Dickens Day Most Enjoyable and Successful
The Main Gallery was festooned with Christmas decorations as Christmas music filled the air thanks to Mark Barbour and his talented kids. “Superdocent” Dwight Antioch had draped garland about the walls. He also put up magnificent wreaths above the theater entrance and over the Gift Shop area. Also filling the air was the aroma of “Banger” crackling on the grill. These plentiful sized sausages were served with cake to visitors by Ruth and Hal Wessels. Peter Small gave tours and demonstrations in his era appropriate cut-a-way coat. Dr. Leland Whitson did his historically accurate portrayal of Dr. Franklin Miles while demonstrating the Miles Nervine proof press. Our Linotype operator Luis Garcia casted visitors names on Linotype slugs. Also in costume, Wendy Emery helped guests print Christmas cards with their name slugs on the Parlor Press. Colin Browne, in a top hat, did the same on two other presses producing cards in two different colors.
Curator/Director Mark Barbour demonstrating hand type casting to Linda and Bob Ralls. (Bob and Dr. Leland Whitson are high-school classmates!) |
“Dr. Miles” and Moxie display on the Civil War Cincinnati Press.
The Riverside Dickens actors.
The Dickens actors, along with docent Colin Browne in the top hat, caroling with visitors.
Peter Small and Dr. Leland Whitson (as Dr. Miles) in front of the Gutenberg Press.
Ruth Wessels cooking Bangers for Dwight Antioch. |
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On December 15th over 60 visitors were treated to a very special performance of the Dickens Christmas Carol by Phil Soinski, shown here with Dr. Leland Whitson in his guise of Dr. Franklin Miles. Visitors described his performance as, “amazing,” “moving,” “exciting.” Others said, “How does he do all those parts?” “That was sure good how he involved the audience. Well done!” Attendance was sufficient to necessitate two performances separated by a sing-a-long by visiting Dickens actors from Riverside in full costume. 
