Granddad is coming to dinner! The cooks have been planning the menu and making the preparations for days. Every room in the house is spotless. The Christmas decorations are the most extravagant ever! The Christmas tree shimmers with candles and the fireplaces are all aglow. The neighbors are thrilled to be included on the guest list. Why all the excitement? Granddad just happens to be the famous and celebrated Confederate General Robert Toombs!

In 1883 Robert Toombs gave the lot on South Alexander Avenue to his grandson, Robert Toombs Du- Bose. He also arranged to have a house built for the younger Robert. The architect was W.W. Thomas. The home was completed in the spring of 1884.

Before the Civil War, the property was owned by Georgia's eccentric poet Thomas Holley Chivers. Mr. Chivers was famous for his friendship with Edgar Allen Poe and for his defense of that poet's reputation after Poe's death.

Now owned by Hoyle and Ellon Penna the beautiful home features 14-foot ceilings, bay windows, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and elegant archways. There are very tall doors and mantlepieces imported from Paris. The 2008 Christmas Tour of Homes affords you the opportunity to visit this wonderful old home and enjoy its unique architecture.

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 Colonial 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.