The Petersilie home is located on Water Street in Washington. The gaslights flicker on the drive and the porch. Decorations of greenery and candles are everywhere. Music wafts into the chill air and stars twinkle in the clear night sky. Visitors in formal dress arrive in horse-drawn carriages. Excitement is in the air. It's Saturday, December 17, 1898. Mr and Mrs. John Lowe are hosting a Christmas ball!

Their Greek Revival home on Water Street was begun in 1896, just before the couple left for their honeymoon in Cuba. Upon their return, Mr and Mrs. Lowe lived in a cottage across the street until construction was completed in 1898. The Lowes raised four children in the beautiful home, which remained in the family for many years. Their granddaughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Ellington, were the last family members to occupy the home. Jamie visited recently and told present owners Beth and Frank Petersilie that the restoration was very close to the original appearance of the house.

The front door features a beautiful, arched fanlight and opens into

ARTFEST a hallway with a central staircase. At the landing, the stairs divide into a double stairway going to the second floor. Don't miss the beautiful, original transoms over the doors in the upstairs hallway. The master bath features a beautiful claw foot tub and a working fireplace. In all, there are 10 working fireplaces. Downstairs, sliding wooden doors open into the rooms on either side of the hall. Modern conveniences have been added, but are concealed or designed to complement the atmosphere of the period. In the kitchen stands a wooden cabinet which was originally built into the wall. Mrs. Lowe made pottery and displayed it in this cabinet.

The love of the Petersilie's for their home is evident at every turn. They have taken great care to recreate the warm ambiance of an earlier age. They have named their home "Archeo" which is Greek for ancient and beautiful. Frank and Beth have invited you to share in the warmth and beauty of their home. Join the Christmas Tour of Homes and accept their gracious invitation!

PRESENTS

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INHISTORIC downtown The 2008 Christmas Tour of Homes is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, December 12-13. Three ticket packages are available for the Christmas Tour of Homes.

l Candlelight Tour: Friday Evening, 5-9 p.m. ($30.00)

l Town & Country Day Tour: Saturday Only 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ($30.00)

l Saturday Combination Ticket: Town & Country Day Tour, Twilight Champagne Reception, and Colo- nial Dinner ($65.00)

l Premier Ticket: All of the tour activities are included with this ticket ($85.00).

l Single House Tickets: ($5.00)

Additional information may be obtained by calling The Washington Wilkes Historical Foundation (toll free 877-221-7689), 706-678- 5001, 706-678-2105, or by going to the Foundation's website http:// www.historyofwilkes.org.