Photo: Lake Minnetonka Historical Society
From 1895 to 1953, in Wayzata’s Ferndale neighborhood, stood a magnificent, red brick mansion—Highcroft—on a 110-acre estate. Built by the Frank H. Peavey family, the estate also served as a working dairy farm.
Beginning in about 1935 through 1942, a Christmas Eve tradition was offered in appreciation to Lucia Heffelfinger (Peavey’s daughter) for her generosity and kindness, especially to the estate worker families’ children. The tradition began as a program, portraying the Nativity story. In 1938, the program was replaced with the play Why the Chimes Rang. The celebration hosted the families who worked at Highcroft with the children playing different roles in the play, graduating to “bigger” parts as they grew older.
The celebration began with the children descending the large staircase into the living room, singing Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. After the play, everyone enjoyed dinner, and the Yule log was lit. The end of the evening included a visit from Santa Claus, who arrived with gifts for all the children.
Joanie Holst is a member of the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, which tells the story of Lake Minnetonka by collecting, preserving and sharing its history. Discover more at lakeminnetonkahistory.org.
