by Bea Peterson
David Towne’s elaborate miniature Victorian Christmas Village is simply enchanting. It is also enormous! The Village began many years ago with a few houses atop the television set. Another year the increased number of houses were displayed on the dining room table. From there the ever-growing Village moved to the cellar, then to the garage. A few years ago the Village was moved to a separate building where it could remain set up all year and lights checked and pieces added come November. Now Towne wonders aloud if this will be the last year he displays the production of several hundred houses, churches, lighthouses, firehouses, schools, etc. enhanced by thousands of little people figures skating on ponds, sliding down a large hill, caroling in front of a church, driving horse drawn wagons, and on and on. It’s a must see for the family during the holiday season.
Towne and his wife Alice will open the Village to visitors, as always free of charge, on Friday, December 4. The marvelous display will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 3 to 8 pm until December 27.
To visit the Village, take Babcock Lake Road from Route 7, go one quarter mile and take the road on the right. Signs on either side of the road point toward the Victorian Village. The building itself has a large open sign in the front. It’s the first drive on the right. Large groups should call ahead for a special viewing. Call Dave or Alice at 686-4202.
