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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Cold front behind rain could mean snow on valley floor by Monday ... Fire took home from mom and her boys ... New bridge would connect east, west Nevada Street in Ashland ... Cold front behind rain could mean snow on valley floor by Monday ... Fire took home from mom and her boys ... New bridge would connect east, west Nevada Street in Ashland ... SOUTHERN OREGON JOURNAL Southern Oregon Journal: Victorian time travel Comment By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune Posted Dec. 6, 2015 at 12:01 AM By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune Posted Dec. 6, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News Who says time travel is the flotsam of a wistful imagination? As long as the Victorian Era (1837-1901) suits your travel plans, re-creations are alive and well represented in the far reaches of the valley this season. You can head north to Prospect and visit Karen and Fred Wickman proprietors of the historic Prospect Hotel. On Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12-13, they’ll host another Victorian High Tea and Craft Faire. With that extra “e” at the end, you know the day will be fraught with Dickensian magic. This will provide a grand excuse to drape yourself in several bolts of velvet and lace, or forego that if you’re a pauper and go as Oliver Twist instead. When the lunch is over I could widen my eyes at Karen or Fred, and ask pathetically, “Please, sir, I want some more,” and hold out my bowl, which will be licked clean. Never mind that my shape bears no resemblance to a starving London youth. The Prospect Hotel will be decorated in holiday finery and, along with a reasonably priced high tea menu in the cozy dining room, visitors will get a chance to tiptoe up the stairs and visit the charming guest rooms full of surprises. Each room will host different local artisans selling their wares. I enjoyed this last year and spent only slightly too much money. The following Saturday, the Dec. 19, you could take a short jaunt north of Eagle Point on Highway 62, where you’d see the familiar — and not as decrepit as it was — Wood House standing in the field where it has stood since 1870 (except for when it was moved across the street). I call it the house with nine lives, and you can read the full history at oldwoodhouse.org . Thanks to community efforts and the volunteer-run Eagle Point Historical Society, the Wood House is gussied up for Christmas and is ready to welcome visitors from 2 to 8 p.m. See what Christmas was like during the late 1800s, except with tours and refreshments. The event is free, but donations keep this local landmark standing, so pony up if you’re able. I’m sure Walter Wood (1881-1974), the last resident who was born, lived and died there, would be much obliged. The next stop in our time machine could be south to Ashland for a special celebration at the 33rd annual Dickens’ Feast at the Winchester Inn and Alchemy Restaurant and Bar. I haven’t enjoyed this in years, but I suspect you’ll want to wear your finest mu-mu, because this is a six-course feast. Santa moves freely about the valley again this year and will be present along with Scrooge (as Dickens’ official representative) and the Winchester Singers. See www.winchesterinn.com/dickens.htm for available dates. Reservations are required. Fast away the old year passes, but before ye lads and lasses hail the New Year, be sure to make a weekend day trip into Jacksonville’s land of Victorian Christmas. Lane and I went last weekend for the tree lighting and carol singing. The genuine antiquity of the original brick buildings festooned with white light and greenery transports in earnest. It was cold, but well worth the shivers, especially when we found a steaming cup of cocoa in one of the stores. The merchants stayed open later for the occasion, and were in the jolly spirit. There was a goodly crowd in attendance. We stood in solidarity against the cold and for Christmas. We trolled the ancient yuletide carols, and appreciated the choral group from North Medford High School, who helped make our evening bright. They were cold too, but smiling through their breath clouds. Afterward, Lane surprised me by taking me to dine at the Jacksonville Inn. Talk about the perfect ending for a trip back in time. As their website states, the Jacksonville Inn, built in 1861, “perpetuates the nostalgic romances of that era.” Our knowledgeable waiter, Robin, took excellent care of us. No one-horse open sleigh for the ride home, though. Just great memories. Peggy Dover is a freelance writer living in Eagle Point. Reach her at [email protected]. By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune Posted Dec. 6, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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