Casa de Parley Johnson gets holiday makeover for tours this weekend

Downey’s historic Casa de Parley Johnson has been decorated for Christmas. Tours are available this weekend. (Photo by Alex Dominguez)

DOWNEY — The Assistance League of Downey will be hosting tours of the historic Casa de Parley Johnson with a holiday flair this weekend.

On Friday, Dec. 2, from 11 am to 6 pm, and Saturday, Dec. 3, from 11 am to 4 pm, the former home of Parley and Gypsy Johnson - which has been adorned with thousands of holiday decorations - will be opened to the public.

Volunteers have worked most of November to make the house merry and bright.

“The whole house is staged from members’ donations and our own thrift shop,” said Stacy Brabant, who heads buildings and properties for the Assistance League. “There’s a tree in every single room, even the kitchen, the breakfast room, the butler’s pantry…”

The event will also include a holiday raffle antique car show, bake sale, and a shopping boutique by the Second Tyme Around Thrift Shop.

There will also be an “Evening at the Casa” event from 6-9 pm on Saturday for $50. These festivities will include appetizers and drinks, live jazz music, and an extended tour including - for the first time ever - the basement

“The basement is special in that it was “Parlay’s workshop,” said Brabant. “In fact, down there is still…is his rubber apron that he used with his machinery, and his gloves, and they’re like petrified.”

“Because we’re historical, things can’t leave. So, there’s a lot of screws, and nuts, and bolts, and his actual manuals as he left it, because the nieces of the family really didn’t go down there. There’s some machinery down there, some tools down there, untouched.”

Proceeds from the events will benefit the Assistance League of Downey and its various community programs and scholarships.

Brabant says that “people drive by every single day and wonder what’s behind the walls.”

“This is a well-kept treasure that we’ve maintained since 1986, and we try to keep it with the 30’s, with how it was when Gypsy lived here so [visitors] can get the feeling,” said Brabant. “You’re kind of going back in time when you’re going through here…We are very well maintained and very proud of trying to keep the timing.”

Reservations are encouraged; however, walkups will be accepted.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Stacy Brabant at (310)-991-3757.