Media Contact:
Diane Bartlett
Director of Marketing Communications
Phone: (703) 777-2414
FAX: (703) 777-3282
E-mail: dbartlett@morvenpark.org

LEESBURG, VIRGINIA (November 2002) Morven Park, the historic Loudoun County home of Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis, will celebrate a 1920s Christmas with special holiday tours from Saturday, December 14th daily through Sunday, December 22nd, 2002. Guided tours of the Governor’s Mansion will begin every half-hour starting at 12:00 p.m., with the last tour at 4:00 p.m. Admission prices are $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for senior citizens, $1.00 for children ages six to 12, and free for children under six years-of-age.

This year’s 1920s theme commemorates the time following Governor Davis’ retirement from public office, when he and his wife Marguerite returned to their home and farm outside Leesburg. During the Christmas tours, visitors can imagine themselves as a guest attending a celebration of the season, with all of the merriment and festivities the Davises were famous for.

Morven Park’s historical landmark Greek Revival Mansion will be decorated beginning Thursday, December 12th for the holidays with lush greens gathered from the Park’s 1,200 acres of grounds and gardens. Wreaths will adorn each of the mansion’s twenty front windows, and Morven Park’s signature 14-foot tree inside the Great Hall will be decorated with glass balls and ornaments reminiscent of the 1920s. The second floor ballroom will be transformed into a holiday dining room, while the Governor’s Library will be set to receive gentlemen for after-dinner drinks and cigars. Mrs. Davis’ Drawing Room will feature 1920s Christmas music, and the Victorian-styled Trophy Room will showcase a Poinsettia tree.

Displayed throughout the Mansion are many of Mrs. Davis’ collection of European furniture, 15th to 17th Century Flemish tapestries, artwork, china and silverware, which she purchased during her many trips abroad.

Commemorative gift items including Christmas ornaments, cotton afghans and books will be available for purchase. Morven Park is located off of Old Waterford Road northwest of Leesburg, Virginia. For more information call (703) 777-6034. Additional holiday photographs are available upon request.

Media reporters and photographers are invited to attend the holiday decorating of the mansion on Monday, December 9th, 2002 after 12 Noon. Specific exterior and interior areas will be decorated on Monday and Tuesday. Please call (703) 777-6034 for more information.

Photo credits: Morven Park