It was a step back in time Saturday as members of the Gloucester Woman’s Club and their volunteers brought the history of Edge Hill House to life.

As part of the its 100th anniversary celebration, the club opened the doors of its circa 1750 headquarters to visitors and greeted them with costumed re-enactors portraying club founders and those who occupied the building prior to the club’s ownership.

On the lawn of the landmark building at the corner of Main Street and Route 14, a costumed young lady handled her pony on a lead while another demonstrated colonial era games. A harness maker toiled in the shade and a caner worked near the building’s entrance.

Inside, visitors found a jovial storekeeper, a dressmaker, and a planter along with four founding members of the club and other costumed hosts and hostesses, most with a story to tell.

"It was more than they expected," said club president Madelyn Weaver of the over 75 guests who showed up for the open house. ...