Pebble Hill Plantation to offer Yuletide ‘Behind the Ropes’ tours

THOMASVILLE — Pebble Hill Plantation here is offering Yuletide Season “Behind the Ropes” guided tours with Museum Curator Lori Curtis and Executive Director, Whitney White. These tours will take visitors into areas of the 30,000-square-foot historic home that are not included on regular tours.

Curtis and White have unparalleled knowledge of Pebble Hill. and the family who called it “home,” making this a unique and very special tour experience. The tours are offered Dec. 12-13 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

In 1901, Kate Hanna Ireland Harvey inherited Pebble Hill from her father, Howard Melville Hanna, a wealthy Cleveland, Ohio, industrialist. The family utilized the property as a winter residence and sporting estate. They hunted quail, turkey, deer, ducks and other wildlife. Their hunting pursuits kept the family here from October through March, meaning Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter were always celebrated at Pebble Hill.

The original 1850s home was lost to fire in 1934 and rebuilt in 1936. The house that stands today was designed by Cleveland architect Abram Garfield, who was the youngest son of President James A. Garfield. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Yuletide “Behind the Ropes” tours will delight guests with stories of the family and the traditions they held dear. The house will be fully decorated for the holidays, and the decorations include family heirloom ornaments dating to the 19th century. Many of these ornaments were handmade by family members and lovingly passed down through generations. There are hand-carved wooden Creches, a German feather tree, and other unique items to view.

Toys that belonged to Kate’s children and grandchildren are displayed in the house as part of the holiday décor. Among these antique and vintage toys is a handmade wooden rocking horse that was gifted to Kate’s daughter, Elisabeth “Pansy” Ireland Poe, by descendants of President Thomas Jefferson.

Vintage and antique Christmas cards that were saved by Miss Kate and her daughter, Pansy, are a testament to their sentimentality and love for the holidays. Some of these cards also will be on display in the house for visitors to view. Gifts exchanged by the family also will be on view for these tours.

“Christmas was a very special holiday here at Pebble Hill,” Curtis said. “From the archives, we know what gifts were given by Miss Kate, and even if the gifts were acknowledged with a ‘thank you note’ by friends, family or employees. She kept meticulous records and it is so interesting to be able to look back into the past to see how they celebrated and observed Christmas.

“From Kate’s records and diary entries from family members, we even know what was served at Christmas dinner for many years here at Pebble Hill. These “Behind the Ropes” tours will be a true step back in time and will offer visitors an opportunity to be transported to a different era.”

Pebble Hill opened as a museum in 1983, as was the wish of Poe, who wanted others to enjoy the beauty and history of her beloved winter home.

Tickets for these tours are $50 and must be reserved in advance. Purchase tickets by visiting pebblehill.com. Children must be at least 6 years of age to tour the Main House. Space is limited. More information may be obtained by calling (229) 226-2344 or by visiting https://pebblehill.com/.

Special Photo: Pebble Hill PlantationSpecial Photo: Pebble Hill Plantation