Kimberly Crest Shines as Redlands 'Grand Dame'
Visitors at Kimberly Crest’s Christmas lighting event admire the venue’s splendor.
Perched on a hill amid the orange groves of Prospect Park, Kimberly Crest shines brightly, a grand dame of Redlands who has seen much over the years. Hundreds of people gathered to be transported back in time to the late 19th century during a Dec. 8 tree lighting ceremony, where carolers greeted them.
Christmas trees were artfully decorated, and ladies and gentlemen danced the night away. Children and families eagerly awaited the moment when the Christmas lights illuminated the home and gardens.
The home, built in 1899, has been nicknamed “The House of Three Women” for the three primary owners: Cornelia Hill, who commissioned the home to be built; Helen Cheney Kimberly and her husband John; and their daughter, Mary Kimberly-Shirk.
When the last owner, Mary Kimberly-Shirk, passed away, she left the house to the people of Redlands. It is now privately held by the Kimberly-Shirk Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining the home so the people of Redlands can enjoy it.
And enjoy it they have. Once Anita West, executive director of the Kimberly-Shirk foundation, turned on the lights, patrons could peek inside the windows and see life as it was in 1899, with women twirling their skirts as they danced with men in dapper suits. Lively dinner conversation could be seen through another window.
“Windows into Christmas Past” also showed some of the decorations that might have been in homes in the early 1900s. West noted that the home had seen 127 Christmases; this was the third time the program has been tied to the past. Guests wandered throughout the 6-acre property, enjoying the lights and garlands on the mild December night.
Visitors also had the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Mrs. Claus handed out candy canes on one of the wraparound porches, while Santa met with families in the adorned Carriage House.
Clauses for the Crest
Santa and Mrs. Claus greet visitors.
“It’s a delightful reenactment, a treat,” said guest Myrna Munoz, who came with her husband and son while they waited for their daughter, who is involved with the Kimberly Juniors, a community partnership program for girls.
A peek inside back to an historical setting.
Visitors could observe reenactments scenarios that could have been witnessed at the turn of the century.
Last year, the foundation had only one night of the lights with Mr. Judson and Mr. Brown welcoming visitors. This year, they ran the event for two nights due to the popularity. While Mr. Judson and Mr. Brown and their caroling friends have gone back to their time, guests are still invited to “stroll through the historic gardens of Kimberly Crest” on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from Dec. 11-21. Tickets are $20. More information can be found at kimberlycrest.org/rsvp/.