Reader of the Northwestern Press may consider this article an invitation to the holiday open house, sponsored by the Lynn Heidelberg Historical Society 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 3 at the old New Tripoli Bank, Madison Street, New Tripoli.

Community members are welcome to take a step back in time and savor holiday treats while children embark on a scavenger hunt that will put them in direct contact with days gone by, all for free.

“We have been doing this for [over] the 10 years,” said Willard Snyder proudly.

Snyder is co-president of the historical society along with Neil Oswald.

A smiling Santa Claus will be waving outside the building, welcoming children of all ages.

Craig Weaver will construct his train display on the lawn just outside the building.

“I’ve been dealing with trains since I was a kid,” he said.

Visitors may view a large collection of historic memorabilia including the old bank vault, a floor scale from Bolander’s Store, and even a commode in the basement.

Inside the bank vault, visitors may also view early bank ledgers demonstrating the flourishes of beautiful calligraphy and recorded daily commerce and two telephones, one used for local calls and the other for “long distance.”