Hotel News

December 5, 2009: Wheat Growers Hotel Receives Wheat Gift

Representatives of the National Association of Wheat Weavers (NAWW), Charmayne Cesal and Peggy Nelson, brought a wonderful surprise to the Wheat Growers Hotel. The ladies came to the Christmas at the Wheat Growers Hotel, bearing a large collection of woven wheat Christmas decorations for the Hotel tree. The ornaments are all very intricately made or woven with wheat. Some are made with wheat carefully split in half and woven or applied as decorations. Charmayne Cesal is from Potter. Peggy Nelson is a charter member of the NAWW, which was established in 1987.

In many cultures there is a history of harvest celebrations. In the 1500’s, in Great Britain there are accounts of sheaves decorated to represent the spirit of the harvest. Through history, straw was used for making hats, baskets and decorative items. Immigrants brought the skill of working with straw to this country. By the 1970’s, these skills had almost disappeared. But, a group of women from Kansas traveled to Herefordshire England to gain expertise and revive the craft of wheat weaving in the US. These ladies were instrumental in the founding of NAWW. The NAWW website is nawwstraw.org

: Christmas at the Wheat Growers Hotel is a Roof Raiser

A large number of residents turned out for the Christmas at the Wheat Growers Hotel, to help raise money for the new roof fund. Guests enjoyed refreshments provided by the Wheat Growers Hotel Preservation Foundation members, including hot chocolate, hot spiced cider, cookies, cheeses, nachos and freshly popped popcorn. There was wine tasting, with wine from the Prairie Vine Winery. Many people took part in the wagon rides. And, to add to the Christmas spirit, seasonal songs sang by the very pleasant voice of Tom O’Brien. As the evening went on, the group joined Tom in a sing along.

The Silent Auction was a large success, with over forty items up for bids. Local businesses and individuals all generously donated the items. After the festivities wrapped up, the evening was deemed a very nice success. And, the fundraising for the new roof, got off to a very good start.

The Foundation members would like to thank everyone who helped with Christmas at the Wheat Growers Hotel and so generously spent time, money or gave donations to the roof fund.