By Mary Woodruff

EMPORIA

The Riparian Woman’s Club of Emporia is pleased to have the home of John and Jenny Holtkamp, located at 202 Shore Drive, Emporia, on the 16th Christmas Home Tour. This will be from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7; and from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8.

The Holtkamps are from Iowa. Our community welcomes those who move into our community and become leaders. Jenny has taken on the role of Riparian Woman’s Club president for the next two years for which we are grateful.

The Holtkamp home, formally known as the Harrell home, is a beautiful gambrel-roofed house built in 1972, and boasts a spacious floor plan with 4,316 square feet, five bedrooms and 3-½ baths. The flowing floorplan depicts hardwood floors throughout, beautiful moldings and craftsman construction revealing spacious rooms.

The sunroom was designed to bring the beauty of the backyard into the home with a 180-degree view of the sloping wooded lot surrounding the back of the house.

Upon entering the front door is the foyer with oak steps where the banister is trimmed in garland. To the right, the formal dining room table is set with black Depression glass dinnerware. A Christmas tree is nestled in the corner and decorated in red and gold ornaments.

To the right of the foyer, the formal living room has a simple old fashion Christmas theme with the tree decorated in pinecones.

Moving straight through the foyer is a small hall leading to the back of the home. Passing through the family room is the sunroom, which is the family Christmas room. There is a nine-foot live Christmas tree decorated with the children’s ornaments received by the grandmother over the years. Small vine wreaths adorn the windows.

The bedrooms on the second floor all have their own Christmas trees decorated with the different themes of each room, from nautical to old fashion bikes to beach cottage themes.

The beautiful condition of this home is proof that this house has always been more than just a house, it is a home!

The Holtkamps and the Riparians wish each of you a very Merry Christmas as you tour their home.

Others whose homes on tour are Fortsville, owners David and Jessica Yoder; Kenny Newcomb and Steve Smith; Mary Anne Renner; and Mark and Wendi Simmons.

Tickets are $13 and may be purchased at the E-G Chamber of Commerce, Peanut Patch in Courtland, any Riparian member or by calling 434-594-4369.

MARY WOODRUFF is a member of the Riparian Woman’s Club.