The annual Sale on the Grounds in May has been major Historical Society fundraiser for many years. In 2004, we received large donations of wonderful Christmas items from members who downsized, including 25 beautiful nativity sets. Beautiful as the items were, almost none of them sold. We decided that people just aren’t in the mood to buy holiday merchandise in May, and thus was hatched the idea of another sale dedicated to all things festive, to be held in December.

This year marks the third annual Christmas Sale on the Grounds, which is now an established tradition of its own. Held in the historic Nicholson House decorated for the season, the sale provides the perfect opening to your holiday shopping.

The sale features our Antiques Room where you can find a one-of-a-kind gift or sentimental collectible for the person who has everything. You’ll also find quality vintage linens, glassware and silver, as well as antique ornaments (and even a vintage color wheel if you have a 1950’s aluminum tree you need to light!). The other three rooms will be fully stocked with new and nearly-new gift items; tree trimmings, decorations, wrapping paper and anything you need for holiday entertaining. Baking cookies for the neighbors? Present them on one of the many lovely but inexpensive serving dishes or trays you’ll find at Christmas Sale on the Grounds.

Know any bird enthusiasts or collectors of angels or music boxes? We received a huge donation of figurines that will delight that person on your shopping list. We also received a donation of old china from the Harding Home Ec room. Wouldn’t it be fun to surprise the Harding alumni in your family with a cup & saucer from the set they used in middle school?

The prices and variety at the sale are fabulous. We are passionate about recycling and reusing and want all our items to go home with a happy shopper before the end of the weekend. Sunday will be half-price day in every room except the Antiques Room. But don’t wait till Sunday to come—you don’t want to miss the already bargain-priced wonderful things that will fly off the shelves on Saturday.

The best quote from last year’s Christmas Sale on the Grounds: “I’m not buying a single thing next year until after I’ve shopped here!”.

Shop Christmas Sale on the Grounds at the Nicholson House, 13335 Detroit, on Saturday, December 1, 10:00 – 3:00 and Sunday, December 2, noon – 3:00. We accept cash, checks, VISA, Mastercard and CertifiChecks, the Lakewood gift certificates. Parking is available across the street at St. Ed’s.

All proceeds support the programs and projects of the Lakewood Historical Society. Questions? Call the Society at 216-221-7343.