© Jerry F. Couch

The following article was transcribed from the December 31, 1903 edition of The Lebanon News:

Yuletide would have passed very quietly had it not been for those grand good hospitable people, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Banner. On the Evening of the 31st. inst., their beautiful new country home, which is indeed exquisitely situated, was the scene of much merriment. Promptly at 8 o’clock the sixty invited guests had most all been received by the hostess, assisted by here charming sister, Miss Harriette Gose. The decorations were of ferns and potted plants, over which poured the mellow lights of many shaded candles. At twelve o’clock “Old Father Time” ushered in the New Year, and the guests were ushered out to supper which consisted of four delicious courses. Dancing was the leading feature of the evening and was indulged in until day threatened to dawn, then with many wishes for continued happiness and prosperity during the coming years, and with hearty thanks to our host and hostess, we bade them good bye – secretly hoping that we’ve been remembered in the very same way December 31st, 1904.

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[Pictured Below] A 1920’s photo of Will Perry (left), and Charles W. Banner (right) at a meeting in Norton.

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On Wednesday, December 28, 2006 the Banner home was gutted by fire. After the smoke had cleared, only the stout brick walls remained standing. Many irreplaceable family heirlooms, photos, and mementoes were destroyed. BUT – the memories remained…

The story has a happy ending, however. Over a period of years, and with much painstaking effort, the Banner home was restored as closely as possible to its original state. A stranger seeing it today would never know there had been a fire.

[BELOW] The George and Margaret Gose Banner home decorated for Christmas several years ago. Photo credit, Kim Banner Osborne.

For over a century, the Banner home has been a landmark in the Castlewood community. The Banner family are our friends, and we wish them the best for the year 2026. May their “homeplace” continue to be the scene of happy family memories for many years ahead.

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