We kicked off the holiday season on Sunday, December 4th, with our 28th annual Christmas at Aldie fundraiser. More than 200 guests filled the halls of Aldie Mansion to rally behind the preservation of our area’s natural and historic heritage. With a delicious meal prepared by Jeffrey A. Miller Catering and enthusiastic supporters who share a passion for conservation, the evening celebrated Heritage Conservancy’s conservation successes within our community.
The stately 1927 Aldie Mansion began its history as the private residence of William and Martha Mercer; William was the younger brother of Henry Chapman Mercer, Bucks County’s acclaimed tile-maker and archaeologist. An ode to the English Tudor manor, Aldie Mansion evokes a time in America when craftsmanship reached an art form. Complete with watchful gargoyles, vintage leaded glass windows and intricate brickwork, the mansion’s survival throughout the years is the result of community support. By adaptively reusing the mansion as its office and a special events venue, HeritageConservancy safeguards this historic Bucks County landmark and community gathering space.
And gather the crowd did. Aldie Mansion’s lavish holiday décor set the stage for holiday cheer and excitement while cocktail hour brought new friends together with old ones. Afterward, guests retired to the ballroom for a gourmet dinner followed by a rousing live auction and a focus on HeritageConservancy’s mission of preserving and protecting our natural and historic heritage.
“Heritage Conservancy’s signs teach people what we do, show our respect for the land and inspire others to help us do more,” said Jeff Marshall, President of Heritage Conservancy, while addressing the group. “They also show the pride of property owners and their belief that, working together, we can keep our special places special forever.”
To close the evening, the crowd was treated to festive entertainment provided by the Central Bucks East High School Select Choir. The choir caroled from Aldie Mansion’s Great Hall balcony to Christmas at Aldie guests down below; the von Trapp Family Singers of The Sound of Music acclaim sang from this same balcony close to 75 years ago during one of the Mercers’ Christmas parties.
Guests went away from the evening with a feeling of merriment and a deeper understanding of the importance of Heritage Conservancy’s work in our community.