Ghost of Christmas Past

THE BRISK BREEZE blowing down the sides of the Huachuca Mountains serves to boost Christmas spirits for the annual Holiday Tour of Historic Homes at Fort Huachuca, where holidays have always been special. In "Christmas at Huachuca in 1918," from Huachuca Illustrated: Voices from the Canyon, Cornelius C. Smith Jr. remembers: "Father was commanding officer of the 10th Cavalry and served simultaneously as post commander. Christmas in our house in 1918 was memorable, because among other things, a part of the regimental band came into the house and piped the plum pudding around the table, British style. World War I, 'the war,' had ended just six weeks earlier, on November 11, and so there was much for which to be grateful. Still mother and her friends were making woolen helmet liners and mittens for the doughboys over in France.

THE PERSHING HOUSE, Smith's old home, is just one of the houses open for a tour that draws some 1,200 visitors. Senior officers now occupy the elegantly decorated, 100-year-old buildings, and uniformed soldiers from Fort Huachuca's B Troop, 4th Regiment, U.S. Cavalry (Memorial), which honors a unit that served at the fort during the 1880s, stand ready to escort guests up the front steps.

Founded in 1877 during the Apache Wars, Fort Huachuca is the last Old West outpost still an active military installation. Backed up against the imposing Huachuca Mountains, the post now houses the U.S. Army Intelligence Center.

The old homes are large, more than 5,000 square feet, and furnished with antiques and collectibles the families have accumulated from around the world. They

TOURING THE POST

Sponsored by the Fort Huachuca Community Spouses Club, the four-hour holiday tour allows visitors access to several century-old structures along Grierson Avenue (top), with proceeds underwriting scholarships and civic projects. Dressed in period costume, the Hunters (above) welcome guests to Morrow House, where variously themed Christmas trees grace every room.

are named for military personnel with ties to the post. The homes have thick walls (some 21 inches) with tall “coffin windows” that allowed a wagon to back up to the house. Coffins were handed through the windows so the deceased could “lie in state” in the living room.

OUTSIDE THE SHERBURNE HOUSE,

Cameron Miller, 9-year-old son of current residents Lt. Col Tom and Dawn Miller, plays “Up on the House Top” on his trombone. Inside, even a lobster pot and a potato wagon sport holiday decorations but, Merlin, the family's golden retriever, hides from the crowd behind a chair. Upstairs, a Christmas tree, miniature sleigh and candy canes all hang upside down from the ceiling to add a quirky Christmas style.

The Morrow House, home to Col. Jon and Judy Hunter, is the “Christmas Tree House,” sporting 8 trees decorated in varied themes, like an orange and white one for the University of Tennessee, the Hunters' home state. Colonel Hunter, honorary commander of the B Troop, greets his guests in a traditional 1880s cavalry uniform.

The 6,112-square-foot Pershing House, the tour's highlight, is traditionally home to the post's ranking officer, currently Maj. General Barbara Fast and her husband Paul (U.S. Army retired). Built in 1884 for $9,000, the house was named for Gen. John J. Pershing. The general so admired his black troops that the white officers nicknamed him “Black Jack.” Now with an apple pie baking in the kitchen, the Pershing House smells Christmasy. Cornelius C. Smith remembers Christmas smells, too.

“Beautiful and savory aromas assailed the air; there was fudge cake icing, popovers, sage and chestnut dressing, whipped potatoes and candied yams. The turkey was an absolute whopper, looking more like an ostrich than a turkey and done to a crackling golden brown....” Carlton House, the oldest building at Fort Huachuca, is nicknamed “Ghost House.” Once the hospital and morgue, the home is supposedly haunted by a friendly ghost called “Charlotte.” Her baby died at the hospital and the grieving mother still visits the house looking for her child. Eleven-year-old Ashley Laszok lived in the Ghost House. She says she played with Charlotte, a blonde, pretty woman wearing a white gown, who would disappear when an adult entered the room.

During Fort Huachuca's progression from cavalry to military intelligence, one thing remains the same. Smith recalls: “In the bracing mountain air, families walked along Officers' Row . pausing to exchange greetings and linger awhile.” These days, visitors to the post's Officers' Row are still enjoying Christmas the same way. Al

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The holiday decorations in the historic homes vary from year to year. The Sherburne House is currently undergoing historical renovation, so this year's Tour of Historic Homes will feature different residences.

Janet Webb Farnsworth admits she's an Arizona history buff, so Fort Huachuca's colorful past and equally colorful decorations added to her Christmas spirit.

Edward McCain of Tucson has enjoyed visiting Fort Huachuca many times since his first trip there in 1988.

when you go

Location: 70 miles southeast of Tucson.

Getting There: From Tucson, drive east on Interstate 10 40 miles to Exit 302. Drive 30 miles south on State Route 90 to Sierra Vista. State 90 becomes Buffalo Soldier Trail when entering Sierra Vista. Fort Huachuca is on the west side of the road at Fry Boulevard.

Date: Always held first Sunday in December (this year on December 3) in afternoon only.

Travel Advisory: Children under 10 years old not allowed on home tour. No wheelchair access, but golf carts transport persons who are unable to walk between homes. No photos or videos are allowed. Visitors without Department of Defense decal must obtain a visitors' pass. Additional Information: For tickets, e-mail amy. [email protected], or call (520) 459-2686.