Contact: Sarah Oltrogge, 515-281-4011, Sarah.Oltrogge@iowa.gov

DES MOINES – Montauk, the home of Iowa’s 12th governor, will host its annual Christmas Open House 1-4 p.m. December 4, 2005.

The historic mansion, home to Governor William Larrabee and his wife, Anna, will be decorated by local flower shops and clubs. Horse drawn wagon rides will be available throughout the afternoon and hot cider, homemade bars, cookies and candies will be served.

Music students Sara Strong of Elgin, and Carla Hanson and Wendy Larson of Clermont will entertain guests along with Evan Flynn of Sumner. All visitors are invited to participate in caroling later in the afternoon.

Montauk, a vintage brick and native limestone mansion built in 1874, overlooks Clermont on the scenic Turkey River. The Larrabee family furnished amd maintained the residence for more than 100 years. All of its furnishings are original to the home, and it is designated as a State Preserve.The State Historical Society of Iowa owns and preserves Montauk, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors enjoy the area’s wooded hillsides and walking tours featuring architectural treasures including Union Sunday School, the Opera House, Reigel’s Blacksmith Shop, Clermont Museum and the Larrabee School. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy canoeing, tubing, hiking, biking,skiing, fishing and golfing.

In conjunction with Montauk’s open house, a Vesper service will be held at 2 p.m. in the Union Sunday School in downtown Clermont. Both events are co-sponsored by the State Historical Society of Iowa and the Clermont Historical Society.

Montauk Historic Governor’s Home is located on U.S. Highway 18, about one mile northeast of Clermont. Please contact Nadine West at 563-423-7173 for more information.

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