MANSFIELD — Even the dead have a story to tell.
This Saturday, Dec. 9, “Ghosts of Christmas Past” will appear at Oak Hill Cottage, each with their own unique story to share.
“We sent invitations to all of the cemeteries where people who have ever lived at (Oak Hill Cottage), and asked them to come back for a Christmas party,” said Jeff Mandeville, Oak Hill docent and member of the Richland County Historical Society board.
Re-enactors will portray former Oak Hill residents — those who lived at the house between 1840 and 1965.  Each will be dressed in period clothing.  Â
Mandeville’s character is John Robinson, the original owner of Oak Hill.
“(He) is not at happy to have all of these people in the house and not at all happy with all of the changes, and he will be trying to chase people out,” Mandeville said. “You can tell not to take him too seriously. His bark is a lot worse than his bite.”
Other characters include members of Dr. Johannes Aten Jones’ family. Jones was an eye, ear and nose specialist, who bought the house in 1864 at the persuasion of his wife, Frances Ida. Â
“She’s the one who decorated the house and she’s very proud of the house and will tell you about some of the things what she was thinking when decorating,” Mandeville said of Frances.
Leile, one of the Jones’ daughters, will also be represented.
“She lived in the house the longest, and she will have a lot to say about all of the changes that took place through her life at the house,” Mandeville said.
A string quartet and organist will play music throughout the event. Â
“You’ll get to meet a lot of different people from different times, and they’re always be a maid or two running around; although, we don’t like visitors to talk to the maids because it breaks up their work and they don’t have enough time in the day to get all of their work done anyway,” Mandeville said.
The house will be adorned in Christmas decor.
“It’s pretty over-the-top, but very Victorian,” Mandeville described.
The Ghosts of Christmas Past event starts at 5 p.m., with semi-guided tours every 10 minutes until 7 p.m. This third annual event costs $5.
“It’s a lot of fun and it’s different every year,” Mandeville said. “So even if you’ve been to it before, you’ll see some new people.”Â
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