Trip back in time in Niles

NILES -- Music, hot cocoa and historical lessons greeted Niles residents of all ages Saturday at the fourth annual A McKinley Christmas celebration.

Patrons, treated to free entertainment from area artists, dancers, actors and historians, were introduced to the McKinley family and transported through time -- and by trolley -- in an event serving hundreds of residents, organizers said.

"Actors are giving a tour depicting what Christmas was like in the 1850s, when President William McKinley was a boy," said Michelle Alleman, McKinley Memorial Library director and organizer of the McKinley Christmas event at the McKinley Birthplace Home.

According to Alleman, "The home serves as a programming venue for the library."

There are regular storytimes, adult book discussions and three or four annual events related to President McKinley, like the planned January celebration for the president's birthday the last Saturday in January.

Colton Griffin, 6, of Niles, was finishing his Christmas ornament, which was a craft activity provided for children as part of the celebration.

Before heading back to the library to take home a few of his favorite stories, the Griffins and other families stopped at the Salvation Army truck to get free hot chocolate.

The Griffins were just a sample of the many who braved the cold Saturday to attend the event. Cars filled the library parking lot throughout the day, Christian Gatta, library clerk said.

"It is really nice for the community and helps bring people in," Gatta said.

However, other residents said the small crowds were disappointing.

Phil Gustovich, 62, of Niles, said he was thinking as he toured the home and the memorial that Niles used to be a "bustling town."

Gustovich was taking in the entertainment of Bill and Linda Crank, singer and pianist, on the stage of the McKinley Memorial hall.

"I love this McKinley Christmas. I think it's such a nice small town family event. It's  a shame more people don't come. It's good, wholesome entertainment," Gustovich said.

The annual A McKinley Christmas included a look at history beyond the McKinley family through a tour of the Ward-Thomas Museum, which is cared for by volunteers of the Niles Historical Society. The open house featured the opportunity to tour the grounds, complete with barn and greenhouse, and the opportunity to have cookies and cocoa with Santa.