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While the end of the year with all that leads up to it are a hectic time for many, the efforts to create a charming recollection of holidays in times past gives us an
opportunity to pause and join in a treasured part of the calendar of our very special community.
If you are unfamiliar with the Wesley House, this very brief account will give you some idea of its history. It was built in 1897, in a Victorian style, now converted to
Antebellum. It was the home of the Wesley Family, including nine children, and their business was lumber. There were three mills located in the Tucker Bayou which adjoins the park. Mrs. Wesley was the last of the family to occupy the house, dying in 1953. The next ten years saw the house fall into ruin, with neighborhood children playing in the rooms, and even goats taking up residence!
In 1963, Ms. Lois Maxon bought the house, having “found her Eden.” She paid $12,500 for 10.5 acres, and then proceeded to change the house to an antebellum style, and furnish the rooms with valuable antiques, spending over a million dollars in the restoration we now enjoy. Ms. Maxon did not get to live in her Eden for long due to ill health, but was generous enough to leave the House and grounds to the State of Florida. That transfer took place on Christmas Eve, 1968. We hope she would approve of our efforts to commemorate this most extraordinary gift by coming together as a community each year around the holiday to celebrate.
The Friends of Eden begin the process of planning the festivities for the holiday months prior to the event. None of this would be possible without the dedication of many talented people from across the area, volunteering to decorate the house, including:
Coastal Seniors of South Walton
Daughters of the American Revolution West Florida Chapter
Green Thumb Garden Club
Historic Point Washington Association
Ladies of Impact 100
RMA Consulting and Design
Seaside Kids
Seaside
The Garden Club, South Walton High School, and
The Friends of Eden
On December 5 th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m., the Park area will be illuminated with candles and the decorated House will be open for viewing. The Friends of Eden will provide light refreshments in the Pavilion, and all are invited to attend. A shuttle will be offered for transportation into the Park on that evening, and there is no entrance fee. We hope that you will be able to arrange to view the decorated rooms, and even arrange to attend the Night of the Luminaries. Consider making this a part of your holiday tradition, whether you are a resident or a visitor. It will be memorable. Please plan to join us.
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