Huntington Beach, CA


Newland House Museum
19822 Beach Boulevard
Huntington Beach
California 92648

Victorian Christmas Joy & Memories

By C. MacDonald

The Victorian Christmas Open House in Huntington Beach's oldest residence would have made William and Mary Newland, and their 10 children, proud.

The HB pioneers and community leaders loved to celebrate the holidays in their 1898 home, which once overlooked more than 500 acres of sugar beets, celery and lima beans.

Recently, the Huntington Beach Historical Society brought the ornate home to life with the aroma of freshly-made tacos, cider and coffee; the sounds of holiday piano music; the singing of popular Christmas carols and the décor of candles and festive lights.

But the best part of the night was the glow of warmth, friendship, smiles and the sharing of nostalgia between the more than 300 guests, who mingled and remembered.

"I love this Victorian house. It reminds me so much of my grandmother's house in Germany," said the Hilli Jacobs. "The wooden floors, furniture, little bedrooms and décor bring back so many fond memories of when I visited her long ago, as a young girl during the holidays."

Tina Moore, who grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, said her whole family used to go to her grandma's home, which was just like the Newland's, on Christmas Eve and spend the night. "My family's gone but being here makes me recall what a joyful time we all had together. It's like we're all together again."

HB Mayor Matthew Harper, who attends the special occasion every year, said it's "a chance to step back, experience and appreciate our past." He attended the event with his fiancé, mother, father and others.

Also enjoying the festivities were Mayor Pro Tem Joe Shaw, City Councilmember Connie Boardman, Maureen Rivers, who helped found the popular annual Civil War Re-Enactment, legendary Hollywood Stuntman/Actor Dan McCoy, and his mother, Theresa, as well as Brad Shefmire.

The Huntington Beach Historical Society awarded its highest honor, "The Order of the Newland Rose," to Janeen Laudenback, HB Director of Community Services, and Chris MacDonald, HB Ambassador.

"Mary Newland loved roses and once a year we present this award to an individual or individuals for their excellence and dedication in helping preserve our history," said Darrell Rivers, Society Vice President. President Kelly Rivers, made cookies for the event, and Alvaro's Tacos prepared delicious Mexican food in front of the happy crowd. Pulitzer Prize nominee and Historian Craig MacDonald delighted guests with unknown Old West Christmas stories.

If you missed the celebration, you can still tour the fascinating, impressive Newland House Museum from noon to 4, the first and third weekends of the month at 19820 Beach Blvd., in the Newland Center. City Historian Jerry Persons gives tours for a nominal donation. Be sure to watch for the free open house next holiday season.