Happy St. Nicholas Day!

St. Nicholas at the front door, and could walk through the limestone-walled rooms, decorated with pine boughs and candelit walls, to get a firsthand view of what life was like in the 18th century. Organizers for the event have said that celebrating St. Nicholas Day was a fourth-century tradition brought to America by Dutch and Palatine German pioneers. Fort Klock observes St. Nicholas Day the first Sunday in December, though his actual feast day is Dec. 6.

Wells said he has visited Fort Klock since he was a child and has held membership with the group for over 10 years. As he talked with visitors about the fireplace, home and 18th century lifestyle, music by Liason Plaisantes floated in from the adjacent room.

The LaCoppolas listened to the trio perform the 18th century Christmas music, which consisted of a cello, a clarinet and an Irish whistle. Songs they performed included “O Tannenbaum,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.”

“We come out every year for this,” said Kellie LaCoppola, who was there with her husband Andrew and their daughter Maya, 4.

Children got to sit on St. Nicholas’ lap at the event, including one boy, who said once he was asked if he had been a nice boy this year, promptly replied, “no,” drawing many laughs. St. Nicholas handed out handmade wooden ornaments to children after they visited with him.

“We’re always looking for something to do with the kids,” said Joanne Young, of Oppenheim. “It’s nice to get out. The kids have been here over the summer and wanted to come back.”

Young was there with her three-and-a-half year old son Zachary and 16-month-old daughter Rachel.