By Kris Rued-Clark          

Contributor

MARSHFIELD — Members of the Marshfield Altrusa Club present the annual Holiday Home Tour on Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6. The tour showcases four Marshfield area homes that have been decked out for the holidays.

The Holiday Home Tour is a major fundraiser for Altrusa, an organization of women with a focus on literacy. Money raised will go towards the Battle of the Books and the Technology Program at Marshfield Public Library.

This year’s tour features the following homes: Erin Drawz, 712 S. Oak Ave.; Joe and Jodi Chojnacki, 609 W. Fifth St.; Michael and Barb Smith, 9151 Oak Trail; and Bob and Sam Steiner, M220 Fox Fire.

The home of Erin Drawz, 712 S. Oak Ave., Marshfield, is a cozy Cape Cod-style home built in 1941. As you walk in, you are welcomed by an eclectic collection of Christmas décor and trees. Christmas is one of Drawz’s passions, and she has collected decorations and ornaments since her first tree in her bedroom as a young child.

There are trees throughout her home, from the entrance tree that features crystal to the upper floor tree with teddy bears and reindeer. A particular treasure is the Nativity set painted by Drawz’s father. Featured throughout the house are collections of Santas, snowmen, reindeer, and elves, including a retro-themed tree.

Take a trip back in time when you visit the home of Joe and Jodi Chojnacki, 609 W. Fifth St., Marshfield, with historical architecture inside and out. Jodi and Joe Chojnacki, along with their two children, have been lovingly restoring “The Hefko House,” which is listed on the National Register of Historic Homes.

Notice the maple hardwood floors, custom built-ins, mullioned windows, and leaded glass doors. The house is decorated with a multitude of white Christmas lights, garlands, nutcrackers, wreaths, and a traditional Christmas tree. Extensive landscaping, fencing, and the cobblestone-paved driveway continue the historic style of their home.

Nestled in the woods of Oak Trail is the two-story home of Michael and Barb Smith, 9151 Oak Trail, Marshfield. Holiday features of this home include a vintage, 16-foot-tall tree tastefully displaying ornaments of Christmases past and present. Bright twinkling lights and glittering ornaments create new memories and bring back old ones.

The home of Bob and Sam Steiner, M220 Fox Fire, Marshfield, is the former Fox Fire Botanical Garden property. When the Steiners purchased the property, the home had been empty for four years without utilities. Bringing it back to life by adding craftsmen-style elements, a new kitchen/mudroom, and lots of color was a labor of love.

Double dressed for the holidays, the home is ready to celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah. Three holiday trees were cut down on their 16-acre property, and an unorthodox menorah encompasses the entire width of the stone fireplace. The tour will also include the pre-renovated photos and stories.

Home tour hours are 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5 and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased at Marshfield Public Library and the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Visit at your leisure during the tour hours, and enjoy sites in any order you would like.

With clubs and programs throughout the world, Altrusa members focus on bettering their communities, primarily through programs that encourage or enhance literacy. Altrusa also provides scholarships with a special emphasis on non-traditional students.

Locally, Marshfield Altrusa has provided funds to Marshfield Public Library and small community libraries, Central Wisconsin Literacy Council, United Way Nutrition on Weekends program, Marshfield Area Community Foundation’s coat drive, Soup or Socks, Mary’s Place, Youth Net, Personal Development Center, and Meals on Wheels, among others.

Marshfield Altrusa meets the first and third Thursday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at Holiday Inn in Marshfield. If interested in joining, attend a meeting, or contact Membership Chair Pam Johnson at 715-384-5501 for more information.