Christmas At The Schuster

Going into Dayton, to see a show or performance at

The Schuster, is always a treat. It's a beautiful structure, inside and out!

But there was a time that going down to Second and Main meant something very different.To Daytonians it meant, "Going down to Rike's".

Rikes was a seven-story department store in downtown Dayton, Ohio. It began in the 1850's as a dry goods firm and moved to the corner of Second and Main in 1912 where it remained until it was demolished in 1999.

Once upon a time, a wonderful and magical holiday tradition was on prominent display, entertaining and delighting children of all ages - hopefully creating memories that would last for the duration of their lives.

These glorious windows became the focal point of Christmas in downtown Dayton, and nearly every area family would bring children downtown each December to enjoy the magnificent presentations featuring dancing elves, woodland creatures, happy families and all manner of holiday delights!

Yes, for most of us who grew up in the Dayton, Ohio area, going down to Rike's department store during the holidays was a must do! Their windows were just such fun! I can still remember standing in the bitter temperatures, nose pressed to the cold glass, drinking in every single detail each scene offered.

Now, I am sure that to our technology fed children, these scenes seem all too simple in nature and but to us, the children of the 50s and 60s, they were an integral part of our Christmas magic.

When Rike's was imploded to make way for the Schuster, these scenes were salvaged and reconditioned. Each holiday season they are, once again, brought to life in the very spots where they once delighted scores of children. Where once they were inside of Rike's, they now spend the holidays inside the Wintergarden section of the Schuster Center. They stand ready to bring smiles to the young ones and fond memories to those of us who are a wee bit older! What a treat for the children of today and for those of of a *certain* age who still remember this sweet holiday delight

and have kept their child like enthusiasm locked securely in their heart!

Love from your Rabbit Run Cottage photographer...Susie Q!

Steamrolling Into Christmas

Last night Bill, Grace, my brother Jim and I went to see Mannheim Steamroller

perform at Dayton's beautiful Schuster Center.

Most of you know about my affection for this building and how

I love to attend performances here.

 We have never been disappointed at an event here and last night was no exception!

It was wonderful! It was the first time any of us had seem them perform live and wow!

The musicians signed autographs for everyone after the show and their PR

photographer asked for some shots of our Grace with the guys. I was able to take some too!

Hmmm...I have wrapping and some more baking to do. I think I will pop in their

25th Anniversary CD while I work! What could be better than that!

Hoping your week is going well and that you are ready, or almost so, for the holidays!

A Christmas Tour Of Homes

Last weekend Bill & I went on a most lovely tour of homes. The Grafton Hills area of Dayton is near downtown. Stately, grand old homes line the streets and what a treat to get inside and see them all dressed in their Christmas finery!

I don't have interior photos of some of the homes to share as the owners asked that their spaces not be online. I hope you enjoy those I can show you!

As always, you may click on any photo and make it larger.

This home is owned by a young couple and is definitely colonial but with a modern twist!

This next house was a lovely arts and crafts style home.

Isn't the little table top tree fashioned from old books adorable?

I mist admit that this next beautiful gem was our favorite.

Each room was a delight to see...

Aren't the hydrangea swags just glorious?

The tree was stunning and filled to the brim with glass ornaments!

I loved this sweet collection of antique tree toppers.

But it was the kitchen and pantry area that made me fall head over heals in love!

This home was originally owned by an art glass maker. His talented handy work

is showcased inb these spaces...

You can see bits and bobs of the glass in these photos but I also wanted you to see

 the charming pantry!

The red and white color scheme was wonderful! I loved it!

Here is a better shot..the glass goes floor to ceiling and literally wraps the pantry and kitchen.

Her counters were honed granite and resembled soapstone. The touches of black

here just made the red and white pop!

This grand home featured over 20 lavishly decorated trees!

Home tours are always such a joy!

This was the first time we have seen the inside of the homes of Grafton Hills and each one

was a joy to visit. There was hot cider, egg nog and rum, hot coffee and Bailey's, cookies, hot appetizers, cakes and so much more waiting on us at each stop. How much sweeter does it get?

Thank you to the neighbors in Grafton Hills for their hospitality!

I hope you enjoyed sharing it with us!