GLENN HOUSE CHRISTMAS TOURS WILL BEGIN TODAY

The halls have been decked and volunteers are ready to spread Christmas cheer at the historic Glenn House, 325 S. Lorimier.

Christmas tours will be conducted at the nearly 120-year-old house from 1-4 p.m. today and Sunday. Additional tours will be conducted Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20-21.

Thousands of feet of lights, numerous wreaths and hundreds of ornaments will be on display during the tours. Also featured will be five decorative trees boasting themes similar to that of the rooms in which they are on display.

For the right price visitors may take home some of the decorations. Ornaments will be sold right off the trees for the second year, and prices will range from $1 to $25. A percentage of the proceeds will go towards the Glenn House restoration project.

The Glenn House was built between 1878 and 1883 by renowned architect Edwin Branch Deane. Deane built the home as a wedding present to his daughter Lulu, who lived there for about 37 years with her husband, David A. Glenn.

The original design was much simpler than the Glenn House of today. The wrap-around porch and tower were added as the Glenns' fortune increased and the style of houses changed over the years.

After changing hands a few times in the 20th century, in 1969 the Glenn House was donated by the Erlbacher family to the Historical Society of Greater Cape Girardeau.

For more information about the Christmas tours or the Glenn House call (573) 334-1177. For group-tour information call (573) 335-0791.