Jolly Mill Christmas open house

Children gathered together to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus as he descended from the staircase at Jolly Mill for the annual holiday open house on Friday. Santa's traditional early appearance in the Monett area drew an enthusiastic crowd of children who were eager to share their holiday wishes. (Times Photos by Murray Bishoff)
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The main floor of historic Jolly Mill, located west of Monett, was filled with people on Friday, Nov. 30, for the annual holiday open house and visit with Santa Claus. The hall was decorated for the occasion both upstairs and downstairs. (Times Photos by Murray Bishoff)
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Families gathered around Santa Claus to get photos of children during the holiday open house at Jolly Mill on Friday and Saturday. One of those getting a picture was Bob George, of Aurora, at right, taking a photo of his grandson, Connere Priebe, at left with Santa. (Times Photos by Murray Bishoff)
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A large array of cookies and treats were served, along with hot cider and coffee, for visitors at the holiday open house for Jolly Mill on Friday. Friends of Jolly Mill served the guests the refreshments. (Times Photos by Murray Bishoff)
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Visitors to Jolly Mill read accounts of the mill's history during the Christmas open house held Friday and Saturday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, at Jolly Mill park, west of Monett. (Times Photos by Murray Bishoff)
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There was lots to see at the holiday open house at Jolly Mill on Friday and Saturday. John and Ann Hutchison admired the decorated Christmas trees in the display cases on both levels of the historic mill for the occasion. (Times Photos by Murray Bishoff)
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Holiday decorations provided an eyeful for youngsters at the Jolly Mill Christmas open house held on Nov. 30. Kellen Avondet shared his thoughts with his mother, Kim, while waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. (Times Photos by Murray Bishoff)
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Caleb and Carter Fenske were all smiles for their opportunity to pose with Santa Claus during the holiday open house at Jolly Mill on Friday, Nov. 30. Santa sits in front of a painting of the historic mill, dating from pre-Civil War days when the town of Jollification was located on Capps Creek and got the name that sticks to present day from grinding grain for making liquor at the mill. (Times Photos by Murray Bishoff)
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Jolly Mill offered many opportunities for photo taking both in the mill and on the grounds during the holiday open house last weekend. The family above took the opportunity to pose their little one with the lighted snowmen on the park lawn as they made their way indoors for the visit with Santa Claus. (Times Photos by Murray Bishoff)
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