UWF Historic Trust celebrates Victorian Holiday Traditions in Historic Pensacola
The University of West Florida Historic Trust will share Victorian holiday traditions in Historic Pensacola during the holiday season with a special tour of the Lear-Rocheblave House from Nov. 17 through Dec. 19. Visitors will experience the historic home decorated with holiday cheer and learn how families celebrated the holiday season in the late 19th century. Visitors will also learn the ancient origins of the holiday season including the history of the Christmas tree, mistletoe, poinsettias, stockings, Santa Claus and more.
The Lear-Rocheblave House, built in 1890, is an example of two-story Folk Victorian architecture with spacious rooms and delicate jig-sawed porches. The home was built for John and Kate Lear. However, they never lived in the home. The Captain Benito Rocheblave and his family owned and lived in the home for many years during the turn of the century.
Tours will begin at the Lear-Rocheblave House on 214 E. Zaragoza St. at 2:30 p.m., and will be available Tuesdays through Saturdays. Victorian Holiday Traditions is included in admission to Historic Pensacola, which is free for members; $8 for adults; $7 for seniors, AAA members and military personnel and their dependents; and $4 for children, ages three to 14. Tickets are valid throughout Historic Pensacola for seven days. Annual passes to Historic Pensacola are also available starting at $50. For more information, contact Living History Coordinator Phillip Mayhair at 850.595.5985 ext. 108 or pmayhair1@uwf.edu.
