Franklinton residents who may not get out at night are missing a treat at the Rock House and Waverley Triangle near the big flagpole between Main and Cleveland Streets.
The area has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Several years ago, the Waverley Club, under the direction of Candy Jenkins, began hosting "Lights and Lollipops" to bring Christmas cheer to Franklinton. This was discontinued with the advent of the lighted Franklinton Christmas parade, but Waverley Club members continue to decorate the historic Rock House which transforms into a magical world of lights, lollipops, and candy canes. The triangle area decorations have continued to grow each year.
Santa and his sleigh along with cutouts perfect for little ones' photos dot the area. Marsha Newman and Angela McVea have tirelessly spearheaded this effort with the support of the Waverly Club's membership. They begin hanging lights in early November with the help of Bobby Stafford, Robbie Stringfield, Dr. Chip McVea and John David Schilling.
A few others have been drafted into helping, and the lights were officially turned on the weekend after Thanksgiving.
This year, a patron of the Sugar Shack restaurant overheard John David Schilling discussing the decorating effort. The gentleman, who lives in Folsom, decorated Lakeside Mall in Metairie for years and graciously offered his warehouse full of items for use on the triangle. So, this year the area features a gingerbread village along with large ornaments hanging from the lighted oaks.
Dr. Chip McVea also added a new technological treat this year. The large window of the Rock House on Cleveland Street features an animated Santa and his elves busily preparing for Christmas. The northern side of the property features a nativity and three crosses to remind viewers of the reason for the Christmas season.
If the sight of the Waverly Triangle does not get one in the Christmas spirit, then he or she is surely a grinch. In a community known for its volunteer spirit, this display is a testament to what can be done when some determined "Christmas loving" ladies and a few helpful gentlemen volunteers decide to bring Christmas cheer to Franklinton!
