Since the 1960s, Cranston Historical Society (CHS) has held its holiday open house on the first Sunday of December. This year was no different as guests gathered at Governor Sprague Mansion on Dec. 4 to celebrate the season of giving with family, friends and community members.

Visitors listened to music played by pianist Andrew Kaplan on CHS’s rare 1880s Steinway grand piano while enjoying the old time treasured recipe of Wassail and Sprague Punch, cookies and snacks inside the mansion.

Western Cranston Garden Club decorated the mansion’s interior – using greenery found on the property’s grounds. The Victorian themed arrangements/decorations were nationally recognized several years ago and the group will again vie for national recognition.

Mayor Ken Hopkins stopped in to give greetings from the City of Cranston along with other city and state officials. CHS had its ‘Archive Tree’ set up which the mayor and Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos added an ornament to this year. The tradition goes back many years ago and CHS brings the ornaments out during the winter.

Following CHS’s holiday open house, Ward 3 Councilman John Donegan held his Outdoor Tree Lighting with Bain Middle School Choir. Families then enjoyed hot chocolate inside the mansion’s Carriage House. (Submitted photos)