[ WEEKEND SCENE ] Island-style fun as seen through the camera’s eye

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Home for
the holidays

A 145-year open house
tradition continues
at Washington Place

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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM Washington Place, the former residence of Hawaii's governors, opened its doors to the public yesterday in what has been an annual holiday tradition for 145 years.

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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM The sounds of music and caroling could be heard throughout the building during the event. Ruth Freedman played her harp near a portrait of Queen Liliuokalani in the State Dining Room. The home, built in 1846 by wealthy trader Capt. John Dominis, is best known as Liliuokalani's home.

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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM Docent Don Painter told visitors about the mansion's Christmas tree tradition in the parlor room.

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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM Visitors to the historic home got a chance to take a look at a variety of holiday decorations adorning each room. But that didn't matter to Sheila Welsh Mertes, who held her hands over her eyes in embarrassment after looking at her husband, Stan, dressed as St. Nicholas.