Gingerbread spices up historic Bond House

By ASHLEY LUTHERN

aluthern@vindy.com

Ten-year-old Carissa Grady carefully constructed a “gingerbread prom queen” at the historic Bond House in Canfield Dec. 12.

“It’s the first time I’ve made gingerbread,” Carissa said. “I’m probably going to hang it up.”

Carissa and her brother Mitchell Grady, 8, both of Lisbon, attended a Christmas Open House hosted by the Canfield Historical Society. The day’s activities focused on the history and decorating of gingerbread cookies.

The gingerbread was made from a 100-year-old recipe and the cookie cut-out is a slightly different than ones used today, said Laura Zeh, curator at the historical society.

“These gingerbread men are a little lengthier and have stocking hats on them,” she said.

Guests at the Bond House also learned about the gingerbread traditions.

“In Europe, for example, gingerbread was sold at fairs and unmarried women would eat gingerbread ‘husbands’ at local fairs if they were to stand a good chance of finding a real husband,” Zeh said.

Lance Williamson, 6, from New Manchester, W. Va., decorated three gingerbread men.

“This one’s for my mom,” Lance said, as he squirted green icing on the center of the cookie.

After adding the finishing touches to their gingerbread, Lance and Mitchell tasted their creations.

“It tastes great!” Mitchell said.

The Mahoning Dispatch working museum was also open last Saturday and visitors had the chance to print a Christmas activity sheet using the old Platen Press.

The historical society will host its final Christmas Open House today from 1 to 4 p.m. Although there will not be gingerbread, visitors can see the international Christmas tree, the Lichstock — a wooden German tree — and guess the number of bulbs on a Christmas tree to try for a prize.

The Bond House is located at 44 W. Main St., across from the Canfield Library, and there is no admission charge.