WILDWOOD — The doors of the historic J. Thompson Baker House, as it is listed on the state and national historic registers, will be opened Dec. 5 to welcome visitors and show how local residents celebrated Christmas more than a century ago.
The Wildwood Civic Club, owners of the house since 1934, is hosting an open house from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. that will give visitors access to each of the home’s rooms as well as showcasing how an early-20th century home was decorated for the holiday season.
“We’re trying to keep it simple, as it would have been in 1904,” said club president Jackie Thorpe. “There will be lots of greenery, poinsettias and a few modern decorations that are traditional at our club.”
According to Thorpe, members of the club will be on hand to not only show the rooms, but to explain the history of the home.
Located at 3008 Atlantic Ave., the home has sat sentinel as more than a century of history has marched past it. Built by early Wildwood developer J. Thompson Baker, the stately white house hosted a virtual who’s who of American history – including President Woodrow Wilson, Anna Shaw, first president of the Women’s Suffrage Organization and American artist Norman Rockwell.
Listed on both the New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places, a trip to the home is like stepping back into days gone by. With its grand staircase, magnificent stained glass windows, and large rooms, the home offers tour takers an evening of old-fashioned elegance and holiday cheer.
Admission to the open house is free, light refreshments will be served. For additional information please contact Jackie Thorpe at 609-770-7468.
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