Well over 100 people knew what to do with an unusually chilly Saturday; they spent their time inside wandering through the beautifully decorated Victorian period Baker House located in Wildwood. Docents dressed in period attire welcomed guests into each room giving them information on the Baker family and the house built in 1890.
Village of Orange Blossom Gardens resident Ann Gibson surprised herself and became part of the tour.
In the front room while giving her talk, docent Cindi Hinkle pointed to a pump organ sitting in the corner and said “We are always looking for someone to play the organ during tours, so if you know of anyone . . .”
Gibson raised her hand and volunteered to give it a try. Soon beautiful Christmas music filled the room.
Friends Sandy White and Carol Bronson stopped in on their way to work their volunteer shift at Bargains and Blessings, a thrift store operated by New Covenant United Methodist Church.
“I’ve known about the Baker House for a couple of years and have been meaning to get over here,” said White. “Today just seemed like the perfect day to do it,” said Bronson.
“I really appreciate the preservation they are doing to this house. We live in such a throw-away society, I am so glad this didn’t just get torn down” said White.
Both women commented on the lovely decorations throughout the house. Each room is decorated by a different business or civic group or as in the case of the master bedroom upstairs a group of friends from The Villages got together as a team and decorated. Beth Payne, docent in the master bedroom, told wonderful stories about the house including childhood memories of passing by the house on the school bus. Another docent, Hannah McClain, also from Wildwood, remembered calling it “The Mansion on 44” as a youngster and thinking how cool it would be to go inside the house. Now she and her 13-year-old daughter Addie are serving as docents.
“I love being a part of the preservation of this house and using it to teach Addie to appreciate history,” said McClain.
All of the proceeds from the house tours go toward preservation projects. The remaining dates for tours are Dec. 16, 17 and 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for day tours. Evening tours will be offered on Dec. 19 and 29 from 6 p.m.to 8 p.m. Tickets are $10. Private tours for groups of 10 or more are available.
The Baker House is located at 6106 CR 44A in Wildwood. To schedule a private tour or for more information, call (352) 461-1140.
