Published: November 20, 2009 02:35 pm      

Morton Museum kicks off holiady activities

The Morton Museum of Cooke County kicked off its 14th annual bell sale with a reception Thursday evening.

The decorative bells are available in two designs — a Santa bell which sells for $20 and a smaller jingle bell which goes for $15.

Bells from previous years are on display at the museum.

The facility is also decked out in Christmas finery including an antique doll and Santa display on loan from Gainesville resident Rose Sicking.

Museum coordinator Cathy Farquhar said last night’s party is the first of several holiday activities at the museum.

“The Christmas display will be up all during the holidays, and we plan to be open during the Christmas parade and during the Victorian Stroll (Dec. 11 and Dec. 12),” she said.

Farquhar said she is also excited about the museum’s Cajun Christmas program set for Dec. 17.

“We will have a noon luncheon, a special program and a dinner,” she noted.

The luncheon is scheduled to held in the historic South Gainesville home of Beverly Graham.

Today also marks the first Museum Day during which participating downtown merchants donate a portion of their proceeds to the museum.

Participating merchants include All About Flowers, Bella Matiz, Chapman’s, Kinne’s Jewelers, Lost Dog Productions, Vine & Branches, Anana’s, Cahoots Handbags, Kelly Lane Jewelry, Lindsay House, Ott’s Furniture and Wiese’s.

Tickets are also available for the Historic Gainesville Holiday Home Tour.

Admission is $10 per person and includes a trolley ride to the venues.

Tickets can be purchased at the museum, Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce and at several downtown shops.

For more information visit the tour Web site at www.historicsouthgainesvilletour.com.

The Morton Museum of Cooke County is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and is located at 201 S. Dixon St. in Gainesville.