12/24/05 — BLOOMING VALLEY — When Frank John Ferguson goes to the local hardware store he hears about how his great-grandfather was one of the first in the valley to put up Christmas lights. People still remember how great-grandfather Frank Frederick Ferguson would decorate a huge tree at his place.
That tradition started by the eldest Frank Ferguson has created a lasting legacy that has trickled down through the generations as three houses side-by-side-by-side on State Street prove.
In the middle is 56-year-old John Ferguson’s house, bookmarked by his 80-year-old father, George Ferguson, and John’s 30-year-old son, Frank.
The three houses and yards are all decorated with Christmas lights.
“I’ve done it ever since I was old enough to do it,” said George, explaining that his father started decorating when he lived on Route 198.
“He just liked to do it,” said George, who knew his son and grandson would also inherit the Christmas spirit.
“Now I’m trying to keep up,” said George. “Trying to keep ahead of my son.”
Decorating for Christmas may not be a formal competition between the three generations, but those passing by naturally compare the houses.
“It’s a little bit of a competition between the three of us to see if we can outdo each other,” said Frank. “Every year we purchase new things and don’t tell each other until it’s time to put out.”
Frank said this year he found a new panoramic snowfall projector that he traveled to Cranberry to buy.
“I knew Dad wouldn’t find it,” he said. “They checked it out and asked where I purchased it.”
The three men usually find themselves out the same weekend every year without even telling each other. When it’s 50 or 60 degrees in November on a weekend, they’re outside so that the lights are up by Thanksgiving.
But Frank and George don’t even hesitate when asked who has the best decorations — it’s John, they say.
“I don’t know,” said John, modestly. “But I have the best electric bill!”
Eric Reinagel can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at ereinagel@meadvilletribune.com
Local News
Ferguson family keeps valley sparkling during holiday season
- Local News
-
-
Community agencies planning Children's Fair for April
As Crawford County child abuse numbers rank among the most disturbing in the state, officials of local courts and agencies are busy finding ways to increase public awareness of child abuse and its prevention.
-
Ice would be nice for upcoming fishing tournaments
The 2012 Conneaut Lake Ice Fishing Tournament is scheduled for Feb. 25, but organizer Jerry Van Tassel isn’t holding his breath when it comes to running the event as planned.
-
Budget, aesthetics a balancing act at Armory
The next time there’s a moment or two to spare for quiet contemplation, pause in the vicinity of the City of Meadville’s picturesque Diamond Park. Let your eyes rest on Parkside Commons, the meticulously refurbished structure at the northeast end of the park that was once known as “the old junior high.” Make a point of focusing on the windows.
-
Former rockers Drywater enjoying glow from album's rebirth
It’s funny how perceptions can differ from one person to the next; how what sparkles in one set of eyes can appear tarnished in another.
-
Edinboro site eyed for retirement homes
About two years after halting expansion plans into the Conneaut Lake area, Meadville-based Wesbury United Methodist Retirement Community now is looking to expand north into Erie County, possibly sometime in 2013.
-
Langley voted in as Meadville City Council's new member
“Pleased” is the word that best describes Bob Langley’s response to the news that he had been selected to fill Meadville City Council’s vacant seat.
-
French Creek conservation group to benefit from environmentalist's talk
When one of the world’s best known environmentalists, the author and activist Bill McKibben, speaks next week at Allegheny College, his audience will likely be putting some money where its heart is — right into French Creek.
-
Vernon Police chief suspects 'human interaction' in Sunday fire
An investigation is continuing into a weekend fire that destroyed a historic structure in Vernon Township, and Vernon police are urging anyone with information to give them a call.
-
Walker hired to fill Meadville's newest administrative position
The City of Meadville’s soon-to-be-newest administrator is a familiar name in the area and familiar with the city.
-
Edinboro protest planned against proposed state budget cuts
If you’re a student or faculty member at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, don’t be surprised if Trevor Belz, a sophomore from Saegertown, shares some strong opinions with you in the next few days — and urges your attendance at a campuswide protest planned for Tuesday.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Community agencies planning Children's Fair for April






