Judy Lockwood arrived again this year, with members of her family, to decorate a tree with handmade ornaments. Their tree will be perched in front of the blacksmith’s exhibit at the Canton Historical Museum, to honor another member of the family — Lockwood’s grandfather, William Whitfield Henry, who ran the blacksmith shop in Collinsville. 

Lockwood is not alone in returning to the Museum with a custom arbor for the Gallery of Trees. ”About 75 percent of participants come back each year,” says event chairwoman Marge Harmon. “There should be about 60 trees at this year’s Gallery.”

A quick preview of the Gallery of Trees, which spans two floors of the museum, indicates that despite the disruptions to everyday life due to the recent stormy weather, there are many people ready to share their holiday spirit to benefit the museum.

About Town spotted trees full of candy; and others covered with hand knit, crocheted, wooden, needle pointed or origami ornaments.  Then, there was the one dripping with silvered grapes and corks.

Some trees celebrated Collinsville’s history: one with Harriet Fox portraits and another with cross stitched renditions of the village’s best known buildings.

There was even a Peanuts tree, with Linus, Lucy and Snoopy.  Well done Charlie Brown.…finally.

Here’s the Deal 

Canton Historical Society, 11 Front St, Collinsville; 860-693-2793: www.cantonmuseum.org.

The Gallery of Trees and Christmas Boutique runs from Saturday, November 19 to Sunday, December 11. The Opening Gala is Nov. 19.  Proceeds of the event support the Museum’s Building Fund.

Museum guests purchase tickets, then place them in a box in front of any tree they are interested in winning. The drawing to determine the winner will be held on Dec. 11.