Centre Furnace Mansion’s holiday sale features local goods

CSTATE COLLEGE — For 15 years, Centre Furnace Mansion’s Stocking Stuffer Sale has been one of the area’s premier holiday shopping events, featuring goods made by local craftspeople. This year’s sale is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2, and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3.

As visitors walk into mansion, located at 1001 E. College Ave. in State College, the sights and smells of Christmas — along with nearly 60 vendors — will greet them.

Ann and George Moellenbrock Antiques, Paper Planet/Enchanted Planet by Sherry Bloom and Victorian Enterprises by Suzanne Tedesco were part of the original 12 vendors who participated in 2002. They will be at the event again this year. Joining them will be first-time vendors Moroz Wear, of Bellefonte, The Mad Whisk, of Port Matilda, The Beefy Chicken, of Howard, Freidly’s Woodcrafts, of Reedsville, Jim Bliek Antiques and more.

Gifts in all price ranges include jewelry, handmade soaps and lotions, fabric items, photography and antiques. For those who fancy food gifts, gourmet sauces, dressings, hand-iced cookies and fudge will be available.

To add to the event’s festive atmosphere, the Stocking Stuffer Sale committee, in 2007, asked area florists to decorate the first floor of the mansion. It is this 10-year tradition that provides the sensation that you have walked into Christmas. Avant Garden, Daniel Vaughn Designs and Woodward Floral Gardens use their talents to create the atmosphere inside, while mansion’s gardeners handle the outdoor decorations that blend with the natural beauty of the surroundings.

The sale is the Centre County Historical Society largest fundraiser. The mansion is home to the nonprofit CCHS, which was founded in 1904 and is the oldest and largest of the county’s historical organizations.

The historical society encourages research of Centre County history and offers many programs throughout the year. The CCHS also maintains a collection of photos and archives of county history of interest to both children and adults.

The historical society also gives visitors many opportunities to learn and appreciate the history of the iron ore industry. The mansion’s site includes the ironmaster’s home, furnace stack and beautifully landscaped grounds.

Mimi Barash Coppersmith and David Horner & Associates are event sponsors this year. The committee for the event is made up of Johanna Sedgwick, Becky Dreese, Mary Sorensen, Deb McManus and Cathy Horner.

“We have many people involved, and they love being part of the traditions,’ said Horner.

For more information, or to order tickets, call (814) 234-4779, visit www.centrehistory.org or email info@centrehistory.org.