The Peters Creek Historical Society is planning a mixed bag of holiday fun at its fourth annual Soup and Stroll at the historic Enoch Wright House in Venetia.

Think: Hot soup, homemade breads and desserts, a chance to see a creche collection and an eclectic museum -- even a visit with Father Christmas.

"Kate Tamalia, a graduate of the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute, is coming up with different recipes that our members will turn into hearty soups," organizer Cindy Hart, of Peters, said of the Dec. 4 event.

To accompany the tasty broths, members are donating a variety of breads -- everything from foccacia to corn ­­-- and baking a variety of desserts.

"If our patrons go away hungry, it's their own fault," said Willie Frankfort, of Union, historical society president.

Tables will be set up in rooms on the first floor of the post-Colonial, brick farmhouse built by Enoch Wright in 1816. Visitors will be able to stroll through the house's kitchen, set up to resemble an 18th-century tavern, and the Prehistoric Room, which houses a collection of objects and stone tools such as arrowheads, war clubs and tomahawks, some of which date back 10,000 years.

In a Vintage Clothing Room, Reg Kirby, of Faux Real Style Services in Bethel Park, will blend his hand-crafted garden accessories, available for purchase, into the room's decor.

In the parlor, displays will focus on the transition from handmade items such as doorknobs to mass-produced goods of the Industrial Revolution.

Upstairs, patrons can take photos of their children sitting with Father Christmas, who will get help from society member Jim Amato dressed in a green costume topped with a green pointed hat.

Although the names "Father Christmas" and "Santa Claus" are often used interchangeably, the two characters have historically different identities. Father Christmas originated as a character in an old English winter festival who was a sign of returning spring. He would go from door to door in a neighborhood and feast with each family as a gesture of goodwill.

In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore described Father Christmas in his classic poem, "The Night Before Christmas." Before then, Father Christmas was most often shown wearing green.

Either way, the kids will love him.

Live and recorded period Christmas music will fill the rooms, the outside walkways will be candlelit and an antique sleigh will be decorated.

"Our visitors will be able to dine by candlelight and enjoy our simple decorations of pine and natural materials," Mrs. Hart said. "They'll also be able to stroll the grounds, which include our butterfly and herb gardens and log cabin."

Five or six re-enactors from the mid- to late-1700s will be dressed in Colonial attire and will answer questions and offer directions. The re-enactors also will explain to visitors how they research old artifacts.

"One of the re-enactors has portrayed young George Washington in a series of documentaries, and another is bringing in three percussion rifles dated from the early 1800s," Mr. Frankfort said.

During the event, the society will show several "how to" videos that deal with Colonial life.

Mr. Frankfort is a master at making powder horns and has taught the craft at a seminar in Williamsburg.

Also on display will be a collection of creches from around the world that is on loan from a society member.

The Soup and Stroll runs from 4 to 8:30 p.m. at the Enoch Wright House, 815 Venetia Road. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children. For more, call 724-941-5710.

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