Chickasaw White House to host Harvest Fest

EMET, Okla. – The 2015 Harvest Fest will be 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Chickasaw White House in Emet, Oklahoma.

This year's event includes the Chickasaw Nation celebration of the 120th year of the Chickasaw White House.

Once considered a mansion on the frontier, the Chickasaw White House was home to Gov. Douglas H. Johnston and his family from 1898-1971. It was the setting for many important political and social gatherings.

Acquiring the home in the 1990s, the Chickasaw Nation restored the White House to its original grandeur. The Johnston home was designed and constructed in 1895 by architect W.A. Waltham in the Queen Anne revival period. It is on the National Registry of Historic Places.

The White House features exquisite hand-stenciled wallpaper in three rooms, 14-foot ceilings, crystal chandeliers, mahogany fireplaces and many original furnishings. From the table settings and the crystal, to the crepe myrtles planted by Mrs. Bettie Johnston in 1895, guests experience life as it was at the dawn of the 20th century.

The free event offers the attendees a chance to step back in time with food and activities just as the family would have enjoyed.

Festivities include carriage rides around the property, make-and-take crafts, children's activities, bluegrass music and much more.

Tours of the White House are available throughout the day. Lunch will be provided.

The Chickasaw White House is located at the north edge of Emet, 10 miles east of Tishomingo, Oklahoma.

For more information about Harvest Fest or the Chickasaw White House, call (580) 371-9835.