When I moved to Belmont eight years ago, I was enchanted by the charm of our historic town. Having grown up in a historic town myself, I was fascinated by the town’s proud textile past and its resilience in the face of change. So much of its character comes from a strong and beautiful heritage and a respect for all that has come before. That this former mill town has become a thriving, bustling weekend destination for people all over the Charlotte area -- and is growing by leaps and bounds even now – is a testament to great people who have called Belmont home for years, even generations. It’s a small town strongly connected to its heritage, and I’m so grateful organizations like Historic Belmont Foundation are working hard to promote the preservation of the things that make our town unique.
There’s something especially magical about a small town at Christmas – an almost palpable essence of the season of giving and love, grounded in community and a shared history. Belmont is no different and, in fact, might be exceptional. Our hometown exudes the Christmas spirit during the holidays. Beloved traditions begun long ago still mark the beginning of the festive season -- like the annual Christmas parade featuring the HBF-sponsored Belmont Letter Girls.
The parade was the first seasonal event I attended as a new resident of Belmont. Walking its streets, admiring its lovely old homes and landmarks, greeting my new neighbors with a smile, and taking in that Christmas-y feeling in the crisp air of December made me feel like I was part of it all, like I was home. I wanted to bottle that feeling, or at least have some way to take it home with me.
Now, thanks to HBF’s annual fundraising efforts, I can hang a little memento of Belmont on my Christmas tree, combining my love of the season and my love of my new hometown.
For the past four years, HBF has been creating and selling lovely ornaments that depict some of the most beloved historic structures in Belmont:
· Belmont Train Depot (Station) - 2019
· Belmont Post Office (City Hall) - 2020
· Belmont High School (Middle School) - 2021
· Belmont Abbey Basilica - 2021
· Stowe Manor - 2022
Now, in addition to our booths at various Belmont Christmas events, you can purchase all of these ornaments online through our website. The money HBF raises through its annual Christmas ornament sales goes directly to supporting historic preservation in the town we all love. Not only does it ensure we can continue to sponsor the Belmont Letter Girls each year in the Christmas parade, but these proceeds go into a revolving fund to provide financial and educational resources should any treasured, historically significant property become endangered or threatened.
Our mission is to preserve the historic charm and heritage of Belmont through community engagement and support, all throughout the year, but Christmas is a time when Belmont’s traditions and giving spirit shine particularly bright. We’re proud of our town’s unique heritage and our efforts to preserve it. And we’re proud to be able to provide our community with a way to celebrate our heritage and ensure that it’s preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Have a blessed Belmont Christmas!
April Schilpp
Historic Belmont Foundation Board
P.S. Ornaments make great gifts, too! Click ‘ornaments’ in the banner to purchase!