaffee Haus” will be open for one hour after the tours close on both days. Ticket holders may choose to split the four tours over two days.
Our fourth featured home is that of Jean Decker, 404 W. Park Street, in Morrison, IL. Located just a few blocks west of Ebenezer Reformed Church on the north side of the street, this large, two-story home is over 100 years old. However, the footprint of this residence has changed a great deal over the years.
Current owner Jean Decker is no newcomer to this neighborhood, having called 404 W. Park her home for 46 years! Many changes have been made to this residence while Jean has resided in it. Many took place after a devastating fire nearly destroyed the entire home in 2017. Jean fought to have the insurance company allow her to rebuild the existing home. That was done beautifully and with painstaking detail towards full restoration. It is once again a beautiful home full of character, charm, and warmth, noticeable the instant one walks into it.
Purchased from Lena Dykhuizen, Jean raised her children in this home. She adapted some of the four upstairs bedrooms and one downstairs bedroom into other uses. Beautiful Christmas decorations adorn each room, including her lovely screened in porch and patio area.There are 25 trees of varying sizes inside and out of the home. Her living room tree boasts all handmade ornaments, some made by her children many years ago, which are still displayed each year. The family room tree is decorated exclusively with family ornaments, making this a tree full of treasured memories. Jean’s home can be described like looking at a “Country Living” magazine with all of the many decorations beautifully and meticulously displayed “just right.” Viewers will be amazed at her gift of artistry.
This home, in addition to the homes of Dale Belt and Lori Neighbour, Loren and Connie Tenboer, and Rich and Lynelle Criss, will be featured during this inaugural event.
For tickets, send a request with check made payable to “MCH Foundation.” Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Rich Criss, 603 Diamond Court, Morrison, IL 61270. Specify which day to order tickets.
Stop at Emmanuel Reformed Church, 202 E. Morris Street, to purchase tickets, or go to the front desk of Morrison Community Hospital, 303 N. Jackson Street.
We would love to see you at this premier Holiday Tour of Homes event! Contact Mick Welding at 815-772-5510 with questions.