Submitted by Rene Carroll
‘Tis the season for giving and this year that giving extended to two Washougal community partners. The Camas-Washougal Historical Society recently bestowed a vintage sleigh to City of Washougal to add to its annual holiday celebration.
“We were excited to accept the gift of this beautiful sleigh,” said Molly Coston, Washougal Mayor. “It makes the perfect ride for Santa and Mrs. Claus on their yearly appearance at our Lighted Christmas Parade! It is so quaint and nostalgic and in great condition.”
“When our museum Display Committee reviewed the Carriage House for winter maintenance and updates, it was decided that the sleigh took up a lot of space and there was no real local story attached to it,” said Karen Johnson, CWHS display committee volunteer “It really did not get much attention where it sat up in the rafters.”
The antique wooden sleigh is a beautiful forest green with silver decorations and plush red horsehair padded seats. It was originally donated to the CWHS by the estate of Emory Donald Heberling in 2007. The gift also included a black doctor’s buggy and a small covered wagon which remain on display at the museum’s Carriage House facility.
“We are pleased that this beautiful piece is going to a home that can share it with the community during the holidays,” said Johnson.
