Byrd House of Jackson will host holiday dinners in November, December

The historic Byrd House in Jackson will present a new dinner series this year titled "Christmas in 1820."

Every Friday and Saturday between Nov. 28 and Dec. 20, Rebecca and James Beil will host holiday-themed dinners that will take their guests back in time.

People will be welcomed into the historic home of original owner Stephen Byrd by the man himself. Actors will indeed portray Byrd and his wife Polly to show guests what a Christmas in the 1820s looked like. Abraham Byrd, Stephen's brother, who also had a house in the area, will be portrayed by another local actor as part of the dinner theater.

"They will actually be acting out so it feels like you are coming into their home and into their life at the time," says Rebecca Beil, current owner of the Byrd House.

She says her husband, James, will also be dressed in period clothing as he greets the guests and participates in this portrayal of life in the Byrd House almost 200 years ago.

The Byrd house was built in the 1820s by Stephen Byrd, a member of the first legislative assembly in Missouri who served as a colonel in the Black Hawk War. The Beils spent seven years renovating the house to bring it back to life and finished it in 2005.

A five-course meal of colonial-era food fixed by a chef will be served during the dinners. It will be the occasion for people to taste succulent dishes such as Thomas Jefferson's sweet potato biscuits and Martha Washington's chocolate cake.

"We actually did a dry run for 12 guests, and according to their reaction, I don't think anyone will be disappointed," says Rebecca Beil.

She adds that depending on the success of this first dinner series, they might put together a series of sweetheart dinners around Valentine's Day.

"We are waiting to see how things go. There is a lot of potential for this place because of its historical significance," she says.

Dinner theater tickets are now available for purchase by calling the Byrd House at 573-243-3764. Tickets are $75, including all taxes and gratuity. Each evening will accommodate two seatings -- one at 5 p.m. and another at 8 p.m. -- for groups up to 12 people per seating.

During the holiday season, a gift shop is open at the Byrd House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 20. It also will be open to dinner guests during the dinner theater hours.

The Byrd House is at 261 Cornerstone Lane in Jackson. For more information, visit www.thebyrdhouse1820.com.