The season’s spirit was on full display as crowds visited the pair of Cranston’s most well known historical homes, Sprague Mansion and Joy Homestead, on Dec. 1.
The Sprague Mansion, located at 1351 Cranston St., was decorated for the season, and Andrew Kaplan, a Rhode Island pianist, performed holiday musical selections on the Cranston Historical Society’s rare 1800s Concerta D Grand Steinway. The Western Cranston Garden Club decorated the mansion in a spirited Victorian theme.
One of the many highlights at the annual Sprague Mansion Holiday Open House was the Christmas tree, which was beautifully adorned with ornaments.
Sprague Mansion was built in two parts, each representing in its own way the prosperity of the Sprague family, which came to Cranston in 1712.
At Joy Homestead at 156 Scituate Ave., the atmosphere was a bit more subdued, with the celebration marking the pre-Revolutionary era of the 1700s. There was a tea party with holiday cookies served.
Joy Homestead is the former 1800s home of the Joy family in Cranston and sits along the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route. It is one of the oldest properties in Cranston, and many of the families significant to Rhode Island history are connected with the house, including the Fenners, Westcotts, Randalls and Warners.
“We are so grateful to the Cranston Historical Society for helping to preserve these beautiful homes and inspire the next generation with their educational programming,” Mayor Allan Fung said. “If you haven’t visited this year, the holidays are a fantastic time to do so. These truly are some of the gems of Cranston.”
The Cranston Historical Society is also starting a new holiday tradition. Each year, it will be creating and selling a Christmas tree ornament celebrating a remarkable aspect of Cranston.
This year, ornaments depicting Sprague Mansion were for sale during both open houses. Proceeds from the sale of the ornaments will support the society’s programs and preservation efforts.
Both the Sprague Mansion and Joy Homestead are open for tours. For more information, call 944-9226.