Maintenance & Restoration

**Frederick L. Simson** · 12-16-2007, 11:59 PM

We have friends who really get into the holiday spirit. They spend months putting up their collection in displays. Then they host an open house. Just inside the front door is an antique telephone switchboard. Across from the switchboard, they set up a miniature village.

**Frederick L. Simson** · 12-17-2007, 12:02 AM

To the left of the village, you enter the parlor. They set up a buffet in there.

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A close-up detail of a few items.

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**Frederick L. Simson** · 12-17-2007, 12:06 AM

Back to the entry hall, you see the cabinet which was the original collection. It sits on the floor, with items displayed above it.

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**Frederick L. Simson** · 12-17-2007, 12:15 AM

Toward the back of the house is the family room.

**Frederick L. Simson** · 12-17-2007, 12:17 AM

This is the hallway. The big Santa is on the Bathroom Door.

**Frederick L. Simson** · 12-17-2007, 12:18 AM

At the end of the hall is the Library.

**Frederick L. Simson** · 12-17-2007, 12:20 AM

Even the Kitchen and Breakfast nook are Decorated.

**Frederick L. Simson** · 12-17-2007, 12:22 AM

I knew that if I looked hard enough, I would find an ornament I could Love.

Bobbie Mayer · 12-17-2007, 08:36 AM

How long does it take them to do that!!???

Bobbie

ddayton · 12-17-2007, 09:22 AM

WOW - makes my outdoor display look plumb skimpy!

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David & Leslie · 12-17-2007, 10:54 AM

Wow, Frederick, this display is amazing! Must be fun to put all these decorations UP, but exhausting to take down & put away for next season. Have you suggested a 'human interest' interview with any San Diego media? And yep, we second the favorite ornament - cute! Happiest of holidays to all - L 'n D

**Frederick L. Simson** · 12-17-2007, 08:27 PM

Quote:

How long does it take them to do that!!???

Quote:

They spend months putting up their collection in displays.

They get asked that a lot. Dan says that in the year they hold the open house (every SECOND or THIRD year) he begins by pulling the boxes out of storage in June. Everything is organized and cataloged, and displays are put in groupings according to theme. He works on one room at a time, one wall at a time. As the decorations go up, some of their furniture goes into storage to make room.

He also prints his own Christmas Cards/Invitations using original artwork he has made himself.
(Please excuse the out-of-focus photo of this year's card)

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He hopes to get everything put away by Memorial Day.

**Frederick L. Simson** · 12-17-2007, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Have you suggested a 'human interest' interview with any San Diego media?

Yes, they have been covered in the past. This was the 13th time they held the open house over the last 30 years.

Sharon Herman · 12-17-2007, 08:32 PM

I can't decide if they are gifted or psychotic! THAT IS AMAZING!!!!

Ian-Vicki · 12-17-2007, 08:55 PM

Quote:

I can't decide if they are gifted or psychotic! THAT IS AMAZING!!!!

I've made my decision. Seasons greetings all.
cheers
Ian

Lisa M. · 12-17-2007, 11:50 PM

That's something else! Too much work for me! I did find a trailer Christmas ornament at Wally World this year which I bought for the tree, wrote our names on it and put 2007 on the tire cover ( I try to always mark ornaments that we buy traveling or are given to us with the name of the giver and the year).