Holiday trees return to Janesville’s Lincoln-Tallman House

JANESVILLE, Wis. (WMTV) - A special holiday display will be open the public for another season on Friday in Janesville.

The Rock County Historical Society’s annual Holiday Tree Show is back at the historic Lincoln-Tallman House.

Inside the home is 120 uniquely decorated holiday trees. Each tree tells a different story, with most representing different businesses, non-profits, and community members from the area.

NBC15′s Erin Sullivan captured some of the magnificent holiday trees inside the residence this year.

Rock County Historical Society officials say it’s a tradition that not only gets people into a festive spirit, but also honors those that work to bring joy to the community year-round.

“People love and care so much about what we’re doing in the Lincoln Tallman Home and keeping that story alive, but especially during the holiday season, people come in droves. We had 80 artificial trees donated to us a few years ago. People continue to bring really nostalgic things from their lives to put on display as well. It’s a great symbol of community,” said Timothy Maahs, the Executive Director of the Rock County Historical Society.

One of the highlights is the 20-foot-tall “Memory Tree”, which is filled with photographs of people’s loved ones who have passed away, submitted by residents throughout the area.

Also on the grounds outside of the home are 65 live evergreens that are decorated as well.

Maahs said this wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated work of dozens of volunteers.

“The volunteers are absolutely incredible. They’ve been here almost every day since the 31st of October. They have been climbing up and down ladders, shaping trees making sure everything is positioned right, and sometimes even decorating the trees as well,” explained Maahs.

This year RCHS added a cash bar from 5 – 7 p.m. every Thursday and Friday between Nov. 25 – Dec. 29.

The display will be open to the public November 25 – December 30 except (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) Thursdays through Sundays at 440 N. Jackson St.

The hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 3 – 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults. They can be purchased online or at the door.

The live evergreens outside of the home can be viewed for free, 24/7 throughout the tree show season.

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