The Octagon Dollhouse
The Octagon House occupies a special place front and center in the foyer at LVIS, as well it should. Standing 5’4” tall, it is a replica of an 1892 house and was built in 1980 by Noel Thomas for LVIS member Deborah Light, who donated it to LVIS in 1999. The structure took three years to build, and the exquisite furnishings are Victorian and post-Victorian. “The dollhouse reflects a period in time and allows us a window into the history as well as the cultural values and mores of the day.” Committee members decorate the dollhouse seasonally and it continues to fascinate visitors young and old. Fully electrified, it is filled with miniature furnishings from the period. The library has a cozy chair with tiny books that really open!
The house is decorated for each season. In the spring, the lady of the house enjoys flowers and gardening. Summer arrives, and the porch is decorated for the 4th of July. In autumn there is a Halloween party complete with a scary black spider. During the holiday season, the house is covered in snow and Santa is on the roof. The Menorah is lighted, wreaths hang in every window, and lights on decorated trees twinkle.
LTV recently visited LVIS to film the dollhouse. Click to view the film.
Dollhouse is on view year-round. Come and visit each season.
