Warm air, sweet smells, kind faces and delightful music could all be found on Dec. 13 at the Warden’s House.

Every year the Washington County Historical Society hosts a highly regarded get-together at the Warden’s House. Local authors are invited to explain their books and tell the story behind their careers.  This allows lesser known writers a chance to speak about their books and the Historical Society a chance to spread knowledge about their necessity to the community.

Immediately upon entering the Warden’s House, it is apparent how much it means to the people of Washington County.  In a combination of kind guest-greeters and beautiful decor, the Historical Society proves its power in preservation of artifacts.  Smiling authors of all ages make the museum warm and inviting.

“We have this event as an outreach.  We want people to know about the Warden’s House and the history it holds,” site manager Sean Pallas said.

Walking past the main entrance people are beckoned deeper into the museum by sweet smells and the sound of musicians playing famous Christmas tunes.  Book writers wave and gesture for a conversation, eager to show their contributions to the Stillwater community.  Books, business cards and pamphlets all laid out on tables proves dedication to their craft.  With the exception of a few outliers, all the writings tell a different side of Washington County’s history.

“It is their stories they are writing.  Their father’s and grandfather’s stories,” said partner of a local author, Onno VanDenneltraadt.

While conversing with the authors, they make their appreciation for the Historical Society clear, insisting their thanks and gratitude.

“The historical society is a very important organization that highlights the history of the city,” VanDenneltraadt said.  “They invite authors here to talk about their books and what they mean to them.”

There were many interesting books to read, but the truly engulfing tales came from the authors.  The stories behind a combination of their writing methods and how they chose this career path was the actual catch of the day.

“Someone actually came up to me and begged me to write this book.  I had to interview lots of people.  Many of the interviews were with people I did not know.  I also had to do research in the libraries for hours,” author of Memories of Lake Elmo, Gloria VanDenneltraadt said.

If someone is satisfied with the conversations they have had with the writers, there is still much to do.  In the back of the museum was a table covered in complementary treats, ranging from fresh cookies to warm Starbucks beverages. Their intentions of attracting new visitors was well spoken, but not desperate.

“It’s a bigger turnout this year.  Last year, we had just over 100 people come.  This year, at 2:30 p.m., there have been over 160,” Pallas said.

Upon finishing the exploration of the Warden’s House, the exit is in the same place as the entrance- the front door.  While leaving it is hard not to notice the numerous books, CD’s and other paraphernalia for sale by the exit.  Near the well-priced gifts sits a small wooden box with a note asking for donations.  The lack of forceful or direct demands for money makes leaving the event much less stressful and even encourages people to donate more.  While leaving the memory of the Warden’s House is permanantly locked in any visitors memory.

“The Lake Elmo area is truly a fascinating community,” Gloria said.