The Summit County Historical Society

News & Events

Home for the Holidays

A Truly Designer Holiday

Most adults today can remember a time when a trip to see elaborately decorated department store windows was a family holiday tradition. The Summit County Historical Society also remembers that time, and is bringing back that family tradition with a twist.

This family holiday event returned to the Summit County Historical Society for its second year, allowing you to visit the historic Perkins family home richly decorated in the latest design themes for the holidays.

Held on the grounds of the Summit County Historical Society, the Perkins Stone Mansion and Wash House was transformed for the holidays by local, professional Interior Designers. This was an excellent opportunity to see the latest styles in holiday design, and to discover some unique and distinctive ideas for use in your own home.

Adding to the holiday merriment, each Interior Designer decorated their room on behalf of a local charitable organization. After touring the home, each guest had the chance to vote for their favorite room. At the conclusion of Home for the Holidays , the room with the most votes was able to win 10% of the event proceeds – a wonderful way for any charity to wrap up the holidays!

In addition, special events were held throughout featuring carolers, including a visit from Santa on and more. Event hours were November 2 – December 22, 2007, Wednesdays through Saturdays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving week) Event tickets can be purchased at the door, and cost $7 per adult, $1 for children 12 and under, Seniors and groups of 10 or more $5 per adult. SCHS members receive two tickets free.

Home for the Holidays Patron Preview Party was held Thursday, November 1, 2007 at 6:00pm at the Perkins Stone Mansion. Attendees were among the first to see the design handiwork done to these historic spaces, and enjoy music, cocktails and desserts. The public was invited to attend; tickets were $40 per person.

Participating designers and charities in the 2007 event were:

Pamela Bayer, Pamela Bayer Interiors, on behalf of MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio and the Jesse Blake Foundation
Robin Brechbuhler, Brechbuhler Interior Design Ltd., on behalf of Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary
Susan Kotapish and Marjorie Ranftl, on behalf of the Humane Society of Greater Akron
Janice Mosko, Christy Krainess, Greenbriar Florist, on behalf of Access, Inc.
Jennifer McCool, Jennifer McCool Interior Design, on behalf of the Neurological Center of Akron Children's Hospital
Winnie Leenaarts, Pam's Posies, Cystic Fibrosis Center at Akron Children's Hospital
Cindy Pastoria, Cindy Pastoria Designs, on behalf of Akron Children's Hospital
Jim Pesce, James Pesce Designs, on behalf of Mental Health America of Summit County
Brian Reeder, Reeder Architects & Interior Design, on behalf of Kiwanis K-Kids
Diane Blinn, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, on behalf of itself
Lynne Dowling, Libby Upton, Yellow Creek Trading Company, on behalf of the Alzheimer's Association