Santa Claus, Dickens and carolers at the McConaghy House
- December 9, 2011
By Myron Freedman
The Historic McConaghy House in Hayward, built in 1886, is decked out for the season and the place for family holiday fun. This year's holiday theme is "A 1911 Christmas." Come experience life in the house during a time of big social and technological changes: women were voting and planes were flying!
Open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., docent led tours explore the history of the house and McConaghy family, as well as the 1911 era in Hayward. As always, kids are welcome to play in Archie's Playroom, a hands-on activity center geared for ages 3 to 10.
Saturdays will also feature special programs. On December 10, kids can visit with Santa Claus who will be in the house from noon to 2 p.m. Also, actors Thomas Lynch and George McCrae from the Morrison Theatre will be bringing a portion of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" to life in the family parlor for two performances at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. On December 17, there will be a special live concert of holiday songs performed by the CSU East Bay Jazz Singers at 2:30 p.m. Standing room and limited seating will be available for all performances.
The McConaghy House is located at 18701 Hesperian Boulevard in Hayward, next to Kennedy Park. General admission is $5, students and seniors are $3, and children under 10 are free. Contact the Hayward Area Historical Society for more information at (510) 581- 0223 or haywardareahistory.org.
Tickets are also available for a special fundraising event from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on December 17. "This Old Holiday House!" is a historic house holiday party including viewing the historic house, enjoying the sounds of the CSUEB Jazz Singers and festive refreshments. Tickets are $25 and all proceeds benefit a scholarship fund for CSU students. Call Alison to reserve tickets at (510) 581- 0223.