For the first time ever, the halls of the 120-year-old McClinton Mansion will open to the public this weekend for a cozy Victorian Christmas Market, hosted by the home’s new owner who moved her family to Newton just over a year ago from the state of Washington.
The two-day event is set for this Saturday and Sunday, December 13-14, from noon to 6 p.m. each day at the home located at 601 W. Church Street in Newton.
Homeowner Chloe Higgins welcomes the community to come and “Step back in time for a truly enchanting experience” at her home, where visitors can expect the scent of hot cider and candlelight as they browse the handmade treasures and baked goods, enjoy free coffee and hot cocoa, and take in the charm of one of Newton’s historic homes decorated for the holidays.
Seven vendors are confirmed with more expected, featuring mostly local and regional artisans selling items such as handcrafted jewelry, crochet items, original artwork, fruit-stamped pillows, gourmet soaps and body scrubs, press-on nails, and fresh kettle corn. A professional photographer will also be on hand to offer family Christmas portraits in the mansion’s original gentleman’s parlor.
Everyone Knows Each Other
Higgins, a real estate agent who says she’s obsessed with historic homes and studying their architectural aspects, came across the McClinton house listing on her social media feed while living in Snohomish, Washington and fell in love with the vintage home. She then showed it to her mother, Erin Higgins, who was in the process of selling her home.
“I took a screenshot and sent it to my mom and asked if it would be completely crazy if we packed up and moved to Mississippi,” Higgins said. “I thought she would tell me I was totally crazy, but she said no. And here we are.”
Higgins and her family, including her kids Westley, Emberlee, Robyn, and Milo, along with her mother, finalized their move into their new home and officially became a part of the Newton community in July of 2024. Recently, she received her Mississippi real estate license. After a well over a year of living in Newton, Higgins says they have loved it since day one.
“Where we came from in Washington state, there was a lot of hustle and bustle, so this was a different change of pace. It was a little bit to get used to,” she said. “But I love the slower-paced life, and the fact everyone knows each other here - that you can go to the gas station and people recognize you.”
Since settling in Newton, Higgins has enjoyed researching every bit of history about her new home and community. To date, she’s learned that John Clark McClinton began building the home in 1895 and finished it in 1903. One of the founding figures of the city of Newton, McClinton was also an oil broker, stagecoach route owner, and business owner.
And according to Higgins, the home has long been a point of curiosity for locals, which is what gave her the idea to host an event inviting the community to her home.
“People stop me all the time and say, ‘I’ve always wanted to see the inside of that house,’” said Higgins. So, instead of simple tours, she decided to combine an open house with a craft market to support local artists and bring the community together.
“I’m really big on supporting our local artists and crafters. I just want to try and do my part in getting the town’s name out there, bring the community together, as well as bring people into town to see how cute it is and bring the history alive,” she said.
Admission to the market is free, and Higgins is excited to welcome the community to what she hopes will the first of many Christmas Craft Market’s at McClinton Mansion.
“Come enjoy the history, shop local, sip something warm, and get to know your neighbors,” she said. “That’s really what this is all about – bringing Newton together in a beautiful old home that deserves to be celebrated.”
