Area bakers have once again reimagined historic structures using gingerbread, candies and icing as part of the Augusta Museum of History’s annual holiday gingerbread village.
“This was started by volunteers and has become a tradition,” said Nancy Glaser, the museum’s executive director about the display which opened Nov. 18 and will be on view to the public through Nov. 28.
Seven entries are part of this year’s collection. They highlight historic homes and landmarks such as the Usry House in Thomson, the Appling Courthouse, the old University Hospital, the chapel at Rose Hill Estates in Aiken, the Pink House in downtown Augusta and Rosemary Hall in North Augusta. One fits into a different category.
“It might not be historic, but it certainly has a history,” said Glaser of the Olive Road railroad overpass, which has been the bane of many a truck too tall to make it under.
In this case, baker Ingrid Warden came up with her own creative idea. Santa, an elf and his reindeer
are attempting to pull out a truck stuck under the bridge as an exasperated police officer looks on.
“It’s a very clever idea,” said Glaser.
Each of the bakers is invited to submit an entry.
The bakers at Dolce Darlin’ created The Pink House, which is an 1854 structure at the intersection of Telfair and Fourth Streets. The residence served as La Maison on Telfair for about 25 years and now is home to Dolce Darlin’.
Brandi Tucker made Thomson’s Usry House, which was built by Revolutionary War veteran and entrepreneur, William Usry. It remained in the Usry family from 1795 to 2020. It started as a one or two-bedroom cabin and was added onto over the years.
Bakers from Helms College and Edgar’s Bakehouse adapted the Appling Courthouse built circa 1812.
“The Appling Courthouse is renowned as the oldest courthouse in Georgia. It still in use. It was nominated for the National Register of Historic Places in 1980,” according to the written description associated with the gingerbread structure.
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Kelsie Mellott of Hey Honey! Cakery constructed the old University Hospital building with its segregated Barrett and Lamar wings.
Lauren Virgo made the Chapel at Rose Hill Estates in Aiken, and Monica Kibicz of For the Love of Frosting crafted Rosemary Hall, the home of James U. Jackson who founded the city of North Augusta.
Glaser encourages people to come to the museum, view the gingerbread structures and vote for the People’s Choice Award.
The museum is typically open Thursday through Saturday, but it will be open Monday, Nov. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 28 except for Thanksgiving Day to give people the chance to see the village.
“Thanksgiving is such a family time with people wanting to find things to do together,” she said. The Augusta Museum of History is located at 560 Reynolds St. For more information, call (706) 722-8454.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
