The Gov. Wolf Historical Society presented its annual showcase of local history Dec. 7.

Its 33rd annual Christmas house tour included 10 homes and sites from the 18th and 19th centuries, all of which were located in Bath and the surrounding countryside.

The tour began at the Wolf Academy, located on the historical society campus on Jacksonville Road, Allen Township. The Wolf Academy was filled with crafts and gifts such as homemade soap, herb mixes, folk art, wreaths and swags of fresh greens. All Christmas decorations were done by members of the society.

Even without venturing to see the 10 homes, participants were able to see some important local history.

George Wolf and his four brothers and sisters received their early education at a log house along Monocacy Creek. The Scottish-Irish and German families of this eastern part of Allen Township, however, desired a classical education, one equivalent to a college, for their children, according to the tour program.

Several citizens started a fund for the construction of an academy. When George Wolf Sr. was approached for his donation, he answered, "Dis etication and dings make raskels!'

However, he had a change in heart and not only contributed money for its construction, but also helped build the stone structure.

By 1785, the Allen Township Academy opened its doors to boys. Wolf was enrolled in its first classes and later taught at this school.

Wolf served two terms as the seventh governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, from 1829 to 1835. He was instrumental in the passage of the Common School Act of 1834, which is why he became known as the father of the free school system.

In 1826 the school was abandoned but is now owned by the Governor Wolf Historical Society.

Another building on the campus is the Ralson-McKeen property, acquired by the society in 1980 because of its connection with the Wolf Academy.

When the academy was built, the Ralston family owned the land. In 1872, the estate of Thomas McKeen conveyed the land to the Presbyterian church. At that time the academy building became a church instead of a school, the tour program says.

Inside the Ralston-McKeen House, each room has its own fireplace. Pennsylvania primitives and early glass, iron and wood are among the many items used to decorate it. Antiques, vintage Christmas items, baskets, linens and other items were also included in the decor.

In the Richard Nye Room, historical society members demonstrated fireplace cooking.

All the Christmas decorations at the Ralston-McKeen House were done by the area Girl Scouts.

A third historic building enjoyed by visitors is the Siegfried Log Cabin. It was built by Abraham Siegfried, son of Joseph Siegfried Sr., circa 1792, making it one of the oldest log cabins still standing in the United States.

Abraham built the cabin when he was 28 years old. He married Maria Dorothea Kutz in 1785 and, in 1792, they moved to Bath from Maxatawny Township, Berks County.