Reid House Open House

Welcome to the Reid House, located in Matthews, North Carolina.

 

 

 

Built by Edward Solomon Reid in 1890 by a local businessman and later sold to his dear sister Ellen in 1893. That year, Ellen married Dr. Thomas Neely Reid (they had the same last name - but weren't related).

 

 

 

Dr. Reid graduated from City University of New York and settled in Matthews to practice medicine in 1889. He served until his death in 1946 aged seventy-eight. 

 

 

He was a colorful figure in town, beloved by his patients. Dr. Reid was one of the first people in Matthews to trade his horses for the "new fangled" automobile.

 

 

The house was named for Miss Nancy Reid, the youngest of Dr. and Mrs. Reid's daughters. She was born in the house on January 9, 1898 and lived there until her death on January 25, 1986.

 

 

She was well educated and taught in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System for thirty-five years. Mrs. Sarah Redd of Columbia, South Carolina, a niece of Miss Nancy's, inherited the house upon her death.

 

 

Mrs. Redd generously gifted the house and property to The Matthews Historical Foundation on December 31, 1987.

 

 

 

 

The Reid House is considered unique because it was one of the few Victorian Queen Anne style homes built in Mecklenburg County. With its design of gingerbread cupola, Chinese Chippendale porch railing and rounded turret it has remained a wonderful example characteristic of Victorian style.

 

 

 

The large windows, still with the original glass, the height of the interior walls, nearly 12 feet, and the woodwork and cross molding above the windows all are evident in homes of this era. Unfortunately, the furniture is not original to the house but is period correct.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The gazebo was constructed in 1996, using the Chippendale woodwork pattern found on the front porch as a guide. It makes a wonderful addition to the large backyard.

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed the Holiday open tour.

 

Have a blessed Christmas week,

 

~Kiki Nakita ~

 

You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest or Bloglovin'.

 

A Christmas Miracle

This week flew by. Sometimes, I have to journal or blog to remember all that has happened.

 

On Friday night, we watched Dolly Parton's movie Coat of Many Colors. It's based on a true story from her childhood. Her Momma sewed her a coat using scrap pieces of fabrics, known as the coat of many colors. I posted the trailer, however if you wish to see the whole movie here is the link.

 



I enjoy watching Dolly, she's so uplifting. If you haven't seen her 1990 Christmas special it is festive to have on while wrapping Christmas gifts, baking cookies or to sing along. We also visited Dollywood in the Smoky Mountains in the Spring of 2013 what a family friendly place to visit.

 

 

The following day we went to our downtown for BBQ. I know, it sounds unusual in the middle of December, but the high was 77 degrees and we were walking around in t-shirts. Here's our town decorated for the holidays.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also saw some flowers making an appearance. The yellow rose is from our garden.

 

 

 

On that day, December 12th it was also the wedding anniversary of my Nana and Grandad (pictured) and my Granny and Grandpa. My Nana once told me the story of being a little girl who liked the Church's floral decorations at Christmastime and that's why she chose a winter wedding.

 

Her floral bouquet was made of cream and red carnations, so I made a Christmas floral arrangement with red carnations. The greenery on the shelf was decorated by my sister from the bottom branches of our Christmas tree.

 

 

Lastly, yesterday we had brunch after worship at Cracker Barrel. Then we meandered through several antique stores where I found a Susan Branch Christmas Memories keepsake book, and a gold mirror I'd like to hang in the nursery one day.

 

 

Those who know me well, know I love all things Susan Branch. I have a collection of all her books, and cannot wait until the new one arrives next year. If your looking for some cookie recipes for the season, her recent newsletter has many. Just click on the words in the bauble and you can view her cookie recipe collection. I'm going to try the ginger crisps

 

As the day, and weekend came to a close we went on a dinner date at PF Chang's at Phillips Place in Charlotte. The whole area is decorated with light, trees and wreaths.

 

 

That's when I opened my fortune cookie that said: "Life's contentment is just around the corner." I had to share it with my TTC group.

 

Wouldn't that be a Christmas miracle. We have two doctors appointments this week, so please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

 

Have a blessed week,

 

~Kiki Nakita ~

 

You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest or Bloglovin'.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree a Downtown Lighting

Friday

 

Every day, around lunchtime my hubby messages me to ask, "what's for dinner?". I look in our fridge and consider the options. This Friday, like clockwork I got the message and responded with one of his favorite, "how about Thai?" 

 

 

Let's just say he liked that suggestion. We went to Thai Taste in downtown Matthews. They serve family style so we usually choose a chicken curry and a sweet and sour stir-fry and share. That way we each get to taste a little bit!

 

Saturday

 

The following morning we had to be up early to visit our RE (infertility doctor) to have my baseline scan. Everything looked good and the nurse called later to say I could start taking my medication, Clomid that evening. My previous two cycles I also took Clomid, so like clockwork I called the pharmacist and requested a refill. Well the lady on the phone said "we're out". I was a little panicked at first, as anyone whose gone through infertility knows everything has to be well timed. After some calling around we thankfully got the prescription filled.

 

 

 

After our appointment we went for brunch at one of our favorites, Flying Biscuit at the Park Road Shopping Center. I got the salmon scramble with a side of sausage gravy and toast. Oh my, it is so good!

 

That evening, after a bike ride we headed to our small town to see the Christmas tree lights switched on by Santa. But first we had dinner at Café 157. I ordered the white wine fettuccini and asked for it to be served with grilled vegetable's.

 

 

After dinner we strolled to see the Christmas tree light up. Lot's of local families gathered and we counted down 5...4...3...2...1.

 

 

They also had a snow machine. Anyone who isn't from around here probably thought we were shooting a Hallmark Christmas movie.

 

The musical accompaniment was a band that played with various drums and even a xylophone. Children were singing along before going on a stroll, mapped out around downtown to see all the lit up and decorated small town buildings.

We also got to see the gingerbread house competition. There were entries from children as well as adults. Some of the designs were so creative!

 

Sunday

 

On Sunday after worship we went to have our Christmas Card pictures taken at  Portrait Inovations in The Promenade Shopping Center. 

 

Afterwards, we went to our lunch reservation at The Gallery, located inside The Ballantyne Hotel. Hubby ordered the eggs benedict and I had the salmon benedict. Both were delicious!

 

 

 

 

When we got home we got ready for the week ahead, and relaxed with a Hallmark Christmas movie. We have so many of them recorded onto our DVR, don't know if we'll be able to watch them all before Christmas.

 

Have a blessed week,

 

~Kiki Nakita ~

 

You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest or Bloglovin'.

 

 

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Imparting Grace, Grace at Home #183