by April Helms

Special Products Editor

Handmade decorations. Nature as inspiration.

Those are a couple of ideas behind the Christmas decorations this year at Perkins Mansion, said Leianne Neff Heppner, interim director of the Summit County Historical Society.

"Our theme this year is going back to natural," Heppner said. She pointed out the dried flowers and herbs from the grounds of the mansion, the artificial fruit displays in the dining room, and other natural items used to spruce up the mansion for the holidays. "You don't need a lot of money to do some neat things."

Home For the Holidays runs the first three weekends in December through Dec. 20. It is titled "The Day After Christmas," with the Christmas gifts, unwrapped, are displayed through the first floor, particularly in the library.

One of the more interesting decorations were the numerous handmade icicles, which decorate the main tree in the library and the stairwell. Heppner said the icicles, made in varying lengths, were hand-beaded by volunteers.

Event hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Event tickets are purchased at the door, and cost $5 per adult, and free for children 16 and under, SCHS members receive two adult tickets for free. Parking is free and available on-site.

Perkins Mansion is at 465 South Portage Path in Akron. For details, call 330-535-1120 or visit www.summithistory.org online.

Author visit

On Dec. 13, as well as the tour, guests will also have the opportunity to meet Lynn Metzger and Peg Bobel, editors of the newly released book "Canal Fever." Guests will have the opportunity to purchase the local history book.

E-mail: ahelms@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 315