Decorating for a French Christmas at the LeRay Mansion
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FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- The most historic home on Fort Drum is going back in time this Christmas season.
Every year, the command staff's spouses decorate the LeRay Mansion for the holiday season. This year, they're changing it up, working with Fort Drum's Cultural Resources Office to bring everyone back to the early 1800s for a French Christmas, the exact way the original owner, James LeRay De Chaumont, would have decorated.
Historic toys, foods, even carrots in shoes left for the burrow of French Santa Claus, Le Pere Noel. The tree is also decorated in period, with felt roses, pine cones, wild berries and angel hair.
"We know there were many wonderful French Christmases celebrated here in the 19th century when the LeRay's owned this mansion. As French aristocrats and devout Roman Catholics, we know that Christmas must have been a very important time in this house," said Dr. Laurie Rush, Fort Drum Cultural Resources.
For more information on how you can see the mansion for yourself, call the Fort Drum Cultural Resources office at 772-4165.