The holiday season is brimming with traditions, and this year, Hamilton County residents are invited to experience a truly unique celebration. The Coxhall Mansion will be transformed into a festive wonderland thanks to the exquisite McCaw Hallmark Ornament Collection. This treasure trove of ornaments, generously donated by Bruce and Jamie McCaw through April Williams and the Friends of Hamilton County Parks, Inc., will dazzle visitors with its beauty and scale.
A Brief History of Coxhall Mansion
In 1958, Jesse and Beulah purchased the former John Williams property [now Coxhall Gardens] and built their dream home, influenced by the Governor’s Mansion in Williamsburg, Virginia, which was completed in 1974.
To preserve the land amid increasing development, the Coxes donated their estate to the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department in 1999. This generous gift, described as an “oasis in a sea of homes,” led to the creation of Coxhall Gardens Park , which today features trails, a statue honoring the couple, and plans for future amenities like a conservatory and a museum.
An Ornament Collection for the Ages
The McCaw Hallmark Ornament Collection is an extensive array of cherished pieces, each telling a story of holiday joy and nostalgia. The collection was gifted to Hamilton County Parks by the Friends of Hamilton County Parks, showcasing the McCaws’ enduring support for community enrichment. Guests will have the opportunity to admire these ornaments displayed on 20 uniquely decorated trees throughout the four floors of the Coxhall Mansion.
A Harmonious Holiday Ambiance
Adding to the festive atmosphere, visitors will be serenaded by live Christmas piano music. Eric Bembenek, an employee of Hamilton County Parks, will play the mansion’s recently restored original piano. The restoration, funded by the Coxhall Guild, is a testament to their dedication to preserving the mansion’s heritage and enhancing visitor experiences.
Decking the Halls With Coxhall Guild
The Coxhall Guild, a vital partner to Hamilton County Parks and Recreation, plays a significant role in the holiday transformation. Members of the guild collaborated with Gisele Found of Gisele’s Flowers and Event Décor in Zionsville to ensure every tree and corner of the mansion radiates seasonal cheer. The partnership between the Coxhall Guild and Hamilton County Parks underscores a shared commitment to community celebration and cultural enrichment.
A Holiday Tradition in the Making
The McCaw Hallmark Ornament Collection is more than a display—it’s a celebration of artistry, nostalgia and community spirit. With the enchanting decorations, live music and historical charm of the Coxhall Mansion, these open houses promise to become a beloved holiday tradition for local families and visitors alike.
Coxhall Guild President Mary Robinson highlighted the significance of the extensive ornament collection, the generosity of donors Bruce and Jamie McCaw, and the dedication of the guild members who came together to beautifully decorate the mansion’s Christmas trees for the holiday season.
“The McCaw ornament collection is absolutely incredible, with approximately 800 ornaments processed for display this year—and we haven’t even gotten to the ENESCO collection yet,” Robinson stated. “Christy Brocken, the historical resource specialist for Hamilton County Parks, meticulously cataloged every ornament. She photographed each piece, carefully removed them from their original boxes, re-boxed them into ornament storage and preserved the original packaging, as collections are more valuable when kept in their original boxes.”
Robinson expressed deep admiration for Bruce McCaw, who is passionate about his collection. “When Christy, another parks employee, and I went to pick it up, we discovered Bruce had meticulously organized everything—there were 17 tabs of ornaments!” Robinson exclaimed. “He’s collected these over the years, with most being Hallmark ornaments. His dedication to preserving each piece is inspiring, and we’re respecting that passion by preserving the collection with the same care.”
While the focus this year is on the Hallmark collection, Robinson revealed that the ENESCO ornaments will be incorporated next year. Robinson shared, “It’s a massive collection, and processing the Hallmark ornaments alone was an incredible undertaking.”
Robinson also described the camaraderie and organization that goes into decorating Coxhall Mansion. “We always kick off with a pizza party. It’s such a fun day,” Robinson said. “Over the years, we’ve had a chairperson leading the effort. For the past two years, it’s been Jan Williamson, a retired grade school principal, who’s incredibly organized. This year, for the first time, we’ve decorated 20 trees of various sizes throughout the mansion, each with its own theme. For example, we have a ‘Trains, Planes, and Automobiles’ tree, culinary-themed ornaments in the kitchen and kid-friendly trees in the basement.”
Despite the guild’s enthusiasm, Robinson noted one recurring challenge, quipping, “The real challenge isn’t putting up the trees or decorating them—it’s making sure all the lights work!”
Celebrate at the Open Houses
The public is invited to attend a second open house this season and enjoy this holiday display on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each room in the mansion will feature a distinctive theme, creating an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. The McCaws themselves will make a special appearance on December 14, offering guests a chance to meet the couple behind this remarkable collection.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make memories and celebrate the season at Coxhall Mansion. Whether you’re marveling at the ornament collection, enjoying festive melodies or meeting the McCaws, there’s something magical for everyone.
For more information about Coxhall Gardens and the Coxhall Guild, visit hamiltoncounty.in.gov and search for “Coxhall Gardens.”