A wisp of a snowflake fluttered to the ground.
The weather had turned earlier in the month, but this was the first visible clue that the holidays were on their way.
A soft blanket of the fluffy stuff followed, muffling the sounds of horse-drawn carriages normally clattering from the street. Crisp, thick air burned nostrils as the frost began collecting on the window panes. But through the crystalline layers, looky-loos could still make out a kaleidoscope of color and a soft glow of warmth.
Inside, the close-knit family was sitting around the fireplace sipping cocoa, reading and chatting about the day’s musings. Interaction, not technology, ruled the day, with no Netflix in sight. Laughter erupts as the cat chases a gray ball of yarn, fashioned to look like a mouse, across the living room floor—and then, silence.
People are also reading…
The door swings open; father is home.
Living history
If P.B. Moss were to walk into his former residence at 914 Division St. today, he would likely encounter a very similar scene.
With much of the original furniture, décor and fixtures still intact, the Moss Mansion remains one of our community’s most treasured historical gems.
The dining room in the Moss Mansion is planned as the main scenery for the filming of Shane Patrick McClurg's upcoming independent movie, “Oswald’s Dinner.”
Woodwork details in the dining room in the Moss Mansion at 914 Division St.
Moss built the extravagant home in 1903, and the mansion showcases inspired architecture, unrivaled craftsmanship and exquisite décor.
Designed by New York architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh (designer of the original Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotels) the mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has graced the silver screen on several occasions as the perfect backdrop for period films including Son of the Morning Star and Return to Lonesome Dove.
Although the youngest daughter, Melville Moss, resided in the home until the mid-1980s, the house and its original fixtures remain intact.
Modern day visitors marvel at the home’s amenities, which include a call button system for the servants, among other impressive feats of technology for the period.
The home not only records the activities of early Billings development but also interprets the inner workings of the family through letters shared among its members.
Merry Moss
The holidays, particularly Christmas, is a fantastic time to visit the Moss Mansion. Seasonal events, including Holiday and Candlelight tours offer guests a glimpse into what it may have actually felt like to pop over to the Moss family home for a holiday visit.
The historic Moss Mansion brims with holiday cheer this time of year. Stop in for a tour or mark your calendars for one of their evening Candlelight Tours.
Decked out in glistening holiday finery (much of the decorations incorporated are original Moss ornaments and garlands) the museum exudes absolute yuletide cheer.
The Holiday Tours began mid-November and continue through the first part of January and take place Tuesday through Sunday from 1-3 p.m. (Closed on Mondays).
Enjoy the “Deck the Halls Through the Decades” Christmas Tree Display with 17 trees decorated by local non-profit organizations.
Christmas items original to the Moss family were found in storage at the Moss Mansion. These items are frequently used to decorate trees on display in the museum.
Guests are invited to vote for their favorite tree with the winning organizations receiving a $150 cash prize for “People’s Choice” and “Best Theme Interpretation.” Visitors will be astonished by the creativity and splendor.
Another option is to attend a glistening evening Candlelight Tour, starting December 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. (Reservations are recommended). In addition to the festive beauty, guests will enjoy live music, libations and dessert while you learn about how the Moss family celebrated the holidays.
For more information about the Moss Mansion, holiday tours or admission prices visit mossmansion.com.
